Puppy or Velcro Dog? Teaching Independence in a Sticky Situation

by Courtney Goblirsch

Does your puppy follow you from room to room? Sit outside the bathroom door like you’ve been gone for hours? Whine the second you step out of sight?

Congrats, you’ve got yourself a little velcro pup.

While it might feel sweet (and, okay, a little flattering), having a puppy that can’t be away from you even for a moment can make everyday life… challenging. The good news? You can teach your puppy that it’s okay to be alone, and even nice to relax in their own space.

Let’s talk about how to build that independence without breaking your bond.

Why Do Puppies Become Velcro Dogs?

Puppies are born into a litter and instantly surrounded by siblings and their mother. Then, they move in with you, the food-giver, snuggler, protector, and fun machine. Of course they want to be with you 24/7!

But if we never gently teach them to be alone, they don’t learn how to be calm without us. That’s when issues like separation distress, whining, barking, or destructive behavior can creep in.

How to Gently Build Independence

1. Create a Safe, Comfy Space

Start with a crate or a playpen, somewhere that’s puppy-proofed, cozy, and full of fun things like chew toys or frozen Kongs. This is where they’ll learn, “I can be here alone… and good things still happen.”

2. Practice Contentment Training

Instead of waiting until you need to leave the room, practice short separation sessions throughout the day. Put your puppy in their crate or pen while you do things nearby, cook dinner, check email, or even just sit and scroll your phone.

3. Avoid Sneaking Out (and Big Goodbyes)

Don’t tiptoe away or throw a dramatic “we’ll miss you!!” as you leave. Calm in = calm out. 

4. Use Food Puzzles & Chews to Encourage Relaxation

Offer a stuffed Kong, lick mat, or puzzle toy when you’re working on separation sessions. This gives your puppy something to do that’s calming, rewarding, and not centered around you.

5. Don’t Reward Clingy Behavior

We know, it’s hard. But when your pup demands attention or follows you everywhere, take a breath and wait for a moment of calm before giving them your love. Reinforce the relaxed behavior, not the needy one.

What If My Puppy Cries or Barks?

It’s totally normal for your puppy to test the waters. If they cry, pause and give them a moment to settle. Avoid rushing back in every time, they’ll learn that whining = you reappear.

Instead, wait for a few seconds of quiet before returning. This builds the understanding that calm gets attention, not panic.

Progress, Not Perfection

Independence takes practice. Some days, your pup might be calm for 20 minutes alone, and the next day, they bark after 2 minutes; that’s okay. Just keep showing them that being alone isn’t scary; it’s just a normal part of life.

And guess what? A puppy that can nap in their crate while you shower, work, or leave the house for errands? That’s the kind of freedom that benefits everyone.

You’re not being mean. You’re teaching confidence. That’s a gift that lasts a lifetime.