One of the most common worries I hear from new Cockapoo owners is this:

“I’m scared I’m doing alone time wrong.”

Maybe your puppy cries when you leave the room.
Maybe you’re avoiding leaving the house altogether.
Or maybe everything feels fine — but you’re worried it won’t stay that way.

The truth is: helping a puppy feel comfortable being alone isn’t about pushing them to cope.
It’s about helping them feel safe enough to settle.

And for sensitive, people-focused breeds like Cockapoos, how you approach this stage matters far more than how quickly you progress.

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Why Cockapoo puppies often struggle with alone time

Cockapoos are:

• highly social

• emotionally sensitive

• very tuned into their people

That’s part of what makes them such wonderful companions — but it also means they can find separation harder than some breeds.

Many owners are told to:

• “just leave them to cry it out”

• distract with toys

• increase time away quickly

For a lot of puppies, this creates stress rather than confidence.

When alone time is rushed or mishandled, puppies don’t learn calm — they learn panic, uncertainty, or hyper-vigilance.

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What calm alone time training actually looks like

 

Helping your puppy feel comfortable when left alone isn’t about duration.

It’s about:

• emotional safety

• predictability

• gradual exposure

A calm approach focuses on how your puppy feels, not just what they do.

This means:

• building a comfort routine before you leave

• starting with very short absences

• returning while your puppy is still settled

• adjusting your plan based on what you observe

Progress is rarely linear. Some days feel easy, others don’t — and that’s completely normal.

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Signs your puppy may be finding alone time difficult

One of the biggest mistakes I see is focusing on how long to leave — without preparing the puppy properly first.

Before each session, it helps to check:

• your puppy’s physical needs are met

• the environment feels calm and predictable

• your departure routine isn’t rushed or emotionally charged

Preparation reduces guesswork, anxiety, and second-guessing — for both you and your puppy.

 

Building alone time at your puppy’s pace

There’s no universal timeline for alone time.

Some puppies progress quickly.
Others need more repetition, reassurance, or slower steps.

What matters is that:

• absences increase gradually

• calm behaviour is reinforced

• setbacks are treated as communication, not failure

Rushing this stage can undo confidence that’s already been built.

Going slowly builds resilience that lasts.

What to do if things feel wobbly

If your puppy struggles:

• shorten the absence

• return to an easier step

• focus on rebuilding calm

Regression doesn’t mean you’re back at the start.
It usually means your puppy needs safety before progress.

This is especially common during:

• routine changes

• growth stages

• illness

• household disruption

 

A calmer way to start

If you’re feeling unsure where to begin — or want reassurance that you’re doing this right — I’ve created a free Home Alone Guide specifically for Cockapoo puppies.

It walks you through:

• understanding early signs of distress

• creating a comfort routine

• introducing alone time gradually

• troubleshooting barking or whining

• building longer absences without pressure

The guide also includes:

• a Home Alone Checklist

• an optional Training Tracker

Both are designed to reduce stress and help you feel confident in your approach.

Download the FREE Cockapoo Puppy Home Alone Guide

A final reassurance

You don’t need to rush this.

You don’t need to be perfect.

By taking a calm, thoughtful approach now, you’re giving your puppy a skill that will support them for life — not just this stage.

If today feels hard, that doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It means you’re paying attention.

And that’s exactly what your puppy needs.

FAQs: Puppy Alone Time 

Frequently asked questions about leaving a Cockapoo puppy alone

How long can I leave my Cockapoo puppy alone?

There isn’t a single “right” amount of time. What matters more than duration is how your puppy feels when left.

Some puppies cope well with short absences early on, while others need more gradual steps. It’s always better to build confidence slowly than to push time limits too quickly.

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Will leaving my puppy alone cause separation anxiety?

Leaving your puppy alone doesn’t automatically cause separation anxiety.

Problems tend to arise when alone time is:

• rushed

• unpredictable

• emotionally overwhelming

When alone time is introduced gradually, with emotional safety at the centre, most puppies learn that being alone is safe and temporary.

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Should I let my puppy cry it out?

For sensitive breeds like Cockapoos, leaving a puppy to cry it out often increases stress rather than building confidence.

Crying, whining or panic behaviours are signs your puppy is struggling — not learning. Responding early and adjusting your approach helps prevent long-term issues.

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Can I use toys or chews to keep my puppy busy when I leave?

Chews and calm activities can be helpful before or after alone time, but they shouldn’t be used to distract a puppy during absences.

The goal is for your puppy to feel settled and safe — not occupied until they suddenly realise you’re gone.

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Should I use a crate for alone time?

Crates can be helpful for some puppies if they’ve already been introduced positively and feel safe in that space.

They should never be used for forced confinement or as a solution to distress. A puppy’s comfort and emotional safety always come first.

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What if my puppy was doing well and then regressed?

Regression is common and doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Changes in routine, development stages, illness or household disruption can all affect how a puppy copes with alone time. When this happens, it’s usually a sign to slow down and rebuild calm — not push forward.

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My puppy follows me everywhere — does that mean they’ll struggle with being alone?

Not necessarily.

Many Cockapoos are naturally people-focused. With a calm, gradual approach, they can still learn to feel safe when alone. Independence isn’t taught by forcing separation — it’s built through trust and predictability.

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When should I get extra help?

If your puppy:

• becomes highly distressed

• struggles to settle even during very short absences

• or you feel increasingly anxious about leaving

Getting guidance early can make a big difference. Support is about preventing problems, not waiting until things feel unmanageable.