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My new puppy screams and cries when left alone. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 4 months and 5 days old | 3.14 lbs

I have a new Puppy. She is a tiny MalShi. 3 lbs. She is 14 weeks old. I have had her now for 1 1/2 weeks. I can't leave her sight as if I do she screams. I crate her and leave her and she whines and screams and cries for hours. Like someone is hurting her. I have tried everything and read about leaving her for short amounts of times and start training but nothing has worked. i go back to work next week and she will be by herself until I get home.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 1st, 2018

Begin with crating her for very short periods of time. Gradually increase that time as she acclimates. This will take time and requires patience and consistency. Offer a special toy or treat as a distraction. Praise and reward her as she acclimates. A pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser, may help to decrease anxiety.
This same method can be used to acclimate her to your absence. Additionally, you can prepare to leave several times daily then put everything away and stay or actually leave. Upon your return, ignore Lily Belle for 15 minutes or until she is calm. Do not make a big deal about coming or going.
Consider a pet day care program or having a dog walker visit during the day. At her age, she should not be crated for more than 5 hours before being let out to relieve herself. This time can increase as she matures. The general rule is 1 hour of crate time per month of age plus an additional hour.
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