DON'T keep your dog inside the kitchen (unless you have a small dog or gigantic kitchen). The scent of food and trash may be too enticing for your dog, especially if he is hyperactive or destructive.
That doesn't mean you can leave for a full day yet; instead, puppies should be alone for no more than two hours. Even then, accidents are very likely to occur. Using baby gates to keep the pup in a safety-proofed kitchen or somewhere with hard floors (and not carpet) will make cleanup much easier.
Adult dogs are generally okay on their own for 4-6 hours a day. But, many dogs are good at adapting to being alone for 8-9 hours while you are at work if they are provided with enough space to comfortably move around.
The easiest solution for keeping your dog out of the kitchen is simply to set up a physical barrier in the doorway. If your kitchen has a door, keep it closed at all times. If your kitchen doesn't have a door, baby gates are available in a variety of styles, and are usually quite secure when used properly.
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. DO prepare your dog before you go.
If possible, dogs older than 6 months should not be left alone for longer than 4 hours at a time. If this is difficult, the absolute maximum time for them to be alone is 8 hours, but this is only recommended if your dog has a way to get outside for a bathroom break.
With regard to companionship, it suggests that dogs should not be left alone for more than four hours a day depending on their age. However the survey revealed that 23% of respondents left their dog alone for more than five hours a day on a typical weekday.
Keeping your dog in a crate when left home alone requires a comfy bed and access to water. They will spend much of their time sleeping, so it tends to be better for less active dogs, or you'll need to make it up to them when you return. Crates also protect your home from damage and accidents.
In the same vein, your dog will sit in a chair in your kitchen because he is attracted to food. A chair puts him at a level where he can see what is happening on the counter. It is also a great place for him to make eye contact with you in the hopes that you will feed him some treats.
They need plenty of regular exercise. Dealing with their poop is unpleasant and time-consuming. Dogs come with odors, hair, fleas, and chew marks, all of which are undesirable. Then there are the veterinary bills, which can be astronomical if they get injured in an accident or fall seriously ill.
Wondering where to keep dogs while at work? Designate a space in your home where your dog can feel safe with their bed, a few toys, food, and water. If your pup has a tendency to chew on your favorite slippers, using a pet fence can keep them in their designated space.
Many people use a puppy-pen but you can use a small room, like your bathroom, as well. If possible, it's best to give him a space that you can gradually expand, an area that will be his for the long term. The space should have a comfortable bed, a few toys and something with your scent on it — old clothing works great.
Time passes
Owners often wonder if dogs have a sense of time passing and if our dogs miss us when we are gone. Well, the answer to that is a definite yes. When dogs in one study were left home alone for varying periods of time, they responded with differing levels of enthusiasm on their owner's return.
In general, you can leave a healthy puppy home alone when they are over 10 weeks old. However, this doesn't mean letting puppies roam free around your home. Before your puppy reaches this age, you can start crate training. This helps ensure that your puppy will be ready to handle being in a crate while you're at work.
To keep your puppy healthy and happy while you're away, follow this general rule: Puppies younger than 6 months: Leave them alone for 2 hours max at a time. Puppies older than 6 months: Leave them alone for 4 hours max at a time.
Dogs need a space of their own
Just like all living things, your dog needs a space where they feel safe, protected and relaxed. They love having a valued place they can call their own. It's a way of showing that they're more than just a pet, but also family.
To begin with, the kitchen table resembles an enclosed space just like a dog house does. It has four legs and a roof, which may feel protective to your dog. This is the most common reason dogs retreat to under the table. It helps them feel protected, comfortable, and relaxed.
Why is my dog putting his paws on me? In addition to a way to say "I love you," your dog might paw at you if it needs something like food or a potty break. Anxious dogs might also paw at you for comfort or to request some space. Other dogs may paw at you to signify they need some activity time.
They know the places in and around the house you use often. Sitting in your spot is a way of protecting your territory, as well. Think of this behavior as your dog saving your place so that you can come back to it later.
On average, you can expect to spend at a minimum, 1 - 2 hours each day on providing dedicated attention for your dog. This can be in the form of a walk, play, enrichment activities, training or general cuddle time. Dogs are pack animals so most of them love attention and company.
As a general rule of thumb, adult dogs can be left alone for up to 6 hours a day. However, the amount of time a dog can spend safely alone will vary from dog to dog, as even the most laid-back dogs may become distressed when you leave them on their own for long periods of time.
Typically, your dog will go through a grieving period that can last anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks, depending on how long you are away.
Dogs are social and typically prefer to be with others. Some may always struggle with being alone. When a dog doesn't know how to self-soothe or cope, they may turn to chewing or clawing stuff around the house, or barking or howling. Learn more about treating canine separation anxiety.
There are some tell-tale signs. Dogs often engage in destructive behavior when feeling neglected, like excessive digging, chewing and scratching. Another way they might express their feelings of frustration are through barking and howling fits, particularly at night.