Advice for leaving your dog alone.
- Time: How long you can leave your dog alone depends on their age, breed, and how they handle being alone. In general, you shouldn't leave your dog alone for more than four hours at a time. However, some dogs can adapt to being alone for 8-9 hours if they have enough space to move around.
- Preparation: Here are some tips to help your dog get used to being left alone:
- Start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you leave them alone.
- Make sure your dog gets enough exercise and enrichment
- Establish a routine with your dog.
- Take your dog out for a long walk before you leave.
- Don't make a fuss when you leave or return.
- Safety: Make sure your home is dog-proofed and that there are no hazards for your dog, such as dangerous foods or electrical cords. You can also provide your dog with a safe space, such as a crate. Leave toys to keep them occupied.
- Help: If you need to leave your dog alone for longer than 6–8 hours, you can consider hiring a dog walker, asking a friend or family member to help, or using a doggy daycare.
