Looking for some support and stern words I guess. I have a 9 week old sprocker puppy. We bought him home thurs and he's been a pleasure to be around. He's playful, he's getting confidence around house and knows to go to the back door for toilet. But I can't leave him! I am writing this from upstairs as he screams in the kitchen. I wanted a shower etc so have put him in his bed in kitchen. We had just played and he had been out. I gave him a couple of treats, he has water, his favourite toys and a pair of husband's shorts that he loves. He is behind child gate, he can see living room and tv is on. I have been up here for 45 mins now and he is still going strong and I am breaking my heart. Husband is no good, he's at work and no support as he worries we are letting the pup down but no owner can be with their dog 24/7 right?
Sorry for rambling, it's taking my mind off the screams...

MrsKav, do not despair. It will get better. You are doing much right, but it is still very early days. Try not to let him become too dependent on you. That means sometimes being in the same room but not giving him attention. I don't mean ignore him all the time, but get him used to the fact that he can't have your undivided attention all the time you are with him. Have play and fuss time, then when you decide it is quiet time, put him in his bed and ignore him. He is just insecure and confused at the moment and he will learn that he is safe in his own time. Something to chew will also help, like a puppy kong with a tasty filling. Hope this helps.

Dont worry my dear, its perfectly normal for him to not want to be left on his own but in all practicality he is going to have to learn that it ok
No harm is coming to him and he is just trying to let you know that he has been left behind (which of course you already know) Just remember to never go back to him whilst he is making a fuss, wait for those few minutes of quiet to return and he will soon learn that you are coming back. It is stressful at first but after a week or so he will get the idea and things will be much easier.

Lucy has given you some great advice, it does get easier but you are doing the right thing by making him spend time by himself.

I would maybe build it up slowly, like leave him alone for 5 mins then go back in not making a huge fuss of him , get on with chores etc then pay him some attention once his quiet again. Then leave for 10 mins etc .

Good luck

All of the above advice is spot on, I know it can be incredibly hard on both parties, but rest assured 90% of pups go through this phase and it is perfectly normal.

As Pointermum said maybe build up gradually, even starting off with you sat in the living room reading a magazine and 'ignoring' him for 5-10 mins whilst he is in the kitchen behind the gate, and gradually build to you going in another room etc.

My ESS pup started down this route but it was only from the research beforehand in to the breed that I discovered they can be prone to SA, at that point the alarm bells went off and I started doing the above to encourage his alone-time confidence, within a week or two he was right as rain.

Stick with it, run yourself a nice hot bath, pop an mp3 player on and relax for a little bit, a recharge of the batteries always helps to get through this point of puppydom! x

Thanks all - your words have all helped - i don't feel so bad now xx

Some great advice from peeps that have had the experience. Just caary on your daily routine, without giving the pup to much attention. He'll soon adapt.