🐾 Trainer Tip Friday: Building Confidence Through Alone Time

First off—apologies for missing last week’s Trainer Tip Friday. Life got in the way (as it sometimes does!), but we’re back and doing our utmost to create and share content that’s truly helpful for you and your pups. Thanks for sticking with us! ❤️

This week’s tip is about something we see in dogs of all ages—from brand-new puppies to long-time companions: struggling when left alone.

Whining, barking, pacing, or clinging like Velcro? It’s tempting to always be nearby, but teaching your dog to spend short periods apart is one of the most valuable skills you can give them. It builds resilience, confidence, and independence.

🚦 Go Slow for Lasting Results
Just because your dog can manage 5 seconds today doesn’t mean we jump to 20 tomorrow—dogs don’t process progress in big leaps.

As we’ve shared in previous tips, consistency is WAY better than a one-time personal best that can’t be repeated. The goal is steady, repeatable success—not pushing too far, too fast.

🛏️ Step 1: Go to Bed (With You Nearby)
Teach your dog to relax on a designated mat or bed.

🎯 Attach their leash (but don’t tie them down yet)
📏 Start small:

Ask for “Go to Bed”

Step away for 1 second, return, reward

Build slowly: 2 → 3 → 5 → 10 seconds over multiple sessions
💡 End on a win, not a struggle

⛓️ Step 2: Tie-Down Time
When “Go to Bed” is consistent, add a tie-down (clip their leash to sturdy furniture near their mat).

🧠 Same rule: short, easy durations first
🏆 Increase time gradually, always rewarding calm behavior

🏠 Step 3: Crate Training
Once tie-down is going well, move to the crate.

📦 Door open at first, stay in the room
🚶 Step away briefly, return, reward
🚪 Progress to being in another room
🏡 Eventually, short solo stays while you’re out

🧍‍♂️ Humans, Stay Calm Too
While practicing all of this, your energy matters just as much as your dog’s.

When leaving or returning, be calm and almost emotionless—make it no big deal.

Avoid over-the-top goodbyes or excited greetings

As a daily habit, ignore your dog for about 15 minutes when you arrive home

Once they’re relaxed, ask for a quick cue, reward, and move on

This helps your dog understand that comings and goings are normal, not events to get worked up about.

✨ Why This Works
This slow, structured progression builds self-soothing skills and trust in their environment. Whether they’re 12 weeks or 12 years old, taking your time ensures the progress sticks.

We go over all of these skills in our group and private classes in much more detail—so please feel free to reach out or give us a call at 719-301-9746 if you’d like more guidance for your dog. 🐶