How long can you leave your dog home alone
Having a new dog, whether it’s a puppy or an adult, can be stressful, especially when it comes time to leave them home alone. Whether you’re heading out to work, a social gathering, or shopping, every owner will have to do it sooner or later. Dogs love the company of people, but that doesn’t mean leaving them home alone is a bad or dangerous thing.
How long you can leave your dog alone depends on a number of factors. We consulted certified dog trainer Alexandra Bassett to find out more. With her expertise, we can provide some practical advice on how to safely leave your dog home alone.
How long can a dog be left alone?
Bassett explains that the length of time you can leave your dog alone depends on their age, temperament, energy level, and whether their basic needs have been met before you leave.
As a general rule, a puppy should not be left alone for more than the number of hours equal to their age in months. For example, a five-month-old puppy should not be left alone for more than five hours.
Younger puppies (under five months old) require more frequent bathroom breaks and more attention, so Bassett recommends not leaving them alone for more than three to four hours.
Adult dogs that are used to a routine and have had their needs met (eaten, walked, and used the bathroom) can usually be left alone for six to eight hours. However, older dogs may need more frequent bathroom breaks, so the amount of time they are alone should be adjusted to their individual needs.
High-energy breeds like Australian Shepherds and Jack Russell Terriers may not be as good at being alone for long periods of time as moderate- or low-energy dogs like bulldogs and Great Danes.
If you have to leave your dog alone for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to hire a dog walker or ask a friend to help you. You could also consider having a daycare provider visit your puppy during the day.
How long can you leave a dog in a cage?
If you’re using a dog crate, the rules for alone time are similar—a puppy shouldn’t be crated for longer than its age in months. For puppies under five months, this time should be even shorter, as they require more attention and more frequent bathroom breaks.
Bassett recommends using a crate in conjunction with a playpen. “If someone has to leave a puppy for more than three to four hours, it’s better to put them in a playpen with a designated area for toileting (such as a toilet mat) than to crate them, which can lead to them doing their business in the playpen and developing crate anxiety.”
For older dogs who have trouble holding their urine or are afraid of being locked up, a playpen may be a better option than a crate.
Can I leave my dog alone overnight?
Leaving your dog alone overnight depends on a few factors. It is easier to leave a dog that lives with other dogs because they can support each other. Dogs are pack animals and do better in company than alone, so this shouldn’t be done regularly.
Adult dogs that are used to being left alone can be left alone overnight, but if your dog is a puppy, has separation anxiety, or needs frequent bathroom breaks, they shouldn’t be left alone for longer than six to eight hours.
If you have to leave your dog overnight, it’s best to ask a friend or pet sitter to come over before bedtime and early in the morning.
How to prepare your dog for solitude?
To help your dog adjust to being alone, it's a good idea to provide them with a good dose of physical and mental activity before you leave. A walk, a game of fetch or a training session will help reduce stress.
Some dogs also need additional mental stimulation, such as interactive toys or chews. For dogs with mild separation anxiety, you can leave a T-shirt with the owner's scent or a toy that imitates a heartbeat.
If you're planning to be away for a longer period of time, consider having your dog cared for by a trusted carer or in a professional pet hotel.
How long can you leave your dog alone
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