How Long Can Our Dog Be Left Alone?

Because of the stressful pace of life we have nowadays, we may be forced to leave our dog home alone for a few hours. And even though some dogs end up getting used to being alone for as long as eight hours, it's really not advisable at all. Dogs are super sociable animals — they need company to be happy.

That's why we're going to explain how many hours it can stay home alone and what we should do so that time is bearable for it.

Can I Leave My Dog Alone for Many Hours?

Yes, of course, but it's advisable for our dog to have already been out for a good walk and playtime before being left alone. This way, it will have released its energy and will stay much calmer and more relaxed at home.

The number of hours each dog can handle without becoming desperate or suffering separation anxiety varies a lot. While some dogs can only handle four or five hours at most, others have gotten used to being alone at home for as long as eight hours.

It's best to gradually increase the number of hours so the dog slowly gets used to being alone, since it's not good to start straight away by leaving it alone for six or eight hours all at once.

Can Puppies Be Left Alone?

No, puppies are too young to be left alone for several hours. They'll start crying and barking if they feel abandoned, alone. Ideally, the puppy should always have company — if not ours or a family member's, then another dog it gets along well with.

We need to understand that dogs are very sociable, family-oriented animals — they'll always want to be with you, even while you sleep. An adult dog can gradually get used to staying home alone for a few hours.

But a puppy is too young to understand and learn to be alone, so we never recommend leaving a puppy home alone.

How to Prepare My Dog to Stay Alone and Calm

There's a series of tips that can be very helpful so your dog gets used to being alone at home and doesn't get desperate. But keep in mind that not all dogs respond to these guidelines the same way — while some get used to it in a few weeks, others will need months.

• Take your dog for a walk before leaving it alone — a big walk where it plays, runs, and burns off a lot of energy. Don't do it all in five minutes, dedicate at least an hour.
• Gradually increase the hours it stays alone — if you're going to be away from home for six hours, start with one-hour periods, then two hours the following week, and so on....
• If it will be alone for more than four hours, ask a family member or friend to stop by the house to say hi to your dog. To play with it, take it for a walk, etc.... It's the best option for your dog. You can even hire a dog walker (highly recommended).
• Leave toys and chew items (rawhide bones, for example) within your dog's reach at home so it has something to do. If possible, leave the TV or radio on, at low volume.
• Don't leave anything dangerous within your dog's reach at home, such as soaps, cleaning products, batteries, the TV remote, etc... Because if it gets bored and decides to chew on something, it could accidentally poison itself.
• Don't leave your dog tied up or locked in a room or on a terrace — leave the whole house available to it so it can explore and sniff around.
• When you get home, the first thing you should do is go for a walk with your dog so it can relieve itself and burn off energy again. This isn't optional — it's mandatory.