How Long Can I Leave My Dog Home Alone?

Whether your new dog is an adult or a puppy, the first time you leave them home alone might be traumatic. There's no avoiding leaving them at some time, whether you're heading out for work, social events, or errands. Dogs may love their owners' company, but that doesn't make leaving them at home by themselves harmful or unsafe.

The consensus of reputable dog trainers and dog behaviorists is that you could leave a dog alone for a certain amount of time depending on their age, temperament, energy levels, and making sure all of their needs have been met. Generally speaking, you should never leave a puppy alone at home for more hours than their age in months. 

For instance, you wouldn't want to spend more than five hours at home by yourself with a dog that is five months old.

It is advised that you not leave puppies alone for more than three to four hours at a time since they frequently require more attention and toilet breaks than puppies older than five months.

Older dogs can typically be left alone for six to eight hours if their needs have been fulfilled (they have eaten, exercised, and used the toilet), and they are accustomed to their routines. But as they become older, some dogs could require more frequent trips outside to relieve themselves, so you should adjust the timing to suit your dog's needs.

Dog breeds with higher levels of energy, such Australian Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers, may also find it difficult to live alone for extended periods of time, in contrast to dogs with lower energy levels, like Great Danes and Bulldogs.

If you have to leave your dog by themselves for extended periods of time, it's a great idea to enlist the help of a professional dog walker in your area. Hiring a dog walker or a pet sitter to come by and take care of a puppy if they need to be left alone for extended periods of time while you're at work is a good idea to break up the monotony of their day.

Generally speaking, the response is the same: you shouldn't leave your puppy alone for longer than the number of months that their age is. Puppies younger than five months old may require even more care and attention. However, this varies from puppy to puppy. 

In general, it's a good idea to also have a playpen so that, in the event that a puppy needs to be left alone for longer than three to four hours, they can do so in a playpen equipped with a designated potty area (using puppy training pads) as opposed to leaving them in a crate where they run the risk of accidents or diarrhea.

Older or adult dogs who may require longer potty breaks or who experience cage anxiety, using a playpen can also be beneficial.

It's crucial to practice crate training prior to the event, especially if your dog will be left alone in a crate for a long period of time. In order to assist a dog become accustomed to spending time alone during those times before they actually leave it alone, it is advised that you introduce frequent downtime in a crate or pen that mirrors your daily pattern, such as when you plan to be out of the house during work hours.

To help your dog see the people in your house and learn to unwind while in the crate, one approach to achieve this is to put the cage in a room where most people spend their time.

Additionally, you should make sure your dog can comfortably turn around in the crate and unwind there. Before putting your dog in a crate, take off their collars and harnesses to keep them from becoming tangled while no one is present.

The decision to leave your dog alone overnight is based on several variables. As a group of dogs have each other to keep each other company, it is far easier to leave dogs alone in a multi-dog home than it is to leave a single dog alone all night. Repeatedly doing this is not ideal because dogs are social creatures and pack animals; they prefer the company of others over being left alone.

The age and requirements of your dog are also important. If your dog is accustomed to spending a lot of time alone itself—for example, if you frequently work outside the home—then it might be okay. However, if your dog requires more frequent pee breaks, is a puppy, or experiences separation anxiety, try not to leave them alone for more than a few hours.

Sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances, you may need to spend the night away from your puppy. For situations like this, it's best to get a pet sitter or arrange for a friend to visit your dog shortly before bed and again early in the morning. If your dog is more likely to get into mischief when left alone, consider securing a portion of the house for them.

Giving your dog periods of daily exercise is one approach to help them get used to being by themselves. This might be as simple as going for a walk with them or throwing a game of fetch. The amount of activity that each dog needs varies based on their age, breed, and overall health.

For example, longer and more strenuous exercises are frequently needed while herding and sporting dogs. Conversely, older dogs and breeds with lesser energy levels can get by with much less. However, every dog needs to stretch its legs a few times a day, so make sure to give them some exercise before you go for a short walk.

Dogs require mental stimulation as well. Enrichment activities, like as training sessions, puzzle feeders, chew-safe bones, or indoor games, keep your dog healthy and help them balance out their alone time. You can also put toys out for your dog to play with while you're gone if you know they can be trusted with them alone.

Giving your dog a heartbeat toy, a shirt, or a blanket that smells like you will help ease their little separation anxiety while you're away.

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