If you find that a crate is too confining but don't want to give your dog the run of the house, you can invest in a dog pen. Dog pens can be attached to crates to create a play yard of sorts or be used on their own with a simple pet bed inside. Another alternative to the inside/outside dilemma is the garage.
Give your pup a designated space
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.
As your puppy gets older gradually increase the total amount of time you leave them alone. 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.
Basement. A furnished basement can offer a spacious and secure environment for your dog's crate. The open layout can provide ample space for your dog to move around and stretch their legs while still in a safe and secure area. Put your dog's crate here if your pup is tired or nervous in busy areas of the home.
While it's not cruel to keep a pet outdoors in mild weather, dogs are pack animals who thrive with companionship and being close to their owners. So it's only natural that they will be happiest spending time with the family. A dog kept solely outside experiences social isolation and may bark or howl out of loneliness.
Small breeds, he also noted, should never be outside alone. While certain conditions warrant keeping your pet indoors, that's not his natural habitat; dogs benefit physically and mentally from exercising, playing and generally being outdoors.
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. However, even if their basic needs are met, you shouldn't leave your pet alone and unsupervised for more than 8 hours a day.
Experts suggest 8-10 hours is the maximum amount of time you should reasonably leave a dog alone.
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.
If your dog does not appear to get upset after you have left, then you can continue to say goodbye to them when you leave. If you have determined that your dog does get upset in your absence, it is best to seek professional help right away.
Some dogs suffering from separation anxiety become agitated when their guardians prepare to leave. Others seem anxious or depressed prior to their guardians' departure or when their guardians aren't present. Some try to prevent their guardians from leaving.
“In my experience, the four most common breeds of dogs that exhibit signs of separation anxiety are typically Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas (both mixed breeds and standards), German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels”, says Dr.
It's wise to give your dog a familiar and comfortable place to sleep and any balls or chew toys that they like when you leave them home alone. Make sure these are tested and safe and that they won't tear them apart and ingest any parts. Leave fresh water for them as well.
If you're wondering how to keep the dog entertained while you're at work, you can't go wrong with leaving out their favorite toys. This move helps dogs have fun and stay entertained as they await their owner's return. Pay attention to the toys your dog is always playing with and spread them out throughout their space.
Some dogs don't need anything to find themselves running around the house and playing with their toys, others will snooze through a jackhammer no sweat. If you're working from home right now you might see your pet sleeps all day even with you right next to them! Dogs, like people, are unique.
If you must head out sans dog, the general consensus is not to leave your dog alone for more than four hours. This time varies depending on your dog's age, health, behavior and temperament. A puppy who still needs to be potty trained and a senior dog who snoozes most of the afternoon require very different schedules.
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.
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.
While your dog will remember you leaving the house, they most likely won't understand how long you were away. When dogs are left alone, sometimes they become stressed (stemming from their separation anxiety), indicating that they have an awareness of the passage of time.
Generally, dogs tend to spend a good part of their day alone because their owners are away at school or work during “working hours.” So it's not unusual for a dog to be alone for 8 to 12 hours daily. But what about leaving a dog alone overnight? That's not a good idea. A dog needs human contact.
Leave a 'special' toy
Always make sure that your dog has exciting things to do when you're not with them. You can give your dog a long-lasting chew such as a stuffed 'kong' toy, a meat-flavoured chew or a treat ball when you plan to go out. Make sure that they enjoy using it when you're there.
As a professional dog trainer, this is easily one of the most common questions that comes up during consultations. Many pet owners assume their dogs would prefer to play outdoors alone, but that's not always true. The simple answer is no; you shouldn't leave your dog outside unattended.
Most dogs love the comforts found indoors. A cozy bed, good food and plenty of toys — who wouldn't want to spend days inside cuddling on the couch? While most dogs love to be indoors (they are domesticated after all), there are some breeds that gravitate more to the indoor lifestyle than others.
Most dog owners have to leave their dogs home alone for periods of the day, and some owners choose to leave their dogs alone in the yard unattended. While this might sound like a good idea, leaving a dog alone in the yard all day can actually lead to behavior problems.