18/08/2022
The dog-parent GUILT is real!
We are the centre of their universe and they ours! We would love to be able to take them everywhere but realistically, we can't. So how long can they be left alone?
The answer is: it depends!
How long your dog can stay home alone depends on your dog, their age, and their physical (health condition) and emotional needs. There can be a lot to consider but here are 5 tips for leaving your dog at home alone:
1. Tire your dog
Provide your puppy with a physical or mental workout before you leave them alone. A walk, energetic playtime, or even a training session can all leave your puppy tired. They will likely fall asleep as soon as you’re gone.
2. Create a safe confinement area
Especially if they are young, keep your dog in one area of the home like a bedroom or even better, a crate in a quiet area of the home like a bedroom or office.
3. Build up time alone
Start training your dog for time alone, even when you're home.
Begin by closing your puppy in the confinement area with a chew toy or other constructive activity, then quietly walk out of the room. Return immediately and reward them with praise and a treat. Repeat the process, slowly increasing how long you’re away each time. In the beginning, even one or two minutes might feel too long for your puppy, but over three or four days, you should be able to build up to fairly long periods.
4. Create positive associations
Give puppy something constructive to do whenever they’re in confinement. This will teach them to be happy on their own. A perfect activity is chewing on a chew toy stuffed with food. Toys such as Kongs are excellent for this purpose.
Remember, only leave your puppy unattended with toys or edible chews that you know are safe.
5. Get help along the way
When your puppy’s alone time training has progressed enough that you can leave them alone for part of the day, but eight hours is still too much, a dog walker can be a perfect solution. Schedule the walk in the middle of the day, when your puppy is ready for company and the time is ripe for a potty break. Even adult dogs can benefit from the exercise and company a dog walker provides during a workday.
