Scott Linden Outdoors

Alone time. We all want it. We seldom get it. But I’m now seeing the other side of the coin … how valuable training Flick to be by himself can be – for all of us.

It is a test, a mix of jealousy and puppiness that tries the little guy’s emotions. We are now his pack, his litter, and when we leave he sometimes acts as if we are packing up, going forever and leaving him to figure out life for himself. Yowling, yipping, barking are all part of the repertoire when he wants – needs – company and fears it is going away.

But we need quiet time too, without logistical or emotional demands. Even if for a few minutes, sitting still – and quiet – is a precious gift. Only in its absence do you appreciate it as much as you should. At least, when you have a puppy.

Like many parents, we use a lot of tricks: exercise being the go-to strategy for wearing out Flick and earning a few minutes of rest while he does the same. Food will occupy him for a bit, especially if he has to hunt the entire pen for bits of kibble I’ve scattered. He’s fine most times if he can see his packmates from his pen, so there is often a trio of dogs in the room. And for some reason, being alone in one of the yards is good, while being in the pen or crate is absolutely, positively, vociferously not.

So you live and learn, and every day (and night) it gets better. In it’s own way, it is good to know you are indispensable, sometimes, for a while at least.