It is now day 5 with our new puppy and last night, although she still vried, wasn't as bad as the others so maybe we're getting somewhere!

The thing is she still cries all the time when I leave her in the day even if it's just for 30 mins whilst i walk the kids to school (once she's had her injections she can come too!).  I also work 3 days a week for 5 hours and although I'm on holiday this week I want her to get used to it but she cries when I leave and I can hear her crying as i walk up the drive on my return!  I have no food in the house and desperately need to go to Tescos to stock up as the kids are complaining there is no food in the cupboards!!

Is it just the same thing as when I asked you all for advice for the night time, do I just need to keep doing it until she gets used to it!  Would she be better in the kitchen with her crate open or should i still use this as an opportunity to keep getting used to the crate?

Your advise so far has been gratefully received and put into practise so I await your response to this

Sarah

I like to have a 'leaving' routine with my dogs.  As they're older they obviously know when I'm about to go out for a while - but what I do is - let them out for a wee in the garden - settle them in their beds and give them a treat.  I then tell them I'm going to whereever and I'll see them later - and 'be good'!!  On returning home with a young puppy in the house - I make a fuss of them and let them back into the garden for another wee.  I start doing this as soon as I get a new puppy and they very soon get used to a routine.  I had the same problem referred to me by a friend who had recently purchased a new puppy.  I suggested he do something similar - even if it was just leaving the dog to walk up the garden.  The sooner they get used to being left - even if only for a matter of minutes the better - especially for a young pup before any fear factors arise.  I personally do not like crates but I know other people do - it's a matter of personal opinion really and what the puppy prefers.  I do have a crate as one of my dogs chews when left and she loves her own space whereas the others hates them.  I'm sure others will have different opinions, so give each one a try and see how you get on - good luck.

Thanks for your quick response, this website has been very helpful and it's great to have all these responses and ideas to try!

A good exersise, is to pop in and out, like you have forgotten your keys or left the gas on. Don't speak to the pup though, just in then out. they have no idea when you are likely to return then and won't fret after just 30mins. Don't worry though, it will all fall into place as the pup grows and learns to trust you, it just takes time and lots of it.

I'm afraid you can't just leave a puppy for 30 mins all in one go like this -it has to be built up gradually, starting with just 5 minutes max and then slowly increasing it. Also a new pup cannot realistically be left alone for 5 hours after just a week or two -again it must be done gradually.