At what age can I leave my puppy alone?

According to the American Kennel Club, puppies younger than 10 weeks cannot be left alone for more than an hour. From 3-6 months, they should not be left longer than their age in months (for example, 3-month-old puppies cannot be alone for longer than 3 hours).

Taking care of a puppy while working full-time is difficult, but it is possible. You can ensure that your puppy stays safe, content, and healthy while you’re at work by following the right advice and training. The following advice can assist you in taking care of your puppy while working a full-time job.

Acclimate Your New Puppy to Your Routine

Although getting a new puppy is exciting, it also comes with new duties and schedule adjustments. Your puppy needs care, exercise, and socialization to grow up a healthy and happy dog. A happy and healthy dog will also need to learn how to be by themselves.

When getting a new puppy, schedule some time off from work so the animal can adjust to the surroundings, advised Janek.

Utilize the time off to help your dog become accustomed to the house and crate. When they feel more at ease in your home, you can leave them there for up to an hour at a time in their crate. Janek advises arranging for someone to take care of letting the puppy out at least once or twice after you get back from work.

How Long Can Puppies Be Alone?

  • Under 10 weeks: 1 hour
  • 10-12 weeks: 2 hours
  • 3 months: 3 hours
  • 4 months: 4 hours
  • 5 months: 5 hours
  • 6 months: 6 hours
  • Over 6 months: Maximum 6-8 hours
  • Remember, dogs and especially puppies need to urinate often. According to general rules, young puppies up to 10 weeks old can’t usually hold their bladder for more than an hour. Dogs between the ages of 10 and 12 weeks can typically hold it for two hours.

    Your dog can typically hold it for an hour for every month they have lived once they reach the age of three. Dogs can typically hold it for up to six hours after six months. Even adult dogs, though, shouldn’t be left alone at home for more than six to eight hours at a time without a chance for a bathroom break.

    How long can you leave a puppy alone for?

    Young puppies should not be left alone for longer than two hours if they are under six months old. And to avoid separation anxiety from developing, it’s a good idea to gradually increase the amount of time they spend alone. When you do leave your puppy alone, it’s a good idea to train them to go in a crate or put them in a room that has been puppy-proofed. This is due to the fact that confining puppies in a crate or other puppy-proofed area will prevent them from chewing everything in sight and will also safeguard them from harm.

    In general, you shouldn’t keep a puppy in their crate for longer than a few hours at a time during the day because it could make them anxious.

    FAQ

    When can you start to leave a puppy alone?

    Young puppies should not be left alone for longer than two hours if they are under six months old. And to avoid separation anxiety from developing, it’s a good idea to gradually increase the amount of time they spend alone. When you do leave your puppy alone, it’s a good idea to train them to go in a crate or put them in a room that has been puppy-proofed.

    Can I leave my 12 week old puppy home alone?

    Puppies between 10-12 weeks. Despite growing older, your dog may still have accidents and cannot be left alone for long periods of time. You still need to work on socialization, and you must make sure your puppy has access to a bathroom inside or outside.

    Can I leave my 8 week old puppy home alone?

    The simple answer is as soon as you get them. As soon as your puppy joins your family, make sure you only leave them for brief periods to avoid separation anxiety. Give them a den or indoor crate/kennel to use as their safe haven, and train them to use it while the family is in another room.

    Is it OK to leave a puppy alone while at work?

    It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that leaving your puppy at home alone for brief intervals is neither bad nor dangerous. Instead, it’s beneficial for young puppies to learn how to soothe themselves and remain calm without their family by their side all the time.