How Long Can I Leave My Dog Home Alone?
Leaving your dog home alone can be a major source of stress for many pet parents, especially if your dog shows signs of separation anxiety. As a professional dog trainer specializing in treating separation anxiety, I know that each dog’s needs and comfort levels are unique, and understanding these is crucial for their well-being. Let’s talk through some of the factors affecting how you might decide how long to leave your dog alone, signs they may struggle with alone time, and practical tips to help ease the process for both you and your dog.
Why Dogs Struggle with Being Left Alone
Dogs are social animals that biologically crave social companionship (we bred them this way) making alone time naturally more challenging for some. Separation anxiety related behaviors can stem from various factors, including genetics, past trauma and learning experiences or health factors. These anxiety and panic symptoms can show up as barking and vocalization, destructive behavior, accidents in the house, or other signs of distress when left alone.
While some dogs are naturally more independent, some say others are more predisposed to separation anxiety, especially those bred specifically for companionship. A dog’s unique temperament and experience will play a role in how you prepare them for alone time, and the more you understand these factors, the better you can help your dog feel relaxed and secure when you’re away.
Factors Affecting How Long a Dog Can Be Left Alone
While there’s no universal answer to how long is “okay,” several important factors can help guide a safe, comfortable amount of alone time for dogs.
1. Age
Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs each tend to have unique needs:
Puppies (Under 6 Months): Young puppies can’t hold their bladder for long and simply have limited capacity to tolerate time alone developmentally. In most cases, puppies shouldn’t be left alone for more than one to two hours at a time.
Adolescent Dogs (6-18 Months): As dogs age and develop more bladder control, they can generally handle up to four hours without a bathroom break. During this time however many are still learning how to be successful and safe in the home so this needs to be gauged on a case by case basis with regards to emotional development and needs.
Adult Dogs (2-8 Years): With gradual alone-time training, most adult dogs can handle four hours, some longer, between bathroom breaks.
Senior Dogs (8+ Years): Older dogs may need bathroom breaks more frequently and could experience health issues that affect how long they can comfortably be alone.
2. Isolation is Stressful
Being alone all day (or night) is stressful, to some degree, for many dogs. Our dogs rely on us to meet their most basic needs. Unless they have doggie doors and automatic feeders our dogs are stuck without access to fresh air, food, social interaction or interaction with the outside world or enrichment of most sorts while we are away. If you work a typical 8 hour day, with a commute, that could leave you out of the house for 9-10 hours. Add in running errands or any socializing you may want to do after work and that could add up to 12+ hours a day. In my opinion that is far too long for the average dog to be left alone on a daily basis.
Yes, I do believe dogs get lonely. We expect our dogs to be there waiting for us when we get home. That “unconditional love” of a dog comes from the need for social interaction and many will tolerate our schedules simply so they can have our companionship at the end.
3. Crate Use and Comfort
Using a crate Is often considered a safe way to ensure that dogs are kept out of trouble and so puppies don’t eliminate indoors. However in my line of work I also often see crates used in place of proper training for dogs who are; destructive, energetic, anxious, in a state of panic or not housebroken. This tactic is thought to be a way to ensure the dog will be “safest” while keeping the home safe as well. Typically this is only a band aid solution and only makes a bad situation worse by increasing stress and anxiety around being home alone or being in a crate without proper desensitization. Please consider the following when using or considering using a crate:
Time Limits in Crates: Ideally, adult dogs shouldn’t be left in crates for more than 2-3 hours at a time (unless overnight), while puppies need even shorter crate periods due to their limited bladder control and energy levels.
Agency: Dogs deserve to get up, move their bodies, explore, drink water and use the bathroom freely as often as possible. Removing this agency only creates more stress.
Positive Crate Associations: Crates should be cozy and secure places for a dog, with positive associations like treats and toys and the option to leave. For some dogs, crates can reduce anxiety when alone, but it’s best balanced with free time, consider instead a dog-proofed area of the house to prevent boredom or discomfort from long confinement.
“Dogs are Den Animals”: Often comparisons are made between crates and dens for dogs, that they automatically feel safe and relaxed, but dogs aren’t den animals at all. If they were we wouldn’t need to crate train them and even if they were they would be able to leave their den at will.
4. Training and Routine
Routine is a powerful tool in helping dogs feel more secure, as it gives them an understanding of what to expect. Feeding times, exercise, and designated alone-time training create a sense of predictability that makes it easier for dogs to handle alone time gradually. Some dogs will naturally take to being alone while others require a slow, steady approach that can take months or even longer. These are skills that they need to learn just like any other skill - such as house training, walking on a leash and more. No dog is born understanding what is expected of them when we bring them into our homes.
5. Health Needs
Dogs with specific health issues—like incontinence, arthritis or other pain related conditions, or anxiety—may need extra attention and can’t be left alone or confined for as long. Senior dogs and those with chronic conditions benefit from more frequent bathroom breaks, comfort items, or calming aids. Those who need medications delivered at a specific time will need special considerations as well.
General Guidelines for Time Alone
While each dog is unique, here are some general time guidelines based on age and development:
Puppies (Under 6 Months): No more than 2 hours.
Adolescent Dogs (6-18 Months): Up to 2-3 hours with training.
Adult Dogs (1-8 Years): 4-6 hours, increasing with training.
Senior Dogs (8+ Years): 2-4 hours, depending on health needs.
Signs Your Dog May Struggle with Alone Time
It’s important to watch for signs that your dog might be struggling with separation anxiety. Some common signs include:
Excessive barking or whining when left alone
Destructive behavior, like chewing furniture or scratching doors
House-soiling, even if they’re typically house-trained
Pacing, drooling, or other signs of distress and inability to settle when alone
Loss of appetite when left alone
If your dog exhibits these signs, they may need a more gradual approach to alone time or support from a trainer. A dog can begin to experience separation related behaviors at any time. Just because they have always been ok, doesn't mean they will always be ok! If you think something is going on, it’s best to observe them on camera just to make sure.
Tips for Leaving Your Dog Alone Safely and Comfortably
To ensure your dog feels safe and calm when you’re away, here are some strategies you can try:
Gradual Alone Time Training: Start by leaving your dog alone for short intervals and gradually increase the time. Watch on a camera to ensure you know what behaviors they are displaying.
Meet Your Dogs Needs: If you know you need to be away for a day of work or a long dinner with friends, be sure you are considering your dog's needs while they are home alone. This might include a long sniffy walk in the morning, leaving an interactive puzzle feeder or snuffle mat for them to engage with while you are away or new toy to play with. Check out some recommendations for enrichment here
Provide a Safe Environment: Just because dogs can’t talk doesn’t mean they like to be left in the dark and quiet. Consider leaving on some lights and even leaving on calming music or a podcast can provide soothing background noise. This can help mask outside noises that may be disconcerting or just leave them a little less lonely.
Consider a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter: If you’re planning to be gone for more than the recommended time, hiring a dog walker or pet sitter can provide a break and some companionship for your dog. Even asking a friend or neighbor to stop in can help!
What to Do if Your Dog Is Struggling with Separation Related Behaviors
If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety, consider working with a professional trainer. Desensitization techniques, where you gradually get your dog used to being alone, can be effective. Tools like calming pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps can also help some dogs, but they work best alongside proper training and you should consult a vet before trying even new supplements. Remember, patience is key—dogs with anxiety need extra support to overcome their fear of being alone.
Leaving your dog home alone is a reality most pet parents face, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By understanding your dog’s individual needs and slowly building their confidence, you can help them adjust to alone time. If you need extra help - please reach out - I’ve been helping dogs learn safe alone time skills for over 7 years!
- Melissa -