New dachshund owners often ask how long is too long to leave their dog home alone. First of all, how much isolation I can endure and how much isolation I should endure are two different matters. Generally, it is okay to leave me alone at home, but there is a limit to the amount of time. The issue is how to deal with separation anxiety that leaving might generate for me.
Many dogs spend most of their waking hours home alone and still appear to be fine, but that could be guilt talking or the need to take another look at a cultural norm that could use updating. First, it is important to look at the way social isolation affects your dog and what can be done to minimize the negative impact of it and to increase the well-being of your dog.
Impact Of Being Alone All Day
Most dogs have to spend some time alone at home almost daily. The duration of this time depends on the schedule and the lifestyle of our owners. Some owners have to commute to work and remain in their office for eight hours. They may also have to do certain errands and evening activities. It is possible that a dog may have to remain alone at home for 10-11 hours every weekday.
Common Practices
Since forever, dogs have been left alone for long intervals, and it was not considered a big deal. Even a few decades ago, if the members of the family had to go away from their home for a couple of days, they did not give a second thought about how their dog felt about being left behind. Most owners figured that if the dog had sufficient food and water, they would feel secure and that everything would be okay.
However, things have changed. For example, my owner does not like to leave me for long stretches. Sometimes she will decide not to go out in the evening if I have spent the whole day alone at home. Her friends may express their surprise that she would choose me over them, but it’s because she does not want to leave me alone at night after a long day when she’s been at work the whole time. Leaving us alone at home for 10 to 12 hours is simply too long to be left alone for a single stretch.
There are people that will say they always leave their dogs alone and their dogs are fine. But this likely means that a dog who looks and appears to be fine has mastered the art of dealing with something that is completely out of his control. Leaving your dog alone for long stretches is not a choice that he would make if it were in his control. These dogs have adapted to a routine, but the situation is not ideal to them.
Dog owners want that their dog whenever they are ready to interact with them, but apart from those moments, it seems as if many owners expect their dogs to simply wait around for them. Luckily, most dogs are successful at adapting to anything that their owners ask.
Need To Relieve
There is no simple answer to the question of “How long can I leave my dog alone for?” Most dogs will manage even a long stretch of time alone if there is no other choice, but try not to push your dog and always consider his basic needs. Not all dogs are alike, but most adult dogs should be in a position to go outside to relieve themselves 3 to 5 times a day and should not be forced to “hold it” for more than 4 to 6 hours on average. Although most adult dogs can hold their bladders for nearly 6 hours, they should not be made to do so regularly.
Owner Knows Best
A dog’s owner knows their dog best. My owner is in a unique position to address my individual needs. When they are home during the weekend, they should be able to tell if I am sticking to my usual weekday schedule or if I tend to relieve myself more often. Also, we are social animals. It is very important that we are given the chance to interact with people daily and also with other dogs on certain occasions if that is something we enjoy.
Furthermore, puppies should not be left alone at home for the whole day. Puppies that are less than 14 weeks of age are at a sensitive stage for socialization and social interaction can prove to be very beneficial for them. Compared to adult dogs, puppies should remain in the company of family members for significantly more time.
Conclusion
Other solutions could be: working from home occasionally, taking me to your workplace or arranging someone to come home in your absence to take care of me. Some solutions might add to your expenses, but this is part of the responsibility of dog ownership. While calculating the budget for dog-related expenses, an owner should also consider the cost of boarding, daycare or dog walking. These are essential services that contribute to fulfilling the needs of your dog.
