Leaving dogs alone & how best to prepare

Updated 23/02/2024

Leaving dogs alone at home is sometimes an unavoidable hardship. We pet parents have stuff to do, places to go, and people to see, and sadly our bark babies can’t always come with us. Of course, we’d take them everywhere if we could, but life just ain’t that simple. So, when needs must, how can we best prepare for leaving dogs home alone?

We’ll dig up some important dos and don’t around how best to leave your dog home alone, what the right amount of time is to leave a pup unattended, how to deal with symptoms of separation anxiety, and how to avoid destructive behaviors.

Okie dokie, let’s dive in paws first to find out the best tips and tricks to leaving dogs alone at home.

How long can you leave a dog home alone?

Good question! The answer? It depends on your dog - their age, size, health, breed, and how their furry brain works. Pet parents of elderly pups or baby barkers will know they have less bladder control than adult dogs. Older and younger doggos may also have stricter feeding times throughout the day which need to be kept to. Similarly, younger pups will need to be introduced to home-alone training. However, most organizations will recommend no more than 4 hours of alone time at once for most dogs.

How to leave your dog home alone - do’s and don’ts

Do settle them in a comfy, safe space

Often, pups can’t be left alone for long periods of time without having had crate training. Crates are a great way to create a safe space for your pup, a small private area for them to unwind and retreat to if they want to chill. These safe spaces are also a place of comfort - if their humans are away from them, going to their special area will help to keep them calm and happy.

There are lots of different ways to make a dog crate comfy to help them relax and snooze whilst you’re out buying them treats, toys, and chewables. Speaking of chewables…

Don’t leave temptingly chewable ornaments lying around

This might seem a bit obvious, but it’s always good to do a final check for chewables before heading out. Keep an eye out for breakable ornaments just a nose nudge away from smashing, tasty table legs that they might love to chew, or those delicious-looking new couch cushions you recently bought, keep them out of paws reach and snuffle sight.

Do leave paw-positive reinforcements

Our clever canines need mental stimulation throughout the day, so leaving them with a tasty treat toy or puzzle will help keep them occupied whilst you’re away. Young puppies are also very easily distracted, so a chewable game with a hidden treat could help with separation anxiety training.

Don’t forget to give them a bathroom break

After scouting the home for breakables and non-edibles, make sure the last thing on your to-do list is to let your pup out to piddle. This gives them one final chance to go potty before they can next go again. Once you’re home, making sure to let them out to go to the bathroom is the first thing you do. It is also worth exercising them before you go out.

Do leave some dog-friendly background noises on

Who doesn’t love listening to the radio gently playing in the background on a lazy day at home? Your pup certainly does, and it can make them feel less lonely. Websites like YouTube and Spotify have playlists specially designed for home-alone hounds. If you’re unable to access a playlist or soundtrack, you can switch your radio to a talking station. Of course, keep this on a gentle volume for your pup and neighbors' comfort!

How to leave a dog home alone with separation anxiety

Pups can develop symptoms of separation anxiety at any age, however, younger doggos are more prone to have this. Everything is new to puppies, including when their parents leave them home alone. Extra training will need to be done with puppers to help introduce them to being away from you for periods of time. This can be done by gradually increasing the time you’re away from them, initially by going into a different room and then leaving home, this will help them realize that when you leave them alone you will come back. Aw!

There are lots of different ways you can help an anxious doggo or one who has separation anxiety. Chat to your vet or a qualified behaviorist, and see if they have any techniques or training they would recommend to keep your canine as comfortable as possible. Make sure to never punish your dog for separation anxiety-related problem behaviors.

How long is too long to leave a dog alone?

Properly potty-trained adult dogs can be left at home alone for no more than 8 hours. A healthy pup without bladder control issues can, on average, hold it in for this amount of time. However, this completely depends on your dog. Every pup is different, with different needs, and different bladder capacities. Whilst 8 hours alone may be okay for one dog, for another this could simply be too long. Most welfare organizations now recommend no more than 4 hours alone in one go.

You know your pooch better than anyone, just keep in mind factors like:

• Can your pup be left alone inside?
• Are they prone to be destructive if bored?
• Do they have access to outside space? If so, do they need access to it?
• Does your dog need regular medication or medical care?
• Do automatic feeders work with your pup?

Of course, there’ll be other things to think about too, but these are just some examples. 

If you know you need to be away for longer than a day, or for some time you and your hound aren’t comfortable with, some other options include doggy daycare, a daily dog walker, kennels, or (possibly the best option of all) find a trustworthy dog sitter…

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Why not find a trusted dog sitter?

If you plan to be away from your fur family for longer than a day, we suggest an alternative option: A dog sitter (great segway, no?). Vets agree that pups are happiest at home. TrustedHousesitters has thousands of pet-loving, verified sitters available near you and from around the world. They can care for your two most important things - your hound and your home - and help offer you peace of mind. Check out the latest sitters nearby who would love to become your pooch’s next new pal!