How Long Can You Leave A Dog?

Uncover the optimal time frame for leaving your dog alone without causing distress. Enhance your pet's quality of life with our informative website. Start exploring now!

Benjamin BA(Hons), PgCert.

6/6/20244 min read

Some dogs will be happy to leave their owners for brief periods of time, but others can become upset when they are separated.

According to research, nearly half of dogs will react negatively if they are left alone for a period of time in their life.

Dogs do not want to retaliate against their owners, but are usually just distressed at being left behind.

When left alone, these animals can bark, howl or toilet inside, or even be destructive. Your dog's anxiety may not be apparent when you leave him alone.

If you don't see any evidence of your dog being destructive when you get home or if your neighbors complain about the barking, you may not be aware that your pet has suffered.

All owners should try videoing their dogs when left alone, to ensure that there are no 'hidden signs' of distress such as trembling or pacing.

Dogs are often given to rescue organizations because of separation-related behavior. However, dogs who have been rehomed by rescue centers do not develop the same behaviour as dogs from different backgrounds.

If you see signs of your dog being uneasy, talk to your vet. They may recommend a professional animal behaviorist.

How Long Can My Dog Be Left Alone For?

It depends on each dog, but it is recommended that dogs are not left unattended for more than four hours. This gives them time to go potty, exercise and socialise with their owners.

According to studies, if your dog is gradually introduced to the idea of being left alone after they move in with you then there will be less problems later.

Can I Condition My Dog To Be Left Alone For A While?

It is important to make your dog feel comfortable being left alone.

You can do this by gradually increasing the amount of time you are alone with your dog. This will ensure that they never associate it as a scary experience, but rather something positive.

Your dog's response will determine how quickly you move. Do not leave your dog for too long. They may become anxious.

You can reward your dog with toys, treats or praise for remaining calm when you leave them alone. A long-lasting snack is best, as it is easy to tell if your dog feels anxious if they don't eat what they normally like.

Do not reward your dog if he becomes anxious or does not stay quietly eating his treat in bed. Next time, go back to the previous stage.

You can repeat each stage until your dog seems happy. The speed at which you move depends on the way your dog reacts.

5 Step Guide

  1. Begin by encouraging your pet to get into their bed, and to stay in it with you nearby for a few minutes. Reward your pet for staying quiet in its bed.

  2. Ask your dog to remain in its bed while you leave, and then reward him.

  3. Distance and time will increase as you move further. Your dog will determine the distance/time you add each time. Do not reward your dog if he reacts to you or moves. Instead, go back to previous stages.

  4. When you reach this point, start varying the length of your time out. Start by going through the front door and returning. Then, go out, close the door. Once you reach this stage, you can start to change the duration of your time out.

  5. You should be able to leave your dog for longer periods once you have reached the point where they are happy for you to leave them. Remember to keep your dog occupied while you're away to avoid boredom and mischief.

You can ask friends and family members to assist you for a few minutes if you have to leave your pet for an extended period of time after you've brought them home.

Keep Your Dog Occupied

You can give your dog a variety of activities to keep them occupied while you're away.

  • When you leave, make sure to give your dog a suitable and safe bone or toy. Give them a special toy only when you are going out, or if they're separated from you.

  • Leave something your dog loves, such as Kongs stuffed with peanut butter and cheese (dog biscuits with cheese or peanut butter are popular). Or a chew that tastes like meat.

  • Fill a ball or cube with treats that are dried and your dog will need to dig to find them.

  • These activities will keep your dog mentally stimulated and stop them from getting bored.

  • Treats must not be included in your dog's food allowance, as they can result in obesity and other serious health issues.

  • When you get home, remember to put these "special" items away and give them only when your dog is with you, whether you're in another room or out.

Make Sure Your Dog Is Exercised And Fed Before You Head Out

If you have fed and exercised your dog before leaving, they will relax more when left on their own.

  • Always exercise your dog prior to leaving. Walk your dog and return home 30 minutes before leaving.

  • Before leaving, give your dog a little meal.

  • Do not leave your dog alone until he has used the bathroom.

Don't Punish Your Dog

It is important that you don't react negatively when your dog misbehaves, even if you were out when they made a mishap.

When owners punish their pets when they return, separation-related problems can get worse!

The punishment is linked to your return and not the damage, the barking, or the toileting that you did some time ago.

The next time you leave your dog alone, it will be anxious to see what you do.

This increased anxiety can cause the dog to lose control of their bowels or chew, which will make the situation worse.

When their owners return home, dogs who were previously told off make themselves small by lowering their heads, placing their ears behind and their tail in between their legs.

Owners often punish their dogs because they believe that they are guilty, even though they know they did nothing wrong.

If you bring your dog back to the place of crime, it will be impossible for them to connect your anger to their behaviour hours before. Your dog will only become even more nervous the next time that you leave.

RSPCA recommends only positive and reward-based methods of training. It is important that, even though it may be difficult, you should never shout or physically punish your dog if they make a mess.

Let your dog out before you clean up.

Take Away

Don't leave your dog alone for more than four hours in the early days. First, consider trying to condition them to be alone and gradually build up their tolerance.

Always exercise them before leaving them, ensure they go to the toilet and leave food and water with them. If they have an accident whilst you are away, do not punish them as it can make the anxiety worse.