I have a new Chihuahua puppy who is only 5 1/2 weeks old. How do I leave him alone for a few hours while I am working or running errands? I have read to only leave a puppy alone for an hour or two at a time, but I have to be gone for longer periods sometimes. I take him to work with me right now but I still have to take my son to the dentist, run errands, etc. What is the best thing to do with him while I am gone for this long? I don't want my very young puppy to be basically scarred by this. I want to set up a 'den' for him in my home, also. What is the best way to do this? (I cannot give him a room, my home is too small for that) Is it OK to get a large crate and set him up in that? :confused:

Crate training would probably be your best bet. If you choose to large of a cage your puppy may learn to use part of it as a potty space. To determine what size is best for your new best friend would be one that he could lay down in, with four or five inches to spare. Please try the following links How to choose the correct size (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1675&articleid=792) and Separation Anxiety (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1547&articleid=2266) they all came from a site called PetEducation.com (http://www.peteducation.com/default.cfm)

I don't see any problems leaving him for a few hours. They sleep much of the time at that age. And the proper size of crate reduces activity helping them go longer without relieving themselves. Add a rack in the bottom. Often you can buy them with the crate. It is much cheaper to buy a piece of closely spaced wire closet shelving. It will keep him up out accidents. He will stay fairly clean, and the rack and crate will be easy to clean. Crates work with the dogs natural instincts. Started young, most adapt well. Until he is 4 months old, he will need mid day attention for a meal and relieving himself.

Six weeks is the youngest a puppy should ever go home, 7-8 is ideal. Maybe a few days won't cause too much harm. If he is too get along with other dogs later in life, he needs a chance to play with other ones. Ones less that 3 years old are more likely to enjoy the play. Be very careful to make sure they are healthy, well cared for dogs. No shot program can eliminate chances of parvo and other diseases for a young puppy.

It is just as well you don't have a room for him. They don't work very well.

Thanks for your help. On the large crate idea, I actually saw a picture where someone had a large crate with a carrier in it for the puppy to sleep in, then the rest of it was for playing and potty room. It's just an idea, I really need some way to contain him while we're getting ready in the mornings and cooking in the evenings but so that he has room to still play and run around a little, too. Is there such thing as a fold-up fence or something like that for small dogs? He is sooo hyper in the mornings and cries if you put him right back in the carrier after he goes to the bathroom and eats. He needs to get out some of the energy he has built up after being enclosed all night. Also he uses puppy pads pretty well right now. I don't really have a lot of money to go out and buy different crates and shelves and all that. I've even considered a child's playpen. I've never had a puppy this young so I am learning! (and sleeping a little less)

They sell exercise pens, or X-pens. I really don't like them. Too easy for the dog to learn it is OK to relieve itself in the house. This is another problem with bringing a too young puppy into the house. You end up doing a lot of the work its mother would be doing now. Even at 7-8 weeks they still are very time consuming. You will just have to give it much of your time for the next few weeks.

Well thank you for you help. I will try my best to make it through the next few weeks! I know the puppy was too young to bring home but I didn't really have a choice, they told us to come and get them. I just really have to get something to confine him to his own space for now, but he is using puppy pads so it's OK for him to go inside. I am going to start training him in a few weeks when he is a little older.

It is really sad when people insist on puppies going home too soon. There is also a problem if they don't go home before 12 weeks.

I got my Nita 2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Somebody backed out. The school called Thursday. I was the first one to commit to taking her by that weekend. Otherwise, I was on a 6 month waiting list. Just right is really only a few weeks, 7-8 is best.

Well, I am here, and willing to share my experience.