I have a ten week old pointer puppy, Alfie. I know he's still just a baby but I want to get him used to the idea that I can't be with him all the time so I'm leaving him alone in the kitchen for short periods of time througout the day, just two or three minutes at a time, with a view to gradually increasing this time until he's happy for me to be away from him for longer periods. I would have thought that he'd get bored of me coming and going but he still whines every time I go (even if I'm in full view). Am I trying this too early? I don't work so I will never leave him for a long time, but the housework needs doing!!

You could try going upstairs as well ...have you got a bay gate at the bottom of the stairs ...or shutting the door when you go to another room , only for a few seconds at a time. Don't forget to ignore him when you go back in and he goes bananas over you ;)

Melody :)

Does he whine the whole time you are gone? When he stops whining, give him about 30 seconds and go in and praise him. Don't go back if he's whining. It's a horrible noise but you have to grit your teeth.

When our 7 month old pointer was 8 weeks, we used to take the other dogs for a walk and leave her in her cage to get her used to being left on her own. She used to whine when we left and then for a little bit whilst we were gone but was usually asleep when we came back.

I don't work either but there are obviously times when I need to leave the dogs so I had to make sure she was fine. We didn't have too many problems as she settled down with the other dogs. I've found out of my gwp, spaniels and pointers that the pointers are the worst at being left on their own. If they are completely on their own - no other dog - they stress out.

btw, love the name Alfie. Bet he's loads of fun.

Helen

Hi, I have a 9 week old cocker spaniel who was doing exactly the same thing. I went out and bought him a puppy kong, I can now leave him in his crate or kitchen with his kong stuffed with nibbles for 10 mins so that I can hoover in peace.
Good luck.

J