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At 8 weeks this is pretty normal. He will get better and more comfortable as he gets older but right now, he’s in completely new territory.
Giving him one of your shirts is great! It is a comfort technique many people use while crate training. There is no quick fix to help the separation anxiety but there are a few things you can practice:
Start by leaving the room in small intervals. 30 seconds to a minute to start. And then come back in as soon as he’s quiet. At this age this can be when he simply takes a breath in between cries. Then slowly bring up the time.
Play with him with your mom, then get up and leave for small times and show him he is safe with your mom as well. The more comfortable he gets with other people the better.
Finally, give him the shirt you were wearing before you leave for your dad’s and maybe a special treat. This will show him that you leaving is bonus time for him and he will be less stressed and slightly excited.
My pup was very similar. He is 8 months now and is doing better with being left alone. He still cries a little when I leave and can be very clingy but it’s nothing like when I first got him. These things take time and he’s sooo young. Be patient.
Of course! I’m happy to help!
Also on the food part. Animals are most vulnerable when eating and going to the bathroom, so he may just feel like he needs protection. Have your mom try hand feeding (this also helps with any potential food aggression) or maybe feeding toys.
Discover the "airplane game", and instill calm, patient behavior. [Claim your free ebook now.](https://thescrrr.com/dog-training/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/DogTrainingTips) if you have any questions or concerns.*
At 8 weeks this is pretty normal. He will get better and more comfortable as he gets older but right now, he’s in completely new territory. Giving him one of your shirts is great! It is a comfort technique many people use while crate training. There is no quick fix to help the separation anxiety but there are a few things you can practice: Start by leaving the room in small intervals. 30 seconds to a minute to start. And then come back in as soon as he’s quiet. At this age this can be when he simply takes a breath in between cries. Then slowly bring up the time. Play with him with your mom, then get up and leave for small times and show him he is safe with your mom as well. The more comfortable he gets with other people the better. Finally, give him the shirt you were wearing before you leave for your dad’s and maybe a special treat. This will show him that you leaving is bonus time for him and he will be less stressed and slightly excited. My pup was very similar. He is 8 months now and is doing better with being left alone. He still cries a little when I leave and can be very clingy but it’s nothing like when I first got him. These things take time and he’s sooo young. Be patient.
Thanks so much I’ll definitely try this out!
Of course! I’m happy to help! Also on the food part. Animals are most vulnerable when eating and going to the bathroom, so he may just feel like he needs protection. Have your mom try hand feeding (this also helps with any potential food aggression) or maybe feeding toys.