Have you recently brought home a new pup? Are you wondering how long you should be leaving your dog at home? Not to worry, very few people can spend 24/7 with their dog but when the time comes to leave them on their own, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Can you leave a puppy alone?
This really depends on the age of the puppy. At 8-10 weeks old a puppy is very likely not yet potty trained and therefore they will need regular toilet breaks - as often as every 20-30 minutes. With this in mind it’s best not to leave your puppy for too long so any toilet accidents can be avoided.
Also, a puppy has just left their littermates and mum so can be quite anxious, what with being in a new place with new smells and people. As pack creatures, human company is important, particularly for them to build trust and healthy relationships with their new family. In the first few weeks after bringing your puppy home, try to spend the majority of the time with them.
If you are planning to leave your puppy alone here are a few things to consider:
- Preparation - separation anxiety is very easily developed in new puppies. To avoid causing stress and bad behaviour when you may have to leave them, it’s good practice to get them used to spending time alone while you’re in the house. Do this slowly. The first step is to put them in their bed or behind a baby gate and leave some distance between you, but still let them see you. This shows them that leaving doesn’t always mean you’re not there (and you can go to the bathroom in peace for example!). Once they’re happy with this, move out of their view or the room completely, making sure they’re still happy and comfortable. Slowly increase the duration of time they are spending alone slowly and steadily. When you do have to leave for a longer period of time, they will have learned that you will eventually come back.
It may also be helpful to invest in a pet camera to see what they are doing when you have left.
- Toilet breaks - it’s a rule of thumb that a new pup can hold their bladder one hour for every month of age. For example if your pup is three months old, they can hold it for around 3 hours. Going any longer than this can result in a toilet accident and also, they are more susceptible to urinary tract infections and other medical issues.
- Entertainment - just like us humans, dogs can get bored when they’re spending time alone. When dogs are bored it can lead to bad behaviours like chewing or destroying things. To avoid this try and leave out their favourite toys, treats and dog chews - Enrichment games can also make a big difference when it comes to keeping your four-legged friend entertained!
How long can a dog be left on its own?
Now we’ve covered puppies, it’s time to discuss adult dogs (over 18 months of age). It’s suggested that you can leave an adult dog alone for around four to six hours a day, but this will depend very much on the dog in question, and their needs as an individual. They need to be used to this amount of time beforehand, without showing any signs of distress. Most dogs that are left for this amount of time learn to sleep while their owner is gone. A camera can be a helpful tool in checking in on your dog while they're home alone.
For an elderly dog this time can vary depending on their health, but it is said that elderly dogs can be left for around two to six hours, as they may need more frequent toilet breaks due to their age.
If your dog isn’t used to being left for this duration of time, this is when bad behaviours can present themselves. These can include:
- Chewing
- Howling and barking
- Scratching
- Biting
- Urinating in the house
If they are showing any of these behaviours, it may be a sign that they are being left for too long, and they need more stimulation and attention. Try taking them for a long walk before you leave, to release some of their energy.
Another option to consider is finding a neighbour or a dog walker to keep your dog company and break up the time they have alone, particularly if they’re being left on a regular basis. Not only does this accommodate your dog’s physical needs, like walking and relieving itself, but it also will give you, as a dog owner, peace of mind that your dog is being taken care of.
Can you leave a dog alone for 8 hours?
The simple answer is that yes, in theory a dog could be left alone for 8 hours - but you should really aim for only four to six hours at a time. The most important thing is that a dog is accustomed to being left alone for this amount of time. Leaving a dog for hours on end when they’ve only been left for 1 hour before can result in a dog experiencing separation anxiety and reacting badly (like chewing furniture or destroying your favourite pair of slippers).
It’s always recommended to train your dog to be left for a long amount of time. Start slow and ensure that they have enough water and entertainment for the duration of their time alone. If someone is able to check on the dog and offer some company, like a friend, family member or neighbour, this would be the best option!
How long can you legally leave your dog alone in the UK?
Not all of us can work in a dog friendly office or have the luxury of working from home as much as we’d like. Sometimes our dogs might have to stay at home alone while we’re at work, but you might ask: how long can you legally leave a dog alone in the UK? Are there any rules or regulations about leaving your dog home alone while you work?
Strictly speaking, there is no legal limit to how long you can leave your dog alone. However, as per the Animal Welfare Act 2006, owners have a duty to ensure the well-being of their pet. This means that an owner could be in breach of the act, if their dog is found to be suffering while home alone.
Both the PDSA and the RSPCA state that you shouldn’t leave your dog on their own for more than four hours, issuing this guidance after a survey found that 20% of dog owners thought it was fine to leave their pet unattended for more than a day. If you’re working away from home for more than four hours it’s best to find somone to keep your dog company, or book them into Doggy Day Care.
Dogs are social animals who prefer the company of other animals and humans, so it’s always a good idea to try and find a dog sitter or walker for the times that you are away. Dogs deserve the best lives possible, so the more time you can spend with them the better!
