My 4.5 month old Cocker Spaniel is in her playpen with toys during the day (with breaks for toileting and play every 2 hours or so). I also put her in her crate for some naps but should probably do that more to get her used to it. I work from home so she has me in the house at all times.

We haven't left her much since we got her at 11 weeks old, except at night when she sleeps in her crate. She needs to be in her crate when we go out in case she climbs out of the pen.

I needed to pop out for 20 minutes the other day and I crated her. She barked the whole time (we have a camera) and didn't settle. She barks when she hears the front door open and close.

I know I should leave her more for short periods so the plan is to begin desensitising her to the sound of the door, rewarding with high-value treats (chicken!) when quiet, and gradually building up the time from there. Also, not making a fuss of her when we enter and leave. Essentially, trying to make it a normal and boring part of her everyday life.

I have read mixed views: some people say this is normal for a young pup, but others say that they won't just grow out of it.

Is this likely to be true separation anxiety? Does anyone have any tips or advice? Thank you

By now she should be into her routine so, much as Cocker Spaniels are full of energy and not happy being forced to take a nap, I'd think she shouldn't be kicking off like that.   And it's not as if you are leaving her alone if you are working from home.  Ideally however, the crate should be left, top and 3 sides covered with the door open so she uses the crate to take a nap, just like any other dog bed.   Would she object to being crated if the crate is in with you where you work?  Alternatively can you attach the pen to the crate so it's there, door open, for her to go into for a nap during the day if the pen isn't big enough to have the crate in there.

Now she should be able to go out for a walk away from your property ( all her injections done?) I suggest you make a time during the day for her to go out, to use up some of the energy she'll have

Just as with kids, it's all about routine, routine, routine so she learns there will be a time for her, and a time that's not for her.   A tired dog is always easier to live with!

Oh and when you have to go out, leave a radio, or TV, on playing softly so she doesn't feel quite so 'left'.

Thanks for your reply. Ah, sorry, I didn't explain well – she is completely happy in her pen or crate when I'm there in the house. It's only when I go out and actually leave the house.

She has 3 walks a day (before breakfast, lunch and before bed), short ones to avoid overexercising her, so I don't think that's the issue. As well as play and training sessions.

The crate is covered and I always leave Radio 4 on for her.

It's just the physically leaving the house that's an issue. She seems to know the sound of the front door! Maybe she associates it with my partner coming home and so gets excited.

Join this group and run it by them.  At that age, it can be completely normal - many pups go through a blip then generally - but it could also be SA.  The trainers in there will be able to help you identify the issue and work through it.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/118337983401724

Pleased you saw this nikita . Always sensible advise

Thank you. I've joined and will probably get Julia Naismith's puppy book too.

Today we have been practising settle (which she's very good at) in her crate while I open and close the front door, then return within a few seconds at first, starting slowly and gradually building up.