Worried about separation anxiety

by Teddy
(Boston)

We are getting a Coton puppy soon but he will have to be alone for about 4-5 hours a day. We are going to have go to daycare from 11-1 but from 9-11 and 1-3, he will be alone. He is going to hang out in a playpen in the kitchen and we will leave music on and use other tools to help separation anxiety. However, is 4-5 hours too long for him to be alone each day?

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Jul 22, 2017
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Separation Anxiety NEW
by: S,Jones

My Coton, Lucky loves Country Music. If I leave the radio on, the he has content. He will stay near the radio and listen to the music. Since I have started doing this, he says calm and relaxed while I am away from the house.

Sep 14, 2016
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Anxiety NEW
by: Bentley's Mom

The play area with music and dont forget water over a 4 to 5 hr period....sounds like a good start. If you have to be gone that will be a routine your baby will come to view as normal. If you can get a walk in before leaving or some playtime that will help satisfy the excess energy they have. When you are home more...practice leaving and returning at longer and longer intervals so your pup knows you will return. That way he will have less anxiety about you walking out the door. Dont make a big fuss, but do spend one on one time together when you do return. Make sure his area is safe and secure if he gets to playing while you are gone. No choking hazzards or areas that could snag the collar if one is worn in the enclosure. Hopefully, he will sleep while you are gone and dream of your return. Enjoy!

Jul 21, 2016
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anxiety NEW
by: sherry cotton candie

Congrats on getting your new addition and welcome to the wonderful world of owning a coton. For sure you will find it to be like no other dog ever. They are so loving, smart and devoted and sounds like you are way ahead in preparing for it.

They do suffer from anxiety and I am retired and with mine almost constant but can go out the back door and come in the front and its like I have been gone hours. They are a people dog but like Gale said there are working people who own dogs. I think the quality of time you spend should be the focus and if you have playtime and try and work in walks your baby should be fine.

Good luck to you and sounds like this pup will be well cared for and loved which is the most important thing.

Jul 19, 2016
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Congratulations
by: Gale

First, congratulations on your new Coton. How exciting!

This is one topic that everyone has pretty strong feelings about. Here's my take: In a perfect world, we'd all be able to spend all day with our pets. But that's not reality. If only people who stayed home all day had dogs, there would be a lot of homeless dogs.

I think you've got a great plan in place. Just the fact that you've asked the question and have come up with a plan puts you miles ahead of many others.

You may find some other ideas here.

Good Luck and send us some photos when you get settled with your new pup.

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