Thanks to the coronavirus, this isn’t a problem right now with most of us “sheltering-in-place.”
But it is a valid concern when life returns to “normal.” How long should you leave your dog at home?
Unfortunately, there is not a simple, definitive or even perfect answer to this question. It depends upon the dog, their personality, whether they can handle being on their own for many hours, their age and even their breed.
Having said that, it’s important to keep in mind what’s best for your canine and their physical and mental health! Just because a dog can be left alone at home, it’s doesn’t mean they should be regularly.
Let’s look at the important factors to consider when it comes to leaving your dog to fend for himself.
Dog Breeds: Don’t Leave Me Alone!
Did you know there are canine breeds that typically hate being alone? It’s true!
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Again, every dog is different even within breeds. But if you have one of the breeds mentioned above, they may be more prone to disliking being home alone. Only you know your dog best!
Dog Types That Shouldn’t Be Left Alone Too Long
In addition to certain dog breeds who hate being alone, other types of canines shouldn’t be isolated at home for long, lonely hours. These include dogs who are:
- Very young or elderly
- Sick or recuperating
- High-strung or high-energy
- Highly sensitive
- Highly intelligent
- Untrained
Dogs who are highly intelligent, high-energy, high-strung or untrained, will get bored easily and quickly find ways to entertain or occupy themselves in your absence (getting into all kinds of trouble and destructive behaviors!).
Dogs Home Alone? It’s Not What Nature Intended
Perhaps the most important factor to consider when leaving your dog alone at home is that dogs are natural and social “pack animals” who instinctively look to their group (or pack) for comfort, security and survival. Even if there is only one dog in your home, he looks to you as his pack leader and source for everything. Finding themselves alone day after day (while you are at work, participating in after work activities, commuting, etc.), can create overwhelming anxiety and stress for some dogs manifesting into negative, unwanted and even destructive behaviors.
So, How Long is Too Long for Dogs to be Alone?
When our world returns to “normal,” many of us may return to ten- to twelve-hour days; perhaps even longer as businesses attempt to “catch up” from being shut down. This is far too long for the majority of dogs without a potty break, exercise or just companionship even if they are healthy and younger.
Dogs thrive on physical and social activity along with mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Signs that your dog is being left alone too long include behaviors like:
- Messes in the house
- Increased lethargy, even depression
- Excessive barking, whining or howling
- Aggression
- Chewing, digging, clawing and other destructive responses
- Being anxious, clingy or stressed
Ignoring these behaviors will not resolve the issue. Your dog is letting you know he needs more activity during the day when you can’t be there. As his guardian, it is your responsibility to make sure his needs are being met every day!
Most dog experts, including veterinarians and trainers, will agree that ideally adult canines should not be left for more than 4 hours a day without a break.
So, what is a dog owner to do?
Look into a local doggy daycare, a dog walker or pet sitter to give your dog the attention and stimulation he needs in your absence to guarantee his overall well-being.
We are offering Doggy Daycare
during COVID-19!
During this time, we are offering valet service for doggy daycare. We will come to your home in the morning for pick-up and drop-off your dog in the evening while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Just email or call us at 480-382-0144.
East Valley K9 Services has got all your dog training and dog boarding needs covered in the Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe and East Valley areas of Arizona!
Additional Reading
Whole Dog Journal: How Long is too Long to Leave a Dog Home Alone?
Psychology Today: When Leaving a Dog Home Alone, How Long is Too Long?
Animal Humane Society: Leaving Your Dog Home Alone (A Guilt-Free Guide)
PETA: 5 Reasons Your Dog Doesn’t Want to Be Left at Home
Image Credits (Shown in Order of Appearance):
Photo by stiv xyz from Pexels
Image by Amit Karkare from Pixabay
Image by Maria Boström from Pixabay
Photo by Steshka Willems from Pexels
Image by East Valley K9 Services
