How Long Can a Puppy Be Left Alone
Your dog is a member of the household. It's not always feasible to spend every second as you would like to with your pet. You have to leave your pet at home because of obligations to your family, job, and education, and that's alright. However, how can one prepare a puppy for independence? How much time is too much to leave a puppy alone?
Here we provide some insight on how to make your puppy's home alone time better.
How Long Can You Leave a Puppy Home Alone?
Puppies can be left alone for varying amounts of time depending on their age. Dogs might spend more time alone as they age. Your puppy's age and the number of hours it can spend alone together usually correspond.
- Less than ten weeks: one hour
- Ten to twelve weeks: two hours
- Three months: three hours
- Four months: four hours
- Five months: five hours
- Six months: six hours
- Over six months: 6–8 hours at most
Keep in mind that dogs—especially puppies—need to urinate often. Generally speaking, pups that are 10 weeks old are not usually able to retain their urine for longer than one hour. Ten to twelve-week-old dogs can often retain it for two hours.
When your dog is three months old, they're able to normally hold it for one hour for every month they've lived. Dogs can often hold it for as long as six hours after six months. Even adult dogs shouldn't be left alone at home for more than six or eight hours at a time without the opportunity to go potty.
Tips to Safely Leave a Puppy Alone
Overly prolonged separation from a puppy can result in behavioral issues in the future, a wrecked home, and a great deal of guilt for you. Fortunately, there are several solutions available to you to assist you get past the puppy phase and ensure that Doggie is content while you're gone. These are some of our top suggestions for leaving your dog at home when you go.
Establish a Secure Confinement Space
An unruly puppy roaming around the house while you're at work is the very last thing you want. In addition to ruining your most valuable belongings, your puppy may ingest cleaning supplies, chocolate, medications, and other hazardous materials that may require an urgent trip to the veterinarian.
Establish a secure confinement space with some clear dog gates for your pet to protect him and your possessions. Older pups can be securely kept secluded while you're at work using crate training. By leaving the crate door open and providing your dog with yummy chew goodies inside, you may help them form a positive relationship with the container. Use a puppy pen instead if you have a new puppy or anticipate being away for over four hours at a time. Your puppy will have a secure space to play and extend their legs if they have a puppy pen. A puppy pad may be used to contain whatever mess your dog produces while you're at work; you can put one in the corner.
Choose Your Chewables and Treats Wisely
Getting your dog the most soothing snacks and chew toys might help them pass the time when you're at work. They also benefit your dog's teeth. Nevertheless, it's crucial to keep in mind that dogs shouldn't ever be left unsupervised alone with objects that can pose a choking threat. As a result, we advise rewarding your dog when you get home with marrow bones for puppies and other wholesome, nutritious chew toys. Just picture your puppy's excitement when you bring a hefty marrow bone or a bully stick inside!
What can you place in your dog's crate or dog toy bin while you're away? Here are some recommendations:
Toys made of hard rubber; Choose one with cracks or holes in it, add some peanut butter, and allow your dog to explore.
Toys woven with ends tied; For dogs that want to explore new textures, these are perfect. To prevent your dog from breaking the toy, just make sure it is well-woven.
Interactive toys and puzzle toys; While you're at work, your dog may stay busy and develop their brain with puzzle toys. They're ideal for rainy days as well!
Give Your Dog Exercise
You must make sure your dog is receiving enough age-appropriate activity if you wish to leave without them whining or barking. This is crucial for high-energy breeds in particular, since they need to burn off a lot of extra energy. Dogs who exercise experience a surge of feel-good endorphins, much like people. So why not stimulate your dog's heart to feel better? Take your puppy for a vigorous morning walk or play catch together in the yard to make sure they're exhausted remember that training sessions may help you exercise your dog's intellect as well. Your pooch will be curled up for a snooze when you head for work.
Establish a Calm Environment
Dogs frequently become distressed when humans leave the house. There are a few simple things you can try to assist your puppy feel less stressed and remain calm while you're at work if you're concerned that they won't adjust well to your absence. A not-washed shirt, a throw, or anything else bearing your fragrance could be placed in your puppy's box to help calm them down. You can also look into the best dog feeders to make sure that your dog doesn't go hungry while you're away. Your pet will still find solace in your familiar aroma after you've closed the door and gone to work.
To help your dog relax, you may also try dog-appeasing scents (DAPs), calming medicines like L-Theanine (always check with your veterinarian first), and relaxing instrumental music. Since each dog is unique, try various approaches until you discover one that helps your dog feel comfortable.
If your dog suffers from crippling separation anxiety, seek the assistance of a qualified trainer.
Return Home During Lunchtime
If your dog is in a crate during the workday, you need to let them free at midday when you get home. After a few hours in a crate, even mature dogs are going to want to stretch their limbs and relieve themselves. Taking advantage of your lunch break to check on your puppy is an excellent idea, even if you're utilizing a puppy enclosure and pee pads. Try asking friends or relatives to keep an eye up on your puppy on your behalf if you are unable to get home in time for lunch. Many dog enthusiasts would gladly volunteer for this position since it allows them to spend quality time with a cute puppy one-on-one.
Get a Skilled Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Having a seasoned dog walker or pet sitter on speed dial is usually a smart idea. Why? Since your buddies won't constantly be ready to assist you with puppy care, even when they may appreciate pups. You'll have somebody to call when you get stopped in traffic or have an unexpectedly extended meeting if you pre-hire a dog walker or dog sitter. Finding a responsible pet sitter you can trust is crucial. Consider asking your friends and relatives who own dogs if they might have recommendations. Additionally, associations like the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters can help you locate a certified pet sitter.
Put in a Pet Camera
Installing pet cameras in your house is a great idea if you're the kind of person who worries about your pet all the time while you're not around. That nervous portion of your brain will be much reduced if you can monitor your puppy and make sure they are happy. Pet cams are surprisingly affordable—some go for as low as $40—but if you'd like to be able to communicate with the dog and treat them from a distance, you might want to spend a little more money on a fancy one that has the latest technology. It could be worthy of it for the piece of mind it'll provide!
Q&A
Can I Leave a Puppy Alone for 8 Hours?
Technically young puppies should be left alone for 8 hours. They require so much more attention and more frequent bathroom breaks than adult dogs.
What Happens if You Leave a Puppy Alone for Too Long?
A young puppy is still developing both neurologically and physically. Leaving a dog alone for too long will not bear good results. This might cause behavioral problems and disorders like separation anxiety alongside physical problems such as gastrointestinal issues.
Should I Get a Dog if I Work All Day?
This depends on your living circumstances. Many people work all day and still are able to have dogs. If you have the availability to hire a dog sitter enroll your dog in doggy daycare or even have family members who could look after your puppy while you're at work- there is no reason to think you shouldn't have a dog.