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Your dog is part of the family. It’s not always possible to spend as much time with your pet as you’d like to. You have to leave your dog at home because of obligations to your family, work, and school, and that’s okay. How long is too long for a puppy to be alone, and how do you prepare your puppy for being alone?
For clarification, we got in touch with Mary Janek, the Muncie Obedience Training Club’s Director of Public Training and Competition Obedience instructor.
Keep an eye on your dog at all times
Follow every step in real-time with unlimited range. Get alerts if they wander too far. Track sleep patterns and exercise with Wellness Monitoring. Additionally, allow others to watch over your dog, such as dog walkers or pet sitters.
So How Long Can You Leave A Dog Alone?
The question “How long can a dog be left alone for in a single stretch?” is one that trainers are frequently asked. We are aware that most of the time, if given no other option, a dog will manage, but we shouldn’t go beyond what is reasonable just because we can.
Let’s consider the dog’s basic needs. While every dog is different, the majority of adult dogs should have access to the outdoors at least three to five times per day (more frequently if they are ill or elderly) and shouldn’t be required to “hold it” for longer than four to six hours at a time on average. Although the majority of adult dogs can hold their urine for longer than six hours, they shouldn’t have to.
Granted, this is relative. If given the chance, some dogs will go outside to relieve themselves every couple of hours, while others may only do so three times per day even with the freedom to do so.
You are in the best position to determine your dog’s specific needs because you are the one who knows him best. Does your dog follow his typical weekday elimination schedule when you’re home on the weekends, or does he seem to go outside more frequently?
Although we can set up a puppy’s “home alone” environment to include a space where they can relieve themselves indoors, there is still the question of how long they should be left alone without human company. Puppies need to go potty much more frequently than adults do.
Dogs should have the chance to interact with people at least several times a day and occasionally with other dogs if they enjoy doing so because they are social animals.
It’s crucial to avoid leaving puppies alone at home all day. Puppies under 14 weeks old are in a delicate stage of socialization and benefit from frequent social interaction. They need to spend a lot more time with their family than an adult dog would.
For emphasis, let me say it once more: Leaving a puppy alone at home all day is a waste of crucial, priceless socialization time that can have positive lifelong effects.
How to train your dog to be home alone
When teaching your dog to be at home alone, proper training is imperative. Therefore, begin practicing the “Leave & Return” scenario as soon as you get a dog. Teach your dog that it is completely acceptable to be at home alone and that you will eventually return. Here’s how:
FAQ
Can a dog be left alone for 8 hours?
Some families find it easier if there is a second resident who has a slightly different schedule. Many dogs seem to be able to adjust to spending 8 to 9 hours alone as long as they have a way to relieve themselves and have enough space to move around.
Is it cruel to leave a dog alone all day?
Adult dogs shouldn’t ideally be left alone for longer than four hours. There is some leeway as long as your dog has access to enough food and water as well as a place to relieve themselves if necessary.
What happens if a dog is left alone for too long?
Destructive behavior is also a symptom of separation anxiety. Dogs are social and typically prefer to be with others. Some may always struggle with being alone. When a dog is unable to cope or self-soothe, they may chew on furniture or other objects inside the home, or they may start barking or howling.
Can a dog be left alone for 10 hours?
The majority of experts also concur that leaving a dog alone for 8 to 10 hours should be the maximum amount of time possible as long as he has access to food and water. Dogs are very sociable animals, and many of them experience stress and anxiety if they are left alone for an extended period of time.