Leaving our dog Alone at home
Do you sometimes need to leave your pooch at home alone? It goes without saying that you can't be at home every minute of the day, especially if you work, but you should make sure that your dog isn't alone for long periods.
We have some top tips that will help make the experience less challenging for both you and your dog, especially if they like to use their sad dog eyes on you! The length of time you can leave a pooch alone depends on the individual - you should consider how old your doggo is, their personality, behavior, and their experiences so far. If you're a pet parent then you probably know your pawsome pal well and will have an idea of how they respond to being alone.
When you can start leaving your dog home alone depends on the dog's training, age, and any existing health conditions they might have.
Young puppies under 6 months old can generally be left alone for up to 2 hours but it's best to build up to this gradually; they'll need to be let out to go to the toilet after this length of time.If your dog is over 18 months old then they can be left alone for 4-6 hours, and if they are an older dog then this can vary between 2-6 hours depending on their health. 4 Tips for Assisting Your Pooch When You Begin Leaving Them Alone:
Commence with Short Alone Time Periods and Gradually Increase: To prevent your dog from developing separation anxiety, start acclimating them to brief periods of solitude when they're still a puppy. Initially, you don't need to leave the house entirely; you can place them in a separate room for less than 10 minutes and then return when they are calm and composed. Gradually extend their alone time until they grow more comfortable with their own company.
Reward Only Calm Behavior: It's natural for your delightful companion to whimper occasionally when you depart - they enjoy your company! However, it's vital not to reinforce negative or anxious behavior by showering them with attention and comfort. Comforting your pet can intensify their apprehensions. Instead, teach your pet that being alone at home is not a cause for concern. Greet your dog calmly when you return, avoiding excessive excitement or negative associations. Over time, your pet will understand that you will come back, and there's nothing to fear!
Create a Positive Alone Time Experience: Prior to leaving, provide your dog with dog-safe chews, food toys, and treats. Using their regular puppy food in a food toy can help occupy their time and energy. Furnish them with a safe and cozy space filled with blankets to snuggle into. Additionally, try to tire your pup out before your departure - engage in play or take them for a walk so they can settle down for a nap while you're away.
Arrange for Visits to Your Pooch: To prevent your dog from becoming anxious, avoid leaving them alone for extended periods at the outset. You can always ask a friend, neighbor, or professional dog walker to check in on them. Ideally, you shouldn't leave a puppy or young dog alone for more than 2 hours until they reach 6 months of age. If you need to be away longer, ensure that someone can let your pup out for a toilet break, as this is crucial for their toilet training progress.
We have some top tips that will help make the experience less challenging for both you and your dog, especially if they like to use their sad dog eyes on you! The length of time you can leave a pooch alone depends on the individual - you should consider how old your doggo is, their personality, behavior, and their experiences so far. If you're a pet parent then you probably know your pawsome pal well and will have an idea of how they respond to being alone.
When you can start leaving your dog home alone depends on the dog's training, age, and any existing health conditions they might have.
Young puppies under 6 months old can generally be left alone for up to 2 hours but it's best to build up to this gradually; they'll need to be let out to go to the toilet after this length of time.If your dog is over 18 months old then they can be left alone for 4-6 hours, and if they are an older dog then this can vary between 2-6 hours depending on their health. 4 Tips for Assisting Your Pooch When You Begin Leaving Them Alone:
Commence with Short Alone Time Periods and Gradually Increase: To prevent your dog from developing separation anxiety, start acclimating them to brief periods of solitude when they're still a puppy. Initially, you don't need to leave the house entirely; you can place them in a separate room for less than 10 minutes and then return when they are calm and composed. Gradually extend their alone time until they grow more comfortable with their own company.
Reward Only Calm Behavior: It's natural for your delightful companion to whimper occasionally when you depart - they enjoy your company! However, it's vital not to reinforce negative or anxious behavior by showering them with attention and comfort. Comforting your pet can intensify their apprehensions. Instead, teach your pet that being alone at home is not a cause for concern. Greet your dog calmly when you return, avoiding excessive excitement or negative associations. Over time, your pet will understand that you will come back, and there's nothing to fear!
Create a Positive Alone Time Experience: Prior to leaving, provide your dog with dog-safe chews, food toys, and treats. Using their regular puppy food in a food toy can help occupy their time and energy. Furnish them with a safe and cozy space filled with blankets to snuggle into. Additionally, try to tire your pup out before your departure - engage in play or take them for a walk so they can settle down for a nap while you're away.
Arrange for Visits to Your Pooch: To prevent your dog from becoming anxious, avoid leaving them alone for extended periods at the outset. You can always ask a friend, neighbor, or professional dog walker to check in on them. Ideally, you shouldn't leave a puppy or young dog alone for more than 2 hours until they reach 6 months of age. If you need to be away longer, ensure that someone can let your pup out for a toilet break, as this is crucial for their toilet training progress.