Congratulations on your new puppy! With more time spent at home recently, it’s important to establish a regular routine so that your little canine buddy doesn’t develop separation anxiety when things return to normal. Here’s how you can do that, even if you’re still at home a lot. 

How to create a regular routine for your new puppy

Pets thrive on consistency and predictability, and a sudden upheaval in their daily routine can create stress. So, although toting your new pup everywhere may be tempting, remember that life eventually will return to normal, and they will have to be on their own while you’re gone. Help your puppy learn your regular schedule from the first day you bring them home, so they know what to expect. Wake up when you usually would for work, ensuring you leave extra time to feed, walk, and play with your puppy, then head to the “office.” If you are fortunate enough to work from home, you may have a legitimate office, but if not, leave your puppy in their crate with a food puzzle while you work in a different room. Since it will be challenging to remain absent for an entire normal workday while following stay-at-home orders, return to your puppy after a set time, and engage in your normal activities after coming home from work. 

Many people struggle with leaving their new puppy in a crate, especially if they are at home and can hear them whining. Teach your puppy independence, first with short absences, building up to longer absences. A beginning step can be as simple as tossing your pup a few pieces of kibble, while you walk to a different room. With multiple practice sessions throughout the day, build up to leaving your puppy distracted with a food puzzle, while you work in your garden, take a shower, or fold a load of laundry. 

Don’t forget to take your puppy in for a wellness exam to ensure they’re in tip-top shape! Contact us to schedule an appointment.