Ideally, adult dogs shouldn't be left alone for more than 4 hours.
Kelpies are not one of those dogs that can be left alone for a long time because they can suffer from separation anxiety. They will also display many destructive behaviors when left alone. Kelpies are those dogs that love to walk. They run all day with you so they cannot leave alone.
Are Kelpies suitable for families? They are great family pets, loyal companions and excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence and obedience make them easy to train and behave best when provided with plentiful exercise.
The puppy should be compliant and sit for his dinner and obey your commands without question. As your Kelpie begins to mature you will see more and more of their calmness coming through. They tend to be most excitable around 9-14 weeks of age and then very gradually get a bit better.
Kelpies are common working dogs. They are usually extremely alert, highly intelligent and have an almost inexhaustible energy. Plenty of exercise is a must for these energy machines. These medium sized working dogs needs at least 2 hours of exercise a day.
They require plenty of exercise, and may become bored if cooped up for long periods of time. Keep a Kelpie occupied and engaged, and they'll thrive. Their greatest joy is tender loving care, whilst their greatest disappointment is inactivity and lack of attention.
For most kelpies it is really hard to relax and shut down without a den: they feel they have to be alert all the time and any movement will trigger their instinct. When a kelpie (pup) is in a crate, covered with a towel or sheet so it cannot see out, it feels safe and secure and will go to sleep.
Kelpies do best in homes that provide lots of exercise—a short walk around the block is not enough to satisfy their need to be on the go. Hiking, swimming, and romps at the dog park are excellent activities to help kelpies burn off some of their energy.
But there is some good news: a kelpie has a weak spot – its bridle. Anyone who can get hold of a kelpie's bridle will have command over it and any other kelpie.
Although the Australian kelpie is known to bond with one family member in particular, the breed gets along well with children if raised with them from a young age and responds very well to continued socialization. The breed is extremely loyal and naturally protective of its family and home when necessary.
Kelpies are a very loyal breed, and are regarded as a 'one man dog'.
Kelpies usually like children, though you should interactions these interactions. As Charlotte Schwartz notes in Australian Kelpie, “Most Kelpies are not 'lap dogs,' but the degree to which they enjoy petting and cuddling varies from dog to dog.”
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.
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.
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.
Kelpies respond to kindness, and will willingly work (whether stock work, obedience, tracking or agility) for someone who rewards their efforts. Kelpies are loyal dogs to the point of being jealous. Occasionally fights or squabbles break out at my home due to jealousy of another dog being near me.
Otherwise, the Kelpie is a relatively low-maintenance breed.
He needs companionship, though he is content to stay for hours on the chain, he also needs to be with you for some time each day and he needs exercise, walks or games with a ball or a stick. It is no use expecting this dog, which has been bred to work, to stay outside the house without anything to do or to think about.
According to Wikipedia, the average dog spends 10.1 hours sleeping each day! Some can even spend 12-14 hours a day snoozing.
Kelpies have a moderate tendency to bark. If Kelpies are not provided the physical and mental stimulation they require, they can be prone to boredom and developing problematic and compulsive behaviours such as incessant barking and digging.
Double-layer coats: Border Collies, Aussie Shepherds, Kelpies, most spaniels and terriers, and other dogs with a medium coat can all be washed about once every two to four months.
Asserting Dominance
By sitting on people, dogs often feel higher and more in control. If you notice your dog barking or growling at other pets while sitting on your lap, it may be a sign that your dog is feeling the need to assert his dominance.
The most common reasons why dogs run away are:
Fear or anxiety. Boredom. Prey drive. Mating instinct.
No dog of any age should be made to wait longer than 8 hours! Different breeds have different social needs: hounds are extremely social, but some “working” breeds and guard dogs are fine for 10-12 hours.