Leaving My Dog Alone at Home: Guidelines for Age and Breed
As friendly as the world has become for a dog and with all of the ways we are learning together about how to make each and every adventure dog friendly, there are undoubtably times when your pup just can’t come along.
Leaving your dog alone at home is obviously a completely normal situation to find yourself in, and the honest truth is that most dogs are completely fine being left home along. But the anxiety from most owners still persists.
To minimize any future anxiousness, in this article I’ll cover everything you need to know about leaving your dog or puppy at home - how long can your dog be left alone based on their age and their breed, along with everything you need to prepare before leaving your dog alone for any period of time.
Let’s jump on in!
Understanding your dog's needs based on their age and breed
The first step in determining whether your dog can be left alone and how long your dog can be left alone if they can be is understanding your dog’s basic needs. Different breeds and age groups of dogs have varying needs when it comes to attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. Understanding these needs is important when determining how long your dog can be left alone.
For example, breeds that were originally bred for work or hunting may require more exercise and stimulation than breeds that were bred to be companions, which means they might get anxious or restless if left alone too long, leading to potentially destructive behavior. Additionally, puppies have different needs than adult dogs, and senior dogs have different needs than younger dogs. So, the age of your pup is important to understand as well.
Factors that impact how long your dog can be left alone
There are several factors that can impact how long your dog can be left alone, including their age, breed, overall health, and temperament. Generally, dogs should not be left alone for longer than eight hours at a time. However, some dogs may be able to tolerate longer periods of time alone, while others may become anxious and destructive if left alone for even a short amount of time.
How long can I leave my dog alone?
The time that you can leave a dog at home is not a perfect science. Adult dogs generally require less attention and care than puppies and young dogs, and can be left at home alone for longer, but how long is too long?
As a general rule, adult dogs should not be left alone for more than six to eight hours at a time. It's important to provide them with plenty of toys and mental stimulation, and to ensure that they have access to food, water, and a comfortable place to rest.
As a golden retriever with a ton of energy, before my pawrents leave me home alone for any extended period of time they make sure that I get a little energy and go to the potty. I’ve had accidents alone before and they are no fun for anyone!
How long can I leave my puppy alone?
Leaving a puppy alone at home for the first time is much different than leaving your adult dog at home. Puppies cannot be left home alone for long periods of time because they have special needs that require frequent attention and care. They need more socialization, training, exercise, and mental stimulation than adult dogs. Additionally, puppies are not yet fully potty-trained, and they need frequent opportunities to go outside and relieve themselves.
As a general rule, puppies should not be left alone for more than two hours at a time, and young dogs should not be left alone for more than four to six hours. This is because they need to eat frequently, and they may need to go outside to use the bathroom frequently as well. Leaving a puppy alone for too long can cause them to become anxious, stressed, and destructive.
As the puppy grows older and becomes more accustomed to being alone, the amount of time they can be left alone can gradually increase. However, it is important to monitor their behavior closely and provide plenty of stimulation and interaction when they are not alone. If you need to be away from your puppy for longer than two hours, you can arrange for someone to check in on them, take them for a walk, and provide them with food and water.
Special considerations for leaving senior dogs at home
Senior dogs may have different needs than younger dogs when it comes to being left alone in part because they are more susceptible to physical and mental health issues, which can make it challenging for them to be left alone for long periods of time. As dogs age, they may become more anxious, confused, or disoriented when they are away from their owners. Additionally, if your senior dog has any medical conditions that require frequent monitoring and medication, leaving them alone for too long can put them at risk of injury, illness, or even death.
As a general guideline, senior dogs should not be left alone for more than four hours at a time. This is because they may need to go outside more frequently to relieve themselves or require additional care, such as medication or help moving around. It is important to provide senior dogs with plenty of mental and physical stimulation when they are not with their owners. This can include interactive toys, puzzles, and games that can be enjoyed while their folks are away.
If you need to be away from your senior dog for longer than four hours, it is recommended to arrange for someone to check in on them, take them for a walk, and provide them with food and water. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your senior dog remains happy, healthy, and safe while you are away.
What type of dogs can be left alone for the longest?
While it's important to note that all dogs need human interaction and should not be left alone for extended periods of time, some dog breeds are more independent and can tolerate being alone for longer than others. These breeds include:
Basset Hound: Basset Hounds are known for their easygoing and laid-back personalities, which make them less prone to separation anxiety. They are also relatively low-energy and can nap for hours on end, making them a good fit for owners who work long hours.
Chihuahua: Chihuahuas are small dogs that are often referred to as "purse dogs." They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations, including apartments and homes with working owners. They also have a low exercise requirement, which makes them ideal for owners with busy schedules.
French Bulldog: French Bulldogs are a popular breed known for their affectionate personalities and low exercise requirements. They are also relatively independent and can be left alone for several hours at a time without becoming anxious or destructive.
Shar-Pei: Shar-Peis are a unique-looking breed that are known for their loyalty and independent streaks. They can be left alone for extended periods of time without becoming bored or anxious, making them a good choice for owners who work long hours.
Whippet: Whippets are a sighthound breed that are known for their athletic abilities and independent personalities. They are low-maintenance dogs that require minimal grooming and can be left alone for several hours at a time without issue.
What type of dogs cannot be left alone for a long period of time?
Unlike the list above, these dog breeds should not be left alone for extended periods of time. Between a deep attachment to their owners and their susceptibility to separation anxiety these breeds require more close attention and preparation before they are left alone:
Velcro Dog Breeds: Velcro dog breeds, such as the Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever, are known for their strong attachment to their owners. They can become anxious and destructive when left alone for extended periods of time, as they require human interaction and attention.
Bichon Frise: Bichon Frises are small, fluffy dogs that are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They thrive on human interaction and can become anxious if left alone for too long.
Dachshund: Dachshunds, also known as wiener dogs, are loyal and loving but can be prone to separation anxiety.
Poodle: Poodles are intelligent and loyal dogs that thrive on human interaction. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation requiring more attention than previously mentioned breeds.
It's important to remember that the temperament and behavior of individual dogs can vary, so it's important to assess each dog on a case-by-case basis when determining how long they can be left alone. Additionally, if you have a dog that is prone to separation anxiety, there are steps you can take to help them feel more comfortable when you're away, such as providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, using calming aids, and gradually increasing the amount of time they are left alone. In this next section we’ll touch on each of them.
Preparing your home for your dog's absence
When leaving your dog at home, it's important to ensure that your home is safe and secure for them. This means making sure that any potentially harmful objects or substances are out of reach and that doors and windows are securely locked.
Depending on how long you are going to be gone, it might be a good idea to burn off some energy before you leave. My pawrents do this for me before they leave me at home and it keeps me out of trouble and lowers my level of anxiety and energy levels making their time away go by quicker with a nap or two.
Additionally, you should create a comfortable and safe space for your dog to stay, such as a designated room or area with plenty of soft bedding and toys to keep them entertained. I prefer having my blanket with me and my bed in front of the TV. It doesn’t matter what sports are on, I’ll be watching.
Finally, make sure that your dog has enough food, water, and toys to keep them occupied while you're away.
Dealing with separation anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common problem that many dogs face when their owners leave them alone. To reduce separation anxiety, you can try gradually increasing the amount of time that you're away from your dog, playing calming music or leaving a familiar scent in their space, and providing plenty of toys and treats to keep them occupied. Like I mentioned above, my pawrents leave the TV on for me. Providing a little background noise drowned out the passing cars and keeps me from getting too excited when a neighbor dog starts barking. If your dog's separation anxiety is severe, it may be worth seeking professional help from a dog behaviorist or veterinarian.
Maintaining a routine for your dog
Dogs thrive on routine, so it's important to maintain a consistent schedule even when you're not home. This means keeping to regular feeding and walking schedules and making time for quality interaction and exercise with your dog when you are home. Consistency is key, so try to keep your dog's routine as similar to their normal routine as possible.
Many pawrents early in their relationship with their dog are worried about leaving a dog home alone while at work. But dogs are resilient and are quick learners. If you keep to a relative schedule they will learn that even though you are leaving, you’ll be home before too long!
Returning home and reuniting with your dog
After being away from your dog for an extended period, it's important to take some time to reintegrate them into your routine. This means gradually easing them back into their regular schedule and giving them plenty of love and attention to help them readjust. It's also important to keep an eye out for any signs of stress or changes in behavior in your dog, as these may be indicators that they had a hard time while you were away. By following these tips, you can make leaving your dog at home a stress-free experience for both you and your pup.
By following the rights steps and understanding how long is too long to leave your dog at home, leaving them alone of a period of time should not be a stress for you or your pup.
A little preparation will go a long way to keep your dog safe and free from anxiety, having them overjoyed and rested when you return (hopefully with a treat!).
With that being said, the reason we are here is to make every experience more dog-friendly! Before you head out, use these resources to see if taking your pup along is a possibility. They will surly appreciate it and I’m sure you will too!