4.5 Month puppy cries whenever I leave the room. Any tips or advice??

[Doodlez]

Hello everyone!

When I'm in the same with my pup he's always busy exploring/playing, definitely not a Velcro or cuddly pup.  However when I leave the room (he's confined to the living/dining room with baby gates) he will start crying, whining, howling to get me to come back!  He's done this to varying degrees since I got him at 9 weeks.  So far I just ignore him until he's quiet or don't acknowledge him when I come back into his view.  But this doesn't seem to be making any difference! I wonder if this is still normal puppy behavior that he will grow out of or if this could potentially turn into a bigger problem down the line.

Any tips for helping increase his independence and self soothe??

thanks!