While we're at work, school or out and about, our dogs are often at home alone for many hours. Without proper preparation, dogs become bored. This can lead to many behavioural problems such as excessive barking, digging and destructive behaviour.
We all get busy but leaving your dog alone for more than four hours every day can have a negative impact on its happiness, behavior, and quality of life. In fact, some dogs can eventually develop separation anxiety. Dogs are capable of feeling bored out of their minds just as humans are.
In the long term, the consequences may be dogs who do not know how to play or interact with humans appropriately, who may be more likely to be apprehensive, avoidant, or anxious around strangers, explains Dr. Virga.
Mental stimulation is important for all dogs, but If you have a very intelligent dog, it is even more important to keep your dog entertained. This is especially true if you have a working-breed who doesn't have a 'job' to do.
Originally, different dog breeds were bred to have different jobs. Even companion breeds were meant to spend all day with their humans. But these days, most dogs get everything they want for free with no work involved.
Why is doing nothing important for our dogs? Dogs naturally require sleep for around 16 hours everyday. Giving them this time to just relax and chill out is vital for their wellbeing, and to allow them to destress after an exciting or stressful day, just like us.
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.
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.
And while some dogs do actually enjoy a bit of alone time, and are more than happy entertaining themselves, others do require lots of care and attention. You're eventually going to have to leave your furry friend alone for a sustained period of time, so it's important to prepare.
Ideally, adult dogs shouldn't be left alone for more than 4 hours. There is some wiggle room, provided that your pooch has access to enough food and water, as well as a place to go potty if they need to.
Make sure he has constructive ways to occupy his time when you're not around. Stuff a Kong toy with enough goodies to keep him busy for hours. Fill a puzzle toy with his daily ration of kibble so he has to work for his meals. Hide treats or favorite toys around the house for him to find while you're gone.
It's normal to feel guilty about leaving your furry friend alone. But, as long as you're still getting their exercise in (especially before you leave) and don't make a big deal about leaving, then your canine companion should do just fine.
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.
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.
Puppies don't have long attention spans, so distractions can keep them on their toes and out of trouble. The more distracted they are, the less likely they are to take their boredom out on your belongings. So, to be clear – YES, leave the TV on for your dog.
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.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
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.
Overall, dogs are complex creatures that think about a wide range of things, including social relationships, their physical environment, daily routine, physical needs, and health and well-being.
A worried dog will also look tense rather than relaxed in the way that they hold themselves. They might shrink away, hold their head low and avoid eye contact by looking away If your dog goes very still, like a statue, that usually means they're getting really uncomfortable. Ears are back.
If you have a dog, you probably already know they can express their feelings like humans do. That means your little pup can become sad and withdrawn when they are stressed out, which can lead to depression if it lingers for too long.
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.