Adult dogs, ideally, should not be left over four to six hours. However, if they are trained with some wiggle room with sufficient water and food along with potty accessibility, you can leave your dog home overnight. Apart from this, you also should consider the dog’s core behavior as if it gets anxious upon being left alone or is relaxed. Based on its behavior, it should be trained accordingly and if not possible, hire a dog sitter.
HOW LONG CAN A DOG BE LEFT ALONE?
BELOW ARE THE LISTED TIMES FOR YOUR DOG AS PER THEIR PHASES:
PUPPIES
They can be ideally left for about 2 hours per day. This is because as puppies, they pee more often and since they are not used to alone time, they can develop anxiety for longer periods.
ADULT DOG OF ABOVE 18 MONTHS
They can be ideally left for 4-6 hours per day. With regular training, they get used to being alone at home and sleep during this time.
SENIOR DOG
They can ideally be left for 2-6 hours per day. This depends on their health problems.
Training your dog right from being a puppy to some me-time is best. Eventually leaving it home alone will not become an issue. If not done, separation anxiety can develop in dogs when you leave them alone. You ought to train your dog to self and safe care even when you are not around gradually one step at a time.
SOME TIPS TO LEAVE YOUR DOG HOME OVERNIGHT
Your pup/dog can get a little anxious if it is left overnight for the very first time.
TO KEEP YOUR DOG COMFORTABLE, FOLLOW THESE TIPS:
MEET YOUR DOG SITTER BEFOREHAND
This is very important as your dog can become nervous in a stranger’s company. Have your dog sitter visit your house to meet your dog along with you. This way you make your pet comfortable when the dog sitter stays with your dog. You will also be at peace and be guilt-free for leaving your dog with a good Night Helper.
MAKE YOUR DOG TIRED BEFORE LEAVING
Tiring your dog before leaving overnight is the best thing to do. Firstly, you give your company to your dog sufficiently for it to feel good. Secondly, good exercise with a brisk walk or run can tucker your dog out, minimizing the anxiety. This way it will snooze when you are gone, having got tired.
GIVE YOUR DOG FUN TOYS
Give your dog chew toys and treat puzzles when you leave it overnight. This way it is kept stimulated and passes its time with its toys.
HAVE TOGETHER TIME WHEN YOU COME BACK
Taking your dog for a walk or run or play a game can put your dog back to track. It would wait for that together time, every time you leave and be on track.
CONCLUSION
It is important to know that leaving your dog home overnight is dependent on how relaxed and well behaved it is originally and post some training. If you feel, your dog cannot make the change, make it gradual by introducing it slowly into its life. Leaving your dog should not push you into guilt nor it should push your dog to restlessness. Leaving it once can result in disbelief whenever you leave. So, it is best to make it a good experience for your dog and you as well.
Sharon is a housewife who manages her own small business. She lives with her husband and three kids.