Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long.
As a general rule, your dog should never be left alone for more than four hours at a time. However, this will greatly depend on your dog, their age, breed and how they cope with being on their own in the house. Some may struggle being away from their owners for this long and others will be unphased.
Basset Hound, a breed where “you'll be the one that's pining to get home to see your lazy little mate, you needn't worry about the dog.” Greyhounds, surprise! “When they're not racing around, they're napping and chilling out,” Reet Good assured. Whippets, who “enjoy time to themselves” and “are brilliant around kids.”
Dog breeds that can be left alone for long periods include Labrador and Golden Retriever, Beagle, Peekapoo, or Shiba Inu. Naturally, by long-term periods, it's implied that the period is up to 8 hours a day and not more.
1. Labrador Retriever. According to a spokesman from Everypaw Pet Insurance, Labrador Retrievers are very unlikely to run away as they have a strong desire to please their owners. If you're looking for a trustworthy and fun family companion that's very unlikely to leave, they're hard to beat.
1. Australian Shepherd. Australian Shepherds or “aussies” are a midsize breed known for their intelligence and herding instincts. Fast learners and always ready to work, these dogs are great for herding sheep, cows or even kids.
Separation anxiety is triggered when dogs become upset because of separation from their guardians, the people they're attached to. Escape attempts by dogs with separation anxiety are often extreme and can result in self-injury and household destruction, especially around exit points like windows and doors.
Dogs need social interaction throughout the day. Trainers and veterinarians generally agree that four hours is a comfortable amount of time for an adult dog to be left alone, according to Psychology Today, which can be problematic if you work full eight-hour shifts.
Dogs are sociable animals and love company, but although it is good practice that they learn to be home alone for a period of time, it is not advisable to leave them alone for very long periods, like overnight. Many dogs feel worried when they are left on their own, especially if they have been used to having company.
These durable rubber toys are pretty safe to leave with them unattended. Over time, my dogs have learned it's a good thing when I leave for work because it means a frozen interactive toy. When purchasing Kong toys, choose a black Extreme Kong for powerful chewers or a Classic Red Kong for normal chewers.
The short answer is yes. One of the emotions dogs can feel is loneliness. As you may know, dogs are pack animals and social creatures, and for this reason, they don't like spending too much time alone. Don't worry though, the good news is that most dogs can be left alone for short periods of time.
They require plenty of attention. Being left alone for too long may cause the intelligent, energetic Australian Shepherd to create her own fun—often through destructive behaviors or barking. While an Aussie may be left home alone for four to six hours at a time, crate training may be necessary for the dog's safety.
Adopting a dog is a great way to get over your fear of living alone or to add companionship to your daily life! Some dog breeds lend themselves better to single living while others are better suited for families. When living alone, you might also be worried about staying safe both when you're home and when you're away.
The American Kennel Club released its 2022 registration statistics and found that after being the most popular dog breed for three decades, the Labrador Retriever was outranked by the French Bulldog. According to a press release, the French Bulldog has spiked in popularity over the last 10 years.
Its heritage as a herding breed makes this dog suited to an active lifestyle. A dog with energy to spare, the Australian Shepherd has both the stamina and smarts to excel at off-leash activities.