We know it’s okay to be apart from our dogs and to leave them home alone, but for how long, exactly? Is there a limit to the amount of time our dogs should spend alone? How should you deal with separation anxiety in dogs?
A lot of dogs might spend most of their waking hours home alone and seem to do just fine, but is it okay? Are they really fine? I sometimes wonder if, instead, this is something we say to ourselves to assuage our guilt, or to avoid taking a harder look at a cultural norm that could use an update.
Let’s look at how social isolation may affect dogs, and what we can do to minimize negative effects and maximize their well-being.
Being Alone All Day is Stressful for Many Dogs
Let’s start with the most basic of truths: Most dogs will spend time home alone on a daily basis. How long depends on the owners’ lifestyle and schedule. Someone who works an eight-hour day and has a commute, followed by errands and evening activities, could conceivably leave their dog home alone for 10 to 12 hours in a single day and on a regular basis.
Dogs have historically been left alone for long stretches without a second thought. As recently as a couple of decades ago, if a family needed to be away from home for a day or two, how the dog felt about being left behind – whether indoors or outdoors – was not an important consideration. As long as he had enough food and water, most owners felt secure in the knowledge that he was all set.
Few people today would admit to leaving their dogs home alone for 24 or 48 hours or more, but leaving the dog home for 10 to 12 hours is not at all uncommon – and questioning this practice can sometimes lead to social ridicule. If an owner decides that after being gone all day, she’d rather not confine her dog or leave him alone for an additional few hours in the evening, she might be met with less-than-understanding responses. “You’re not coming out because you want to be home with your dog? That’s crazy! You’re letting your dog control your life!”
Here’s the thing, and I won’t pull any punches: 10 to 12 hours is too long for a dog to be alone in a single stretch.
I know, I know. It’s a very broad statement and there is always the argument that, “We’ve always done it this way and our dogs have always been fine!” What this means, though, is that the dogs who appear to be fine have simply learned to cope with something that is entirely out of their control. Being left alone for long stretches of time is not a likely choice that they would make if it was up to them. They’ve adapted to our routines, but it’s far from ideal for them.
We count on our dogs to be there for us when we’re ready to interact with them, but in between those moments, we expect them to do nothing and wait. It’s a tall order, but lucky for us, most dogs adapt incredibly well to anything we ask them to.
People whose dogs have difficulty adapting are the ones who come to us trainers, asking for help with behavior problems such as barking and destructive chewing, or emotional issues such as fear, anxiety, aggression, or over-excitement, to name a few. In fact, many of us trainers and behavior consultants are kept very busy as a result of the lifestyle to which many dogs are subjected!
Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Some home-alone dogs may experience separation anxiety. For more information about this extreme form of isolation distress in dogs, see Training Editor Pat Miller’s article on separation anxiety.
So How Long Can You Leave A Dog Alone?
Trainers are often asked, “What’s the maximum amount of time a dog can be left alone in a single stretch?” There’s no simple answer to this. We know that in most cases, a dog will manage if he has no choice, but we shouldn’t push the envelope just because we can.
Let’s consider the dog’s basic needs. While not all dogs are alike, most adult dogs should be able to go outside to relieve themselves about three to five times a day (more often if they are sick or elderly) and shouldn’t be forced to “hold it” for more than four to six hours at a time, on average. We know most adult dogs can hold their bladders for more than six hours, but they really shouldn’t have to.
Granted, this is relative. Some dogs, if given the opportunity, will go outside to eliminate every couple of hours, while others – even with the freedom to do so – might still only eliminate three times a day.
You know your dog best and are in a unique position to figure out what his individual needs are. When you’re home during the weekend, does you dog stick to his usual weekday elimination schedule, or does he tend to go out more often?
Puppies need to eliminate way more often than adults, and although we can set up their “home alone” environment to include a space where they can eliminate indoors, there is still the question of how long they should be left alone without human company.
Yes, Dogs Get Lonely
Dogs are social animals and should have the opportunity to interact with people at least several times a day, and with other dogs on occasion, if this is something they enjoy.
It’s even more important to not leave puppies home alone all day. Puppies younger than 14 weeks of age are in a sensitive socialization period and benefit from lots of social interaction. They should be in the company of their family for significantly more time than an adult dog.
Again, for emphasis: Leaving a puppy home alone all day is a waste of valuable – crucial – socialization time that can confer lifelong benefits.
Crating A Dog While At Work
I have a number of clients who, prior to consulting with me, had resorted to using crates in an effort to prevent their dogs from doing further damage to their homes through destructive chewing or soiling, or to curb barking at the windows. The irony is that the behavior issues were actually created by too-long stretches of isolation. Crating the dogs only made bad situations worse by increasing the dogs’ level of stress and further limiting their ability to interact with their surroundings.
A crate is no place for a dog to spend an entire day. If necessary, confinement in a small space should be temporary and for short periods of time, say, a couple of hours, tops.
There’s often a comparison drawn between crates and “dens” – that somehow a small enclosed space should instinctively make a dog feel relaxed and safe because it resembles a den. However, dogs are not “den animals” at all. And even if they were, they would be able to leave their dens whenever they please, which isn’t the case with crates.
And if your dog actually seeks out his crate to nap? Does that mean he loves it so much that he’d be okay in it for an entire day? Well, I have a favorite chair in the living room where I sometimes like to curl up and take a nap. My choosing to spend time relaxed in a space without budging for sometimes an entire hour is a far cry from being physically confined to that chair, unable to leave it to stretch, eat, drink, relieve myself, or just plain do something else. It’s time we rethink the use of crates and our dependence on them.
If the principal reason for using a crate to confine a dog during our absence is to avoid destructive or nuisance behavior, a better approach would be to address those behaviors through training, or through management that involves meeting the dog’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs.
How to Minimize Your Dog’s Time Alone
Following are a few ways you can avoid leaving your dog alone for too long. It can be hard to make this work, but if you dig deep and get creative, you’ll find there are actually more solutions available than you might have thought:
Doggie Daycare
Even if your dog is enrolled for just one day a week, that leaves you with only four more to go to cover an average work week! Of course, not every dog is a good fit for daycare, but for dogs who enjoy other dogs’ company, even just one day a week is a good step toward meeting his social and physical needs.
Keep in mind that not all doggie daycare operations are alike. Look for clean, well-designed locations with qualified staff who will manage interactions between the dogs and provide necessary rest periods. Also note that doggie daycare is not the right environment for young puppies.
Come Home for Lunch
If not every day, then as often as you can during the work week. If there are several family members in the household, consider taking turns coming home in the middle of the day to let the dog out to relieve himself and enjoy a short visit.
Hire A Dog-Walking Service
Dog walkers have been around for ages, but in the last decade this industry has seen a surge in numbers, possibly because more people who work outside the home are recognizing the importance of addressing their dog’s needs.
The types of services offered by professional dog-walkers can range from a quick home visit to a neighborhood walk, or even day training (when a trainer trains the dog in your home while you’re at work). Again, a caveat is needed here; there are some horrible dog-walking services out there.
Work From Home On Occasion
Telecommuting is more popular than ever as technology makes it easy for folks to perform their professional tasks from a home office.
Bring Your Dog to Work with You
Obviously, not everyone is in a position to do this. I frequently work with clients to treat their dog’s separation anxiety, and this suggestion is almost always met with an immediate negative response, “No way, I can’t do that.” However, it turns out that sometimes, it is possible.
Unless you’ve actually looked into it by communicating directly with the person who’s in the position to say yes or no, hold off before crossing the idea off your list of possible solutions. It may seem unlikely, but you may be very pleasantly surprised!
Arrange for Someone to Visit Your House and Let Your Dog Out
Ask a neighbor, or your co-worker’s teenage niece who loves dogs, or that kid down the street who does odd jobs. Not everyone is comfortable with the possible liabilities a scenario like this can present, but you may already have someone you trust to handle this type of task.
Naturally, your dog needs to be comfortable with someone walking into his home while you’re out, and in the best of cases, he’ll be thrilled to receive a midday visit!
Solutions Have Higher Cost, But Worthwhile Benefits
While some of these solutions involve an additional expense, consider it a normal part of owning a dog. When calculating a budget for expenses related to caring for a dog, owners may figure in the expenses for food, toys, maybe some grooming, and the occasional vet visit. All too often, though, money for training and other services like daycare, boarding, or dog walking tend to fall erroneously into the “luxury” category. In reality, these are essential services that contribute to meeting a dog’s needs more completely.
Maybe we’ve been asking the wrong question all along. Rather than trying to figure out how to best stretch the amount of time we can leave our dogs alone, we should be trying to help our dogs get more out of every day. This idea might take some getting used to, especially since it suggests that our dogs aren’t happy. Sometimes, though, it’s good to question the status quo and ask ourselves if we can do better.
Nancy Tucker, CPDT-KA, is a full-time trainer, behavior consultant, and seminar presenter in Quebec, Canada.
I have neighbours who own a Great Pyrenees. They go away for four or five days and leave the dog inside. Someone comes in once a day to feed the dog and let it out for 15 minutes. The poor dog is never walked. I own a dog myself and would NEVER do this. But maybe this is considered okay? Is this common? I just feel for the dog.
Could you offer to visit their dog or walk him/her?
It would be nice for the dog…….
I’d be calling animal control on them they sound like assholes
I understand that part my friend just told me she’s leaving tomorrow and coming back Wednesday and leaving her dog outside.😡😡😡 she was gone for the weekend so I’m wondering if he left the dog by itself .. then she threw it up in my face with he knew where I lived that you would call the Humane Society if she wasn’t guilty she wouldn’t brought that up..I would too never share secrets with me about your animal I will turn people in.
You should report this to animal control services. It is abuse.
America has become terrible. In most European countries the dog will be taken away from its “people”. How can anyone of sane mind assume it is okay to leave a dog ALL DAY while they go to work. In that scenario YOU CANNOT HAVE A DOG, end of story
Agree100%
Marijke what a ridiculous statement to make. Your saying people who work should not have a dog? Would you get a grip. The means the majority of the population would not be allowed to have a dog. Don’t make stupid comments like this that have no logic at all. You can still work and look after your dog very well. Leave the radio on, keep the dog occupied with sensory boards, sniff mats, lick mats and favorite toys. Hide treats in the garden for them to sniff and find and occupy the dogs day. Using these senses will tire dogs out alone. Walks before work and after and I’ve a very happy dog. The weekend my dog comes with me on long walks and adventures lots of quality time spent. Yes it’s not ideal to not be with my dog while I work but I certainly don’t think the option is give up work?? Or wait until I retire to own one! What would happen to all the dogs then if you couldn’t own one due to working? Comments like this piss me off
Oh please, got your knickers all in a twist over her comment did you not?She is not saying that ALL Americans do this, but too many do. You apparently think you are the perfect dog owner but how many others care as much as you do? Not that many. How many think it’s OK to chain a dog outside 24/7, with no regulation from the authorities.
I have a neighbor that owns a little terrier mix breed this lady takes off and leaves this poor dog alone for a month sometimes longer at a time…her dad comes over once a day to feed him but he never goes outside when she gone plus dad only stays long enough to feed and water him no longer than 10 minutes a day one time a day…is there a law that she’s breaking? He cries 24 7
Agreed. There are plenty of people who are at home and don’t take care of their dogs.
My dogs were never alone when my wife was still living. Now they are alone for maybe two hours a week while I go to the store. We never created our pomeranians ever they have to run of the house and a half acre fenced yard to play in.
Interesting – which EU country are you referring to? I live in Europe, dogs are not taken away from working owners here… only for dire neglect or abandonment.
How would you even know when they are coming and going if you had a life and weren’t a creep? Although I would never do this.
Some creeps
Get away with living on welfare, having no lives and obsessing with other neighbors… then lie about them and don’t know what they’re talking about. Don’t be a creep. How the hell would you know what they are doing creep?
Are you the dog owner? Or do you do this to your dog and are trying to defend negative actions and behaviors? Do you never have any idea of whats going on in YOUR neighborhood? Seems like this person just HAS EYES. and yes, if people suspect ANIMAL NEGLECT which is a form of ABUSE, they CAN stick their nose in it. Going on about creeps and welfare, sounding like a whole deranged Karen. You good?
My comment is directed towards JENNIFER in case it wasn’t clear.
Bra fucking vo
Thank you for bringing up the difference between crates & this inane idea so many people have of dogs being “den” animals. As if that’s what Den animals experience, if dogs even are “den animals” at all. I don’t care if they call it a crate, a townhouse, or the Ritz Carlton. A cage is a cage is a cage.
I have a puppy mill survivor. She came to us in a crate (for safe transportation). When we brought her home, it was extremely difficult to get her out of the crate. That crate was her “safe zone”. Nobody could hurt her in that crate (and people had hurt her a lot). It took weeks for her to feel comfortable enough to begin to stick her head out of the crate. It was very difficult to get her outside to go to the bathroom (it took a long time with lots and lots of highly yummy treats to lure her out of the crate and outside). She’s been with us for 4 years now and still loves her crate and will go in there of her own accord. She will particularly go into her crate if something frightens her (and she is an extremely fearful dog). Even when she isn’t in her crate, she loves to sleep and rest in closed-in areas. They make her feel safe (even though she knows nothing bad will happen to her here). My non-fearful dog will also seek out her crate to rest (but prefers the couch with her extra-large Wolfhound head on my lap). I would never take our puppy mill rescue’s crate away from her. It isn’t a cage to her–it’s a “safe zone” where she feels safe and secure. It would be cruel to take away that source of comfort for her.
I don’t understand your point. Are you leaving her inside her “safe space” for 12 hours a day?
I don’t think you understand. This person believes as do i that a crate should be an option to a stressed out puppy and should always be available for the comfort of the dog.
Puppy mill dogs can bring a totally different (and often extreme) set of ABNORMAL responses. What they have been through cannot be compared to dogs with so-called “normal” beginnings in life. Just as with deeply traumatized children (Adverse Childhood Experiences–ACE), puppy mill dog responses are coping responses–the best they can do.
The article didn’t say to not provide a crate. It said don’t lock your dog in the crate all day.
I adopted a puppy mill dog too. Patches is a mini Australian Shepard and quite the handsome fellow. He spent his first year of life in a small crate. Now he has an extra-large crate, which is only locked for feeding time (he”s food aggressive with our other dog). When he gets scared, he finds his own hiding places. He seems to have different areas for his level of fright, such as if the noise is outside, he’ll run inside and make his small stature even smaller to tuck himself into the corner of the couch. If it’s the vacuum, he’ll go behind a chair. If it’s a thunder and lightning storm, he hides in my closet. I like to think the different areas are his way of working through his fright. But then who knows?
We don’t know if we’re doing helpful things for our dogs. So if you’re asking if you’re using the crate the correct way and it isn’t locked, I would say see if your dog is improving. I was told to act like the noise is normal. If we pet and baby the dog for being afraid, then the dog is getting rewarded for being afraid and will keep on; the vacuuming wouldn’t get done because I would be petting the dog.
Daily walks are how I help my dogs. To teach Patches to walk outdoors was an ordeal. He was quite proud of himself once he learned. Running at the dog park is more his speed, but we can’t get there every day. He also likes to swim as long as no boats are on the lake, and perform dog tricks where he learns to sit, shake, come, stop, etc.
Some of the other comments seem to complain that your reply didn’t match the article. I think it did, even more than mine, because it showed a different way to use a crate. Supporting each other is a way to get the knowledge we need to be a responsible dog owner. Kudo’s to you for adopting a puppy mill dog. Talking about the outcome for the dog after being a puppy locked in a cage for too long proves the line, “Puppies younger than 14 weeks of age are in a sensitive socialization period and benefit from lots of social interaction.”
Keep on spreading the word to end puppy mills.
Excellent example! Thank you. It’s hilarious how some people think they know the inner-workings of every dog’s psyche 😂 My dog loves his crate too. Even when he has full run of the house and courtyard, sometimes he just prefers to crawl up in there.
So true !
We have a crate for our English Lab/Mastiff mix. The door is always open, so he can come and go as he pleases. He will often go in his crate and sleep.
👍
Exactly! Well said..
This article actually really hit home for me. I have a 1 year and 7 month old Aussiedoodle whom has severe isolation anxiety. I recently moved from a house to an apartment complex and was unaware for a long time as to how much she would yelp and cry as if she was being hit when I would leave for work (gone for 10 hours a day). Since moving into the apartment complex I realized this due to my neighbors now bringing it to my attention so I have hired a trainer to help me out to put together a training plan along with a dog walker who comes middle of the day for a 15 minute walk while I am gone.
She still has the isolation anxiety but it seems to be getting better and now only goes around 4 hours without human interaction!
A 15 minute walk is not long enough!
right
15 minutes is a bathroom break. It isn’t a walk.
Agreed. My dogs, now just dog, get walked every day that it is not raining hard for 30 minutes (half mile) to one and a half hours (two miles plus). People do not see the importance of the dog and being outside and walking for a distance. It is so sad.
Doodle are highly intelligent and highly active dogs. They need LOTS of exercise, mental stimulation and companionship. They don’t nap all the time like other dogs – even at 7 years old. Leaving your dog along for so long will be very stressful on the dog and likely create much anxiety, frustration, insecurity. Could you get a second dog so they could play and keep each other company?
i have a doodle dog and we walk her once a day for 30 min then she plays with our neighbors dog and we throw a ball around with her for at 15 min
overall she gets about 2 hours of exercise a day! she doesn’t get hyper at night so i would suggest give your dog AT THE VERY LEAST 30 minuetes of exercise. if you can’t do that. find someone who can!!
My neighbour’s cat died, so she has bought a dog. It’s kept alone most of the time and never walked. Its a puppy and it barks constantly to seek attention. I have complained but with minor success on the noise front. Don’t think the dog’s life has improved.
I think it will depend on the dog breed and personality. I leave my dog alone every day for 8h because of work. But I usually exercise him before leaving to make sure he hasn’t any pent up energy left. Also, what helps me to keep an eye at him is watching him online to see what he is doing, and I see that he usually sleeps the entire time when left alone. I also like to interact with him from time to time when I’m away so he doesn’t feel so alone. After a lot of trials, I found a camera device that is perfect for me to watch him on my phone and also talk to him and even throw some treats. I bought it over amazon and it made me so more relieved to leave him alone at home. This is the product that I bought:
https://amzn.to/2N202s0
Have any of you guys tried it before?
Thanks for mentioning that. I’m going to check it out.
I just hope your article doesn’t deter someone who has a full-time job but still can’t afford doggie daycare not to adopt a dog. I would rather see a dog adopted and left home for 8-9 hours while people work then to not get adopted at all and eventually euthanized. They now have so many creative ways to take care of a dog even when you’re not home…
cameras that let you talk to them, feeding timers, treat toys, continuous water dispensers, etc.
I don’t believe in crating a dog but maybe making a larger area THEIR space where they can’t get into trouble. Whether its a spare room or just a quarantined area designated where they have access to their bed, toys and water.
I agree. I sincerely hope this article will not deter people from giving a dog a loving home.
A loving home isn’t one where the dog is left alone 10-12 hours a day.
Amen! You wouldn’t leave your kids home alone for 10-12hrs. a day so why would you do it to a dog? Dogs need human interaction just lke people do!
Amen, leave them in the shelters to die or on the streets starving.
Monica, you are incredibly judgmental. We can’t all be perfect like you.
Totally agree with you Melissa. The message I’m hearing with this article is that if you don’t have enough money to hire people to come take care of your dog while you work, you shouldn’t have one. It’s a very extreme position, and not one that I agree with at all.
As a matter of fact, I did leave my children home for 12 hours a day starting at a certain age. I work full-time and am single so choices were made.
Wow you are really judgmental. I checked with my Vet because you made me feel like a horrible person and you don’t even know me! My Vet said, “every dog is different“ and if my dog does not suffer from separation anxiety then she is fine 8-9 on occasion 10 hours at home alone.
Thank you! I agree as well, having volunteered at a shelter I have mixed reactions. I totally understand where the author is coming from, but most of us have to work a full time job. There are people who actually surrender their dogs to shelters because they feel guilty for working, and leaving the dog home. The dog now has to spend all day and night in a kennel. Shelters do the best they can, but the dogs are in kennels with the only human interaction being from the volunteers. I think it’s okay to leave your dog as long as you are spending a good amount of time walking and interacting with them when you are home.
I agree, its a pet, a pet is not a child. Food, Water safe comfortable and lots of love during time with pet. That’s why dogs get excited when they hear or see a car drive up, or a knock on the door. They want attention which is natural, but during good part of day alone or with a human present they sleep. Be consistent and enjoy the animal for you are the master, they are not meant to be in control of your life. They may bark, dig, chew, that’s what dogs do especially when young. But just as babies grow and are loved by parents who are consistent in care, and bounders set for their safety and they too are made to feel safe, secure.
The article stated:
“Here’s the thing, and I won’t pull any punches: 10 to 12 hours is too long for a dog to be alone in a single stretch.”
Your response talked about 8 – 9 hours. People who will leave a dog 10+ hours should probably not adopt especially if it is a younger dog.
I agree. A dog with a home is better than a dog in a shelter. I don’t know of too many people who can come home for lunch …work from home ..or take their dog to work. That’s a little ridiculous. I work in the medical field so that would never work. I have 2 rescue dogs who do fine all day. Have had them for 7 years.
I chose to work nights so my resescue furbabies are sleeping while im gone.
This is a great point. I volunteer at our local shelter and the dogs get just 2 walks a day, so the rest of their day is in a kennel. For 23 hours and 40 minutes a day they in a loud stressful kennel environment. That is much worse than being in a home even if they are home alone for long stretches of time.
Great article! I work from home most days, bring my two dogs with me to work when I have to go in the office, and feel guilty when I leave them for four hours. We are all different but bottom line, we all love our dogs and try to do right by them.
Thank you for taking on this issue. Most dog owners in our society say we consider them to be family members. So let’s accord them the consideration they deserve as sentient beings and true family members.
I am still not sure what the recommendation is for the “ideal” maximun time to leave a dog alone. I am retired. At most I leave my dog for six hours. She had terrible separation anxiety when I adopted her from animal shelter. She has been taking fluoroxine 10 mg/day and is doing well.
I have had dogs all of my life.
Since 1980 when I got married it has always been my duty to make sure the dogs
got a break during the day. We moved numerous times due to job transfers and strived to buy a house close to my work so I could run home on my lunch break.
After divorcing I bought a house ten minutes from my job. I worked shift work and the last years before retirement I came home on my break at 11 pm.
When I would return at 315AM they were ready to go out before we went to bed.
I have never understood the mentality of crating a dog all day long.
My ex husband always said I put the dogs first…..well maybe I did but I thought it was very important they get a break during my work day even if it meant I only had ten minutes to eat on my break.
Thank you for shining a light on the truth about dogs and crates.
Crates can offer safety. We have a sighthound (an Irish Wolfhound) who does not chase our cat (many sighthounds love to chase furry little critters), but we would never leave the two alone together. I trust her not to chase (and certainly not harm) our cat when we’re home, but I would not take a chance when we aren’t home. We don’t crate her, but the are in separate rooms. So am I an evil person for wanting to safeguard my cat? Or maybe I don’t deserve to have my dogs? I love all my animals and want to do the best I can for all of them. Don’t judge my situation until you’ve lived in it yourself. I work at home and seldom leave the animals alone. But there are days when I must leave and when I must, the dogs and cat are separated. Period. I refuse to come home to a badly injured or dead cat. Thank you for understanding. And our puppy mill dog is crated when I leave for a wide variety of reasons and she loves her crate. I would never deny her the security of her “safe zone”. I would never leave my dogs in a crate for more than 3 or 4 hours without a break, but crates aren’t necessarily the evil torture devices some people make them out to be. Yes, they can be, but any tool can be made into something used incorrectly. I use a hammer to pound in a nail–not somebody’s car. A hammer is a good and useful tool–if used correctly and harmful if used incorrectly.
The article stated:
“Here’s the thing, and I won’t pull any punches: 10 to 12 hours is too long for a dog to be alone in a single stretch.”
Are you leaving your dogs and/or cats inside a cage for 10+ hours a day.? If not, then no one is calling you anything.
Monica you are offensive, highly judgmental, and clearly need a life. Stop trolling individuals on this thread. You included your comments and have reiterated your thought multiple times. ENOUGH. Unless you are prepared to adopt EVERY dog to ensure that it is crated the “appropriate” amount of time, refrain from continuing to comment. YOU are a bully and NOT helping anybody/dog out with this behavior. Perhaps you and Kathryn are related?
JENNIFER: Go virtue signal somewhere else. Monica has a right to her opinion whether you like it or not.
If you have to compare the way you treat your dog to the way it would live on the street to feel okay about your dog’s quality of live, you definitely shouldn’t own a dog. It’s not all about you, it’s about the dog. Not letting a dog out every 6 hours or less is painful for the dog and leads to health problems like kidney stones and bladder infections, etc. You can have someone come by mid-day before you get home from work and let the dog out, you can have a doggie door installed, or you can find a better home for the dog. Anything is better than ignoring your dog’s health.
Having two (or more) dogs reduces loneliness significantly. My dogs often nap side by side and they interact with each other throughout the day whether I am at home or not. They groom each other and play tug of war with their unstuffed toys when I am away. They like it when I return because it means walks and treats, but they are not frantic. Both dogs are reliably house-trained and are not destructive, so they are free in my house when I am gone. There is a risk of household accidents if they have digestive upsets, but free run works much better than having them lying in their poop and it happens rarely. They can move from their sunny morning nap spot to where they keep their toys (the brain-stimulating variety). I am not sure whether it helps, but I usually leave public radio on so there is music as well. I make arrangements for them to be let out if I am go,ing to be away for more than 4 hours (I have found that they ask to go out about every 4 hours if I am home). Of course, fresh water is always available.
I have the same situation, Alice. We have three dogs and I think they do a lot for each other when we are not home–playing, cuddling, etc. They also have free-reign of the home with access to water and toys. I don’t feel bad at all about leaving them home alone together up to six hours (max). I feel like this article really overlooks the benefits of a multi-dog household.
Agree…some of us can “hold it” for longer, but we shouldn’t. I don’t have anyone I feel good about entrusting my sometimes reactive pup with or to check on her…recently I wanted to take a flight on a retiring aircraft, and although it was a tight turnaround…calculating the getting to the airport and back time it would have been 10-11 hours and I had to say no…I loved the plane, but I love my little one far more.
Keep searching for the right person or persons to help you out. I can’t count how many people I’ve interviewed and have had meet us to find out if they would be a good fit to interact with our “reactive” sensitive boy. I was so fortunate to meet a wonderful trainer when he was a puppy and already displaying lots of troubling behavior. She (and a consultation with the veterinary behaviorist at UC Davis) helped me learn about best practices for training and interacting with him, so that I knew what to look for in people that I could allow to be part of his care. The vast majority of people did not fit with our program or his needs, but eventually I found a few who do. Now we have several fantastic members of “Team Vinny” as we call it. It not only gives me peace of mind and opportunities to be gone longer hours sometimes or out of town for a few days (they stay at our home with him), it also helps make his world a little bigger, enhances his life, and provides him with more opportunities to interact appropriately with others.
Having two (or more) dogs reduces loneliness significantly. My dogs often nap side by side and they interact with each other throughout the day whether I am at home or not. They groom each other and play tug of war with their unstuffed toys when I am away. They like it when I return because it means walks and treats, but they are not frantic. Both dogs are reliably house-trained and are not destructive, so they are free in my house when I am gone. There is a risk of household accidents if they have digestive upsets, but free run works much better than having them lying in their poop and it happens rarely. They can move from their sunny morning nap spot to where they keep their toys (the brain-stimulating variety). I am not sure whether it helps, but I usually leave public radio on so there is music as well. I make arrangements for them to be let out if I am going to be away for more than 4 hours (I have found that they ask to go out about every 4 hours if I am home (they each weight about 45 pounds)). Of course, fresh water is always available.
I agree with Pam’s comment, that your article could very easily deter a perspective dog owner to forget the idea of
adopting as they can’t afford a dog walker, can’t work from home or work too far away to come home at lunch. The article is an awful “guilt trip” to place on people who love their animals but can’t live up to your expectations
I agree with you. i work full time and have done so for 25 years and my dogs have done just fine while i am at work for 9 hours. My dog gets a walk and play time morning and evening. My current pup is crated and has a dog walker 3 times a week. she is still chewing stuff in front of us so we still crate. she’ll be 2 in Dec. My rescue puppy is happy and loved and gets lots of attention. i hope to work from home someday but my current job won’t allow it.
I am retired and Pepper is alone sometimes. Actually I schedule my time around Pepper, trying my best not to leave her alone more than fife hours six the most.. After that I am on pins and needles… I have declined many party invitations because my dog was not welcome.
Recently that has started to change…..friends who figured out why I decline invitations, have started to welcome Pepper as well. She really is well behaved and very sweet and made some new friends.
Dogs are pack animals and need to be part of a group, no matter if it’s people or other dogs. They do not like to be alone, and as the article points out, if they are left alone for long periods of time, they will develop neurotic behaviors. My dog is always very happy since I work at home. I make sure that she has her needs attended to, and we have lots of fun time together when I take breaks from working. I also take her with me on errands, and to restaurants that have outdoor dining that allow dogs. When on vacation, I take her with me to dog friendly hotels.
Because of the security she feels, she is an amazing friendly dog, and her tail is constantly wagging. She loves people and they love her upon first meetung her. I rescued her a year ago, so I admit, that I have been overprotective, but she has adjusted very well. Tops, I leave her alone for 3 hours when I can’t take her with me. For the first time, I will have a sitter at my home since I will be gone for 6 hours. She knows the sitter, so I hope it will work out well. I agree with the person who said that if you work away from home, you should have two dogs.
What controversy!! Clearly we love our dogs and stand firm to what we are doing is right!
In a perfect world we would have unlimited income and no need to work…I have a multi dog home. One 5 yr old who went to doggy daycare when she was the youngster living with 3 elders… The elders passed on and now 5 is the oldest with 3 soon to be 3 year olds (various large breeds). They stay home when I’m away 3 days a week for 12 hours. Have run of the house and doggy door to a very large outside area. (As the elders did) I would prefer to be wealthy and a permanent stay at home dog mom. But make the best of it like the rest of you. I recently took my 5 yr old to “visit” her old daycare, she adamantly refused to get out of the car! Resisting any thought of going into daycare. I think companionships are vital and having another more than one dog is best for the dog.
I’m glad someone I can only imagine what torture it must be for an intelligent social animal, 100% reliant on you, to be alone the greater part of the day, every day. I have a small, clingy rescue dog. Three hours is max for her, and I don’t do that often. Anything more, I hire a pet sitter. But usually she goes nearly everywhere with us. I’ve worked hard on manners so she is welcomed most places. I realize not everyone has that luxury … but if you really can’t share much time with a dog, than maybe that isn’t the right animal for you. Great article — it needed to be said — and the author offered many workable solutions.
I am happy to see this topic being discussed. This is not about guilt tripping anyone- it’s talking about what is best for our dogs. Dogs are social animals. Leaving them with no interaction for 10+ hours is not good for them. I agree- two dogs can help the situation. But getting someone to stop in- whether a dog service or friendly neighbor or a teen who lives in the neighborhood- is a great idea. Win-win for all.
Great comment!
Amen!
Thank you for this article, especially for the comments regarding crates, which confirms something I’ve always suspected. We’ve used crates for training, but once our pups are house trained, that’s been it.
I am wondering what your thoughts are about the impact of having multiple pets. A few comments have mentioned this as a help for dogs left alone, and we’ve almost always had more than one dog (and cats). I’m fortunate enough to have a flexible work schedule so our pups are rarely without human company for more than 6 hours, but occasionally, they are. Does having other animals in the house make a difference for them? We don’t see destructive behaviors.
Hmm, I see I have a couple typos in my previous post! I can’t seem to edit, so please delete “I’m glad someone” and “than” should be then. Sorry!
I never leave my 3 year old working line German Shepherd alone for more than 5 hours. I leave for work at 5:30 a.m. and my ex-husband (yep… my EX) works overnights and comes to the house by 10:00-10:30 a.m. and stays with her until I get home at 3:00. I swore that I would “do right” by her when I got her at 12 weeks and I do all I can to ensure she is happy and healthy. I don’t go out at night often if ever (I’m 65…been there, done that), and on the weekends when I run errands, if I’m going to be gone long, the Ex will come stay with her. We divorced, but we’re still close. He understands how much she means to me and is comfortable helping take care of her. She’s very reactive so doggy daycare was out of the question and, quite frankly, I don’t trust anyone with her. She is the joy of my life and if she were mistreated I would never forgive myself. I’ve become “one of those” dog people, but I couldn’t give a rat’s behind what anyone else thinks. She’s my family and she comes first. Thank you for this enlightening article. I will be sharing it frequently!
After I retired I fostered an 8 yo blind English Setter whom I later adopted. I could not leave Amber alone EVER, not even for 15 min. She had such bad separation anxiety she would get diarrhea and then pace in it. I always hired a pet sitter for her when I had to run errands. If the pet sitter was not available, I stayed home. I also had a second adopted dog, Lacey, so Amber was not lonely, she just needed a support person in order to feel secure/safe. Luckily, my pet sitter was also active in rescue work so understood her needs (and her fees were reasonable). I don’t think I could have managed otherwise.
Thank you for highlighting this disturbing practice today of locking and storing dogs in cages. I hope to soon see it phased out here in the U.S. and banned, as it is in many European countries. Our dogs have always been adopted from shelters or rescued. The unspoken promise to each dog: they will never lose their home again, and they will never again be forced to live in a cage. Ever since I’ve lived with dogs, the priority whenever we moved was finding a home with a large fenced yard. (Some of the houses left a lot to be desired, but had good yards!) If there was no fence, we had one installed immediately. (Physical fences — not electric shock collar perimeters!) We’ve always had two or three dogs, and they seem to be very content with and derive much joy from each other’s company. Dog doors lead to a large, well-fenced backyard. Our dogs relieve themselves whenever they need to, 24/7. If they choose to enjoy a nap in the morning sun and breeze for awhile, they do that when they please. If I have to be away for a day of errands, indoor webcams indicate they get up, move around the house, drink water, and go outside about every 3 hours. I’m by no means wealthy. We make situations work when they are important enough to us. And nothing is more important to me than my dogs, their health, and happiness.
Okay, here’s a situation. I know a lady who has a little dog (a Yorkie). This dog isn’t properly house trained (and the owner has absolutely no interest in doing the job properly). When the family is gone, if the dog is given the run of the house, she will poop not only on the floor, but also on their furniture (beds, couch, chairs, etc.). The were ready to take her to the shelter when someone (not me) suggested they crate train her (why that was more acceptable to her than to fully house train the dog I don’t know, but it was). It is doubtful that this little dog would get adopted due to a number of behavioral issues–the pooping is just the tip of the iceberg. They crate trained the dog and she loves her crate and will go in it of her own choice. They crate her when they’re gone and everybody’s happy and the dog still has a home. Would you rather they dump the dog at the shelter with the most likely outcome being a dead dog?
I think what seems to be most difficult for many people, based on many of these comments, is that their first priority is their desire to have a dog, not whether their current life/work situation really works best for a dog. As indicated in the article, many dogs do “act out” when left alone, because they are social creatures, like people. Being left alone for hours can be terrifying for many dogs. From the situation you described, it sounds like working with a trainer might be a possibility for this dog and owner to improve their lives. Personally, if I was captured, forced to live in a cage where all I could do for hours and hours every day is stand up, turn around, and lie down again, try not to eat or drink, lest I have to sit in my own waste, and this was going to be life for all the years ahead, yes, I think death would be kinder. If returned to the shelter, there is also the possibility that another adopter or foster family better suited to attending the needs of this dog could give it a good life. So, no, I don’t think everyone should have a dog just because they want one.
Yes! Overcrating and all day crating is abuse, plain and simple. Your dog is not necessarily better off with you than without you.
Absolutely!!!!! Everyone is an expert all of a sudden. Common sense people. You know YOUR dog better than this author and the commenters. You do what works best for your family.
When I was very young in the 70s I worked for a veterinarian group in Socal, in a fairly upscale neighborhood. I had thought that being a vet might be a possible occupation that I would enjoy. I was flabberghasted that SO many people gave their pets such poor care and quality of life. For example, many dogs with severe flea allergies were routinely brought in for steroid shots to treat their red, inflamed, thickened, itchy, smelly skin irritation from the dog’s response to the flea allergy despite the vets’ ongoing patient educational attempts at how to eliminate fleas from the environment. It was a very educational experience in many ways. I realized that dogs were totally dependent on their often ignorant and unmotivated owners and that I was too sensitive to confront this daily and chose another occupation. Which is quite fortunate in hindsight. Some owners are motivated and well intentioned, and education will likely improve their dog’s lives. Others are basically selfish and will continue their negligent habits causing cumulative harm to pets and children.
I traded my social life for a life focussed on my dog’s needs. I work all day with one thought in my mind: when can I go home and see him. I feel very guilty when I am stuck in traffic! I usually go home to pick him up and take him grocery shopping even though he waits for me in the passenger seat. He puts his head on my arm and I know he likes being with me. Even driving to places. I am thinking of getting him a sister for company. Although my cat is good company as well.
Keeping multiple dogs together makes it easier to leave them alone (providing they get along).
However, please also consider that it makes it much harder to bring your dogs out & about with you.
I started out with one dog who came everywhere with me. Now that I have added two more to the pack, group outings are chaotic to say the least, and if I leave one or two dogs behind at home, there’s hell to pay when we get home.
This article doesn’t take into account that many people cannot financially survive on a 40 hour work week anymore and may have more than one job to make ends meet. The article makes it sound like dog ownership is only for the wealthy that can afford the luxury of coming home for lunch, paying for doggie daycare and being home every night at 5 p.m. That is just not feasible for so many of us that are paying off student loans and working exhausting hours to just pay the rent. I LOVE my dogs but also have bills to pay and must be away from home fore longer than 8 hours at a time. Does that mean I not deserve to have my dogs?!
Agreed! I’m deferring retirement so I know I will have enough money to pay vet bills.
Yes. Dogs deserve better.
No one “deserves”to have a dog to mistreat.
Wow, Kathryn.
We have a dog flap so our dog can go in or out into our secure garden as and when she pleases.
The article states:
Here’s the thing, and I won’t pull any punches: 10 to 12 hours is too long for a dog to be alone in a single stretch.
Rich or poor, if you have to leave a pet 10+ hours, then you shouldn’t own one. Owning a pet isn’t a right. Its a responsibility.
My first reaction was that it’s always someone else’s expectations that seem to determine public opinions! Dogs are increasingly taking the place of children with ever increasing must dos or you are a bad ‘pet parent’. That is just plain wrong. We have dog sitters, dog psychologists and almost mandatory play sessions now for dogs. That sounds an awful lot like taking care of children if it becomes common place and EXPECTED.
I always ask people who leave their fur babies alone for extended periods this question. How long can go without going to the bathroom? Usually the response is around 3-4 hours. I then ask, So what makes you think your dog should hold it longer? The shocked and light bulb going off look is priceless!
I have a 7 month old puppy who loves sleeping in his crate which is beside my bed. That is the only time that he is in it – nite-nite time. Other than that, I have a playpen set up in living room, and he goes in and takes naps in that during the day (as well as on my lap). I do put him in the playpen when I have to run errands (grocery shop/dr appts, etc), but it’s not over a couple hrs at a time. I also leave him in my kitchen at times (after making sure everything is out of his way) like going to visit daughter who is recovering from surgery. There he has his bed, water, kong or chew and a peepee pad. He is doing well, with the exception of training which we start on next month.
Like others have said, I can afford my one dog (I used to have multiple dogs, as well as cats). I can’t afford pet walkers, pet sitters, daycare. My dog is reactive and I would not trust a random neighbor to walk him safely. I just moved 8 months ago, and don’t know anyone well enough to remotely trust them with my dog or to be inside my home while I’m away. I work a 40 hour week. Between the commute, 30 minutes for lunch, and the 8-hour day, my dog is home alone, inside with free run of the house, for about 9.5 hours, 5 days per week. Other than that, I give him my all. My job provides the roof over his and my heads and the food we eat. I don’t “love” my job, and I am also isolated and lonely at work. My dog and I are in it together. I will not feel guilty.
Thank you, Natalie. I am in the same boat. I will not be made to feel guilty about leaving my dogs at home when I need to be away by keyboard warriors who do not know me or my situation.
The article states:
“Here’s the thing, and I won’t pull any punches: 10 to 12 hours is too long for a dog to be alone in a single stretch.”
You said you are leaving your dog for 9.5 hours. Seems like you just made it.
My world is my fur family. I’ve had my rescue dogs for 10 years. They are loyal and my best friends. I dont deny them comforts at home. We go for rides “just because”. When I’m home they are near me. I work nights so they are sleeping while I’m gone. I love them with my whole heart. They are my life. Yes i don’t go out or date. My dogs are my life.
I work part-time and my husband works full-time. I have always adopted adult rescue dogs because I did not feel it is fair to leave a puppy for 5 and a half hours 4 days a week but my adult rescues are fine with this. I walk them before and after work and they attend my training club with me and also dog shows at weekends.
We had a very bad experience with being sold na extremely aggressive dog by a breeder who did not tell us the truth that the dog had not been socialised or left its own garden and after that I could not go through getting another adult dog. Before I got my puppy I asked my employer if I could work split shifts until my puppy was older. I was lucky in that my job needed people to work early & late so they were agreeable to this as it helped them staff times when others did not want to be there. I worked 8-10.30 then 3.30 – 6pm each day for 8 months whilst I socialised and training my puppy. He was only left for 2 hours at a time and crated when left though my older dog was in the same room so he was not left alone. This arrangement worked very well and he is now a therapy dog and has won talent & obedience competitions due to all the work I put in when he was a puppy. It is so wrong to h ave a dog and leave alone all day-they need mental stimulation as well as human company and walks. I would not have considered getting a puppy and leaving it for more than couple of hours. The trouble is we think of our needs but what about the dog’s?
I’ve had dogs all my life and not once have I ever left a dog alone for more than3 hours once a week when I go shopping It would never occur to me to leave a dog alone. I think most of them liked going out because as I come home my dog and even my cat come running to see what I got for them ..When my husband and I would go away for long weekend I made sure my son was going to be home and I’d call and he was home and taking the dog for a walk. It always worked for me and my husband. Never ever leave the dog alone. And when we would go away for a weekend we always left a phone number for us in case of an emergency.
I have a 12 year old English Lab/Mastiff who is perfectly content to be alone. Even though I’m home all day, he will not ask to go out. We used to do an hour of walking a day, but sadly, his arthritis no longer allows him to do that.He walks, does his business, and heads for home. My husband does take him out before we go to bed, but the dog doesn’t take advantage of the opportunity.
As for the crate, we have one. The door is open all the time and he can use it or not, as he wishes.
I am relieved to read this article. I was taking my Cooper to work every day after first rescuing him, mainly to insure his house training needs. He is now house trained. My in laws who live in the house with us were not in a good position to help with that. Now, I leave for work by 6 am every day I let him out before leaving to do his business). My husband walks him at 8 am and then he leaves for work when he is home ( only occasionally not) then, my in laws will try to let him out during the day. Cooper is often resistant to their doing so. And growls. I get home by 4 and pay him attn and we go for another walk. I worry he self limits himself while I’m at work. Trying to find training or play dates for us.
Nancy I love you for writing this article. As a dog walker I refuse to take clients that keep their dog in crates all day long. Common comments are: ‘oh, the dog is use to it’ or ‘It’s puppy training’. It brakes my heart and just can’t do it. They suffer. Most of the owners don’t even put water inside the crate. All the dogs I walked, I have never the feeling that they are okay with being alone all day. I they could choose they would not choose having a lonely life like that. Deeply traumatized dogs may behave different but this is another story.
I work from home and I am with them 23.5 hrs out of 24 a day. And still when I leave to go to the store and it is too hot with carbon dioxide global warming, to take them with, they misbehave. Dog one will leave a big poop by the front door, even if I was only gone 20 minutes. Dog two goes around and chews up wires. I dread going home after grocery shopping! I can’t imagine what I would come back to if I left them for hours!
I am an experienced dog owner and have trained and shown my dogs in breed and performance for over 2 decades. The comments in this article would discourage many of us in the workforce from having a dog. I agree that young puppies should not be left alone/ crated all day but once your pet is housebroken and trustworthy in the house (I.e. no chewing furniture, getting into trash etc), it is OK to leave them alone in the house uncrated for 7-8 hrs. The latter provided you give them a good romp and/or walk before you leave and of course the same when you return plus extra attention in the evenings. Also, intermittent venues of socialization are important such as doggie day care once in awhile and/or training classes. My dogs are my life and most of my leisure time is dedicated to them. Weather permitting, they always join me when running errands. I think for this reason they have always done fine on their own during the week, especially since they spend most of the day asleep. Yes, it’s not the ideal situation but ultimately does no harm to your dog if you take the extra time to give your pet the love and attention it deserves!
thank you for saying this!
I agree with you Deb. Working folks can provide love and a safe home for our pooches. But I also agree with the article that 9 plus hours alone is too long for any pooch.
I agree that long periods of time alone and no potty break is not ideal for a pack animal. Nor is being confined in a tiny space all day. However, on the flip side, my sister was declined a dog by several rescue groups because she works. So instead of rescuing she purchased a puppy. She lives in the country, owns 30 wooded acres with a creek, has another small dog and has trained both to use the pee pad for long days at work. I sincerely hope the dogs in the rescue groups went to an equally fun home. Yes, we should strive to do the best for the creatures in our care. But I also think the focus should be on the ~670,000 dogs being euthanized in the US each year.
I have a rescue dog since he was 70 months old. He is now 10 years old. He is our first dog. I had a cat for 17 years. When he was first with us, he would raid the kitchen bin. The mess was all over the floor and broke the bin. The large bin was replaced 3 times. I said I had had enough and if he did it again, I would take him back to the rescue centre but then I would feel sorry as we were his 3rd home in 7 months.Even though he is 10 years old, he is still full of energy and mischief. I never realised how much personality a dog could have. My husband does not believe in having animals sleeping in the bedroom. So our dog sleeps in the utility room. I feel it is better for him as it means when I am away and he is with the dog sitter, he does not pine for me at night. He sees it as a treat because he is allowed to sleep on the dog sitters bed. He has a crate that has a bed in side it and one tide on top of the crate as h like to jump onto the top of it. The crate dog is never closed. He coms and goes as he pleases. If I have to leave him for more than 4 hours my friend takes him to her house and he spends time with her dog and I return the favour. I never realised how close the relationship would be between myself and my dog.
I have 3 whippets, work 4 days a week 7 hours out of the house, a 5 minute bike ride / commute away.
Half way during these 7 hours I have a Dogwalker come to the house for an hour, to walk, cuddles & fresh water & treats before she leaves. They seem to be ok with it.
Dogwalking services can be very expensive, especially with multiple fur kids.
Check in your community for perhaps retirees or students. My Dogwalker is a spunky 74 lady, who is well known in this community for her love of animals. She doesn’t have her own dog, because she’s too busy looking after other dogs & cats.
She is a firecracker & we are so blessed to have her. Also consider a hidden camera when you start with a new Dogwalker. Piece of mind & I caught several years ago a young professional Dogwalker just spending 20 minutes, instead of 1 hour she was paid for. When you have that funny feeling in your gut, investigate.
I would like to suggest to readers that if you have the time and have neighbors with a dog home alone for long days, maybe offer to let them out and play with them for free if you can. I did that and the owners were totally surprised that I would even want to. They wouldn’t have felt comfortable asking me. They thought they would be imposing or that there was no way a middle aged woman would want to do that. Now they pay me a fee they’re comfortable with and even hire me for their vacations so the dogs can either stay with me and our dog or I let them out 4-5 times a day. It benefits the entire neighborhood when the lonely dog(s) aren’t barking all day and frustrating some neighbors. Plus the dogs are all now socialized to the other people and pets from me walking them during the day. I also take in their mail, deliveries, trash bins, etc. It makes the house look occupied and is safer for all of us.
There’s certainly good information in this article and I think everyone would benefit from considering their dog’s needs more fully. But I chafe at any recommendation that tells people how long any dog can be in a crate, home alone, etc. Yes, it makes it easy to moralize, but dogs, families and situations vary greatly and what sounds awful to one person may in fact be the most humane option for a particular dog.
My dog and I have done a tremendous amount of work to help him overcome his severe reactivity, attended a lot of classes together, have a great petsitter that visits daily, and use a great daycare once a week. We play games, go for walks, etc. every day. And he spends probably 10-12 hours a day in his crate.
Not only is he doing well, if I were to let him free roam he would be much unhappier. He truly feels safe in there. I know this because if I leave him unattended outside his crate, his reaction to external stimulus is extreme and probably really unpleasant for him. And with me not there to help him out, he could really hurt or upset himself.
This dog came from a chaotic, deprived situation and meeting his needs takes up a good part of my life. And part of meeting those needs includes predictable structure, including a safe place to stay when I’m gone. So please, check yourself before your go condemning others based on a rule of thumb that isn’t necessarily applicable to all situations.
Andy – thank you for writing this! My dog is also very reactive, we work on this continuously. He was crate trained. In TTouch training we found out how much he needs pressure on his body (bandages, thunder shirts) to calm him down. Since I put a doughnut type fluffy bed in his crate he is in there all the time, enveloped by fluffiness on all sides. I have a camera on him when he is in the closed crate and he barely reacts to doorbell or other outside noises. When he has free reign of the house he explodes at every noise, he bites if we try to calm him. So yes, a crate can be a good thing!! We can not take him anywhere with us, he is too reactive for day care. So if we want any sort of social life we have to crate him, four hours max. Left alone in a room he will pace continuously, never settling or resting.
They need our presence. We have been breeding them for centuries to have extraordinary social skills with humans. All of them, even dogs that are said to be “less close to humans”.
Very true but most of the time i carry my dog along with me 🙂
Is my 4 1/2 (I’m retired and live only with my dog Ethel, 7 1/2) hours of work next door OK? Your guidelines fail to mention any “surveys” of dogs happy with, for example, 4 hours or so in which they are alone.
Such ‘surveys’ would make your article about 100 times more useful!
Yours, Sid / Chicago
Talking a friend recently, we got on the topic of dogs and how they can rule your life. She admitted that although she loves her dog, Hattie, she often feels burdened by guilt when leaving Hattie home alone. She and her husband and kids go skiing every weekend of winter and spring when snow is on the ground.
I like how you suggest coming home for lunch as often as you can to take care of your dog. My neighbor told me that he would like to get a puppy since he lives alone but he does not know how to take care of a pet. I will share this article with him so that he can think about getting a puppy before taking the decision.
As to crates, I adopted a dog with severe separation anxiety. He was one who was very attached to his crate. About the 2nd day after I left him at home to go to work the neighbor told me he barked literally all day. I put him in his crate before I left the next day and waited outside to see if he would bark. He did not.
Hi Nancy Tucker,
All of us have to go through this pain. leaving our loveable pets at home for a long time. We have nothing have to do. Your tips were more effective. Whatever we do we have to make sure of their (pets) safety. I have learned new things from your post.
Thank You
Alison Parker
@DogMexico
Hello Nancy Tucker,
your article is very nice and informative. I like your article. Thank you for this post.
I adopted a one (1) year old German Shepherd in 2017 and he and I are together (alone) about 23 hours a day. (I am retired, have no family, and only a handful of treasured friends who are in and out weekly). The person here the most is a somewhat un-needed health care worker, three days per week for 4 hours. My Kody adores her (and anyone else he meets!). But, after it taking 2 years to get him over the abuse piled on him for the first year of his life, I immediately tried to find another dog or two to give him a more balanced life. I could see that his bond with me was going to become problematic if he was not distracted from his reliance on me for EVERYTHING in his life. He was not having any of that and I have gone thru countless “meet and greets”, that did not end well due to his aggressive attitude. (All bluff, but the other dogs can’t be expected to know that.) I am also disabled, so walks are out of the question (he weighs 100 pounds). We play ball (with a thrower), and I take him to the Vet, just to sit in the waiting room and meet other people and animals, and to Tractor Supply with me (the only store that allows dogs in the area I live) a couple of times a month. He also goes everywhere with me unless I know he would be in the car for over an hour (I leave the car running with heat or air conditioning, if necessary, and he has a water bowl. If left at home, he has the run of the house and has never caused damage or gone potty in the house, from day one. I have never even owned a crate let alone used one. I share my house with my dogs, all of my house. When we are out, I do need to keep a Herm-Sprenger collar on him just so I know I have COMPLETE control of him, having physical disabilities and a decrease of strength (along with age of 67). He gets so happy to meet new people or animals, that he’s a little rambunctious. The Herm-Sprenger is the SMALL 2.25ml size, with extra links-I tried it on my neck and it didn’t hurt at all-just gets his attention. He loves it when I put it on him as he knows we are going traveling! I worry that being with me so much is not good for him….as my pain has increased, our traveling is decreasing. I want him to be balanced and happy, I love him so very much. Am I being unfair to him in keeping him from having a family instead of just me? I have always believed that extremes of any type are not good for any living thing/person/animal. Can you give me your opinion on this subject, please?
I’m not the write of the article, but I have a GSD, 6 years old now. Gracie and I live in my home and I am not working anymore. My parents’ home has been Gracie’s second home since she was a puppy and she is much loved by my family. Gracie was crate trained as a puppy, she knows the “Go Crate!” command if I need to get her to stay put, for when repair people come or anybody who is not comfortable with a big German Shepherd. They can be intimidating! My dogs have always been GSDs or crossed with GSDs. While they love people and are very selective with dogs, they become attached to their people, whether one or many. Sounds like you are very devoted to your dog, as am I. Dogs are a huge commitment and deserve our love and attention. I don’t regret any sacrifices I have made to make sure my dogs are happy. I think you can tell if your dogs are content — trust your instincts because you know your dog better than anyone.
I don’t think it’s unfair to the dog to have just you. Kody is your dog, and relies on you as much as you rely on him. You guys are family. I think it speaks volumes that you would ask the question if he would be better off with a family – it shows you’re willing to prioritize his well-being and happiness above your own. What better owner could a dog have than that? Of course you should be together and stay together for all your days.
I tried adopting an adult rescue dog and found that I was becoming stressed out worrying about him while I was at work. So I’d speed home at lunch time to check on him every day. A 30 mile round trip drive. After a month I knew this wasn’t going to work and returned my precious dog to the shelter. Now I’m depressed and worried about him being scared and lonely at the shelter.
The shelter folks were kind. Telling me that at least the little guy had a month away from the shelter. And I was able to provide details about my little guys personality and habits. He was damn near an angel dog. Slept in bed with me and snuggled on the couch. Walked well on a leash. Never barked and was not the least bit aggressive. A total sweetheart. He’s a good looking dog so probably will be adopted soon.
I’m 5 years from full retirement and will adopt again. But this ordeal has left me emotionally raw.
I think this is the near-perfect example of why the article sets unrealistic expectations that make dogs worse off. The adult rescue dog seemingly had an excellent home and was returned to a shelter because the owner couldn’t come home at lunchtime. Talk about making the perfect the enemy of the good!
We have 7 dogs. Two of them are Staffies that I rescued from a client’s building 5 years ago. We have to keep the Staffies separated from the others due to conflicts. The Staffies stay in the family room while we are away and the others stay n our master bedroom. We leave TVs on in each room. The Staffies each have a large crate. The crate doors are fastened in the open position all the time. The Staffies lounge in them, either one in each crate or both of them in one crate..their choice. We have video cameras installed throughout the house so we can check on them while we are gone. My wife is a nurse and is gone from 5:30am untl 3pm. I do IT and often work from home so the dogs are not left alone for long stretches. All our dogs are rescues. Thus far, all is well.
Great article and it’s absolutely true that bringing your dog to work is a great option, and I agree it’s becoming more and more acceptable. We started bringing our 8-week-old puppy to work right away, five days a week (an ad agency). She instantly had a community of dog lovers socializing with her, taking turns looking after her when I had to be in meetings, and taking her to the lunch room to be with them when I couldn’t join. A baby gate worked great to keep her in my office until she was old enough to be trained and trusted with her whereabouts. (She barked a bit when she was quite little and I was out of eyeshot so we went in on weekends when no one was there and trained her to be quiet.) I keep a crate with a permanently open door under my desk for naps. A colleague even trained her to do tricks, and the whole office has treats on their desks — she goes around to visit everyone and they love it. Clients love it too. Now we have another dog (who started coming as a pup,too) and my dog and theirs are the best of friends.
Love this article!! One thing I thing should be said, over and over, is some people should not have a dog. If you don’t make the effort to find out what all is required of you, as an owner of such a beautiful animal, then remove the selfish side of why you want a dog then see what is left. Do you want the responsibility or do you not! Question (fair or not): Would you leave a child alone?? Would you expect to come home and everything to be ok?? If you would like to have a dog then be sure you can and will treat them as a member of your family, with the same respect!
I agree with you Barbra. I know of people who seemed to check “Get a dog” off in order to complete their lives or family. But then they are out or gone a lot of the time and leave the interaction with their pet to a walker. Even working dogs, who have a different place in the lives of their owners, still share a bond and hopefully mutual respect. I cringe when I hear of someone say they’re caving in and getting a puppy because their kids have been bugging them for one. Knowing their lifestyle, I can sometimes predict what a lonely life that pet will live. I do my best to “give the talk,” and even if they don’t like what they hear, at least I’ve tried!
I have had 8 dogs and I had crates during training and they weren’t used often afterwards though I had a very wonderful dachshund who liked having one available.I also had a senior adopted spaniel who used it as a refuge.My current dog a spaniel should have always been crated when I wasn’t home.He had to have a very serious operation ( intusseptis?- telescoping of the intestines)when he was a year old.He ate everything – especially wood and the most peculiar things (cedar shoe trees etc)most bizarre was when he unpacked an antique pair of porcelain match strikers that were securely packed with bubble paper in a box under a heavy cupboard there were a few matches and he ate those too.He pulled staples, clips out of drawers ate eyeglasses and chargers shredded magazines but wood is his favorite. When I worked I had a dog walker he came twice a day and he was always alarmed at what had been chewed so I had to start crating him- my senior adopted dog was still alive and he had a companion in the apt..After the operation crating was a necessity not a choice.Whether his crazed wood chewing caused it is not known but I am sure it did not help.He is almost 4 now and he no longer chews but I still crate him- sometimes if I am down in the laundry room I leave him out but the other day I found him when I came back up playing with a pinecone that had rolled under a table during the holidays.I also have a cat now and I prefer to not leave them alone together- though she is quite mellow.He loves his crate he naps in it and sometimes when he sees me put my coat on he runs into it.I try not to leave him for more than 4 hours it is usually much less but I see no choice .The crate is a prized piece of real estate to the dog and the cat. I have seen the cat napping in it too.I think there are exceptions and some dogs need the security of the crate – I am home a lot more these days and he gets 5 or 6 walks a day so I think i tis better to keep him safe then go through another horrendous trip the emergency vet at 1AM.As i said my other dogs never required a crate unless they were sick or being housebroken but this dog needs it
I have a puppy mill dog we adopted a couple months ago. She hated the crate. We tried keeping her in it at night since she wasn’t potty trained but she barked continually. We then tried confining her to a certain area. She didn’t like that either so we decided to just let her loose. She never made another sound and used the potty paper if needed. She also picked up potty training very fast. The other puppy mill dog we had before her wouldn’t come out of his crate for a long time. Since we don’t know the puppy mill dogs history or what they have been through, perhaps we have to learn some of this as we go. Each dog is different and has different needs. Although we have only had Daisy a few months, she’s a very happy girl and we are working on one issue at a time. I personally think they each have individual needs and personalities
and should be looked at that way and not in a one fits all scenario.
We have an 11 year old Miniature Pinscher that we rescued 3 years ago. Her owner died unexpectedly on New Year’s Eve and no one wanted to adopt an older dog. Luckily, we learned about her through Next Door and Facebook and privately adopted her right before she had to go to a shelter. Very few people on this post mention using dog/baby gates. There’s a huge variety of these available on the market, even for large dogs. The gates are great for keeping dogs away from areas where they can be destructive, while still giving them free reign to roam about (so that they don’t have to be crated). Thankfully, my husband works from home and I am retired so our 13 lb. Min Pin is never alone for more than 3-4 hours. When she’s alone, she’s in the gated large foyer and adjacent mud room (both tiled), either on her daybed or in her crate (which has no door). She has no access to the carpeted areas, wood floors or the furniture when we’re away (although she did figure out how to open the gate and we’ve had to add a bungee cord). She used to be napping on her daybed when we came home until we put one of my husband’s favorite excercise sweatshirts in her crate. She loves snuggling in his ‘scent’ and now doesn’t race out to greet us as quickly as she did before. She now sleeps with the ‘aromatic’ (lol!) sweatshirt every night and clearly finds it very comforting. Needless to say, my husband had to buy another sweatshirt! We are so happy to have her and hope every rescue dog finds its forever loving home.
A bit off topic, but I think there is something to the idea of dogs being den creatures. When there are fireworks and they’re freaking out, my dogs are sent to their bedroom and chill in their den-like covered carriers which they sleep in. I never close the metal doors, though, as my rescue dog came to me with damaged teeth that most likely came from biting metal to try to get out of a cage.
Anyone who spends the time and money to read a monthly newsletter (along with daily emails like this one) about dogs is obviously devoted to their animal and wants the best for them. While you might not agree with them, I think everyone here has their heart in the right place when it comes to their dogs.
Of course it’s good to know what the ideal is — goals help us improve ourselves and the lives of our dogs. But few of us live in an ideal world where we have control over everything that affects our dogs.
My last three dogs have been adult, German shepherd rescues. The first one came from a shelter, after being found abandoned on a golf course. My second one was 18 months when I became his third owner. His first owner had abused him; his second owner had neglected him to the point of abuse. He didn’t wag his tail for the first four months I had him.
When I adopted my current dog, I remember thinking I really wasn’t rescuing him, I was adopting him. He had been an owner-surrender to a shelter. A week later, he was taken in by a GSD rescue organization, which is where I found him. He didn’t seem to have any of the baggage my previous dogs had. I decided it was OK if I wasn’t rescuing a dog that might never find a good home. I looked forward to taking this dog everywhere with me. I own my own business so that was an option, including the ability to work from home some days. I couldn’t wait to start sharing my life with him.
But I had no idea of who I had adopted. After two long months and countless vet visits, it took an internal medicine specialist to finally diagnose his chronic diarrhea as a food allergy. His strict prescription diet enabled him to have textbook-perfect stool. Problem solved. But oh, the behavior problems. The temper tantrums. Lots of trainers and classes — one trainer, who specialized in reactive dogs — said he was the most messed up GSD she’d seen in a very long time.
The ear infections and sores continued. I took him back to the specialty veterinary practice (affiliated with Cornell) and he started treatment with a dermatologist. He’s allergic to everything: all grasses, mold, dust, maple, oak, pine — and wool. He now gets daily oral Apoquel medication, a bath with special shampoo once a week, and an immunotherapy shot every other week. Thankfully, we’ve been able to discontinue the B-12 injections. He’s making progress.
But he’s still difficult. High value treats? He is only allowed to eat one thing other than his prescription diet: alligator, which is available from only one source online. He’s not allowed any chewies. He has to be given unflavored ivermectin for heartworm preventative. He destroys and attempts to eat the plastic of puzzle toys I buy him (except for one, which unfortunately doesn’t occupy him very long). He gets fed his meals everyday with a Bob-A-Lot (treat dispensing toy, so he gets some mental stimulation). We live on four acres with an Invisible Fence (go ahead and scream at me — but he abides by it completely and it enables him to run as hard as he can/wants. It also keeps him safe and he adjusted to it very quickly). He’s never left outside unless I’m home, but the fact is, he doesn’t really like being outside by himself. Just like he doesn’t play with anything by himself. He also has no interest in playing ball (of any kind, including discs) with me outside.
He was rejected from doggie day care. During his interview, they said he was so anxious they were afraid he’d have a heart attack. They weren’t willing to try to ease him into it a little at a time.
And my business has become much more demanding of my time. Sometimes I feel I’m working just to pay his vet bills, which are significant — and a lifetime expense.
Sometimes I crate him for much longer than any of us know he should be. I feel guilty. I contacted the rescue organization (I had stayed in touch with them from the start) and asked if maybe he’d be better off with someone else. I got an almost immediate reply: she didn’t think anyone would take care of him nearly as well as I do. She doubted anyone else would adopt him. And when I asked what would happen to him if I brought him back she replied that she wouldn’t allow a dog to live his life in a kennel, i.e. returning him is his death sentence.
So I ask for a little perspective here. I wish I could do everything right for my dog. I think everyone on this thread would say the same thing about their dogs. His dermatologist tells me I’m not allowed to beat myself up over my shortfalls. She tells me he is the best cared for dog in the universe. He’s not and I know it.
Send me a Lotto ticket that will enable me to stop working and I will provide him an ideal life. In the meantime, I know his life is a lot better than it ever was. I also know I’m not living my ideal life either. The real world requires trade-offs. Yes, it’s good to know what to strive for. But let’s not forget we are (unfortunately) human.
Thanks for being such a devoted dog owner!
It’s so refreshing to see responsible dog owners! I salute you!
Can you hold your pee for 10-12 hours.????? It can cause urinary tract infections. Except in an emergency dogs should not be left more than 4 to 6 hours maximum!
I think everyone needs to assess their situation and needs. Then get a dog if you want one based on his needs and your ability to fulfill them. It’s not rocket science people. Plan your “dog budget” accordingly and use all the tools to raise a healthy and balanced pet. Crates, Xpens, drag lines and lots of classes and or training will be your friend. It’s a combination of all those things that make “this dog“ your best one ever!!! You must be ready willing and able to enrich your dogs day and build a positive relationship with him. Yep you may loose an hour of sleep, yep you may miss drinks after work, yep you may have to rearrange your budget to “afford” the cost of pet ownership but it’s highly unlikely you’ll regret choosing to have a dog!!!!
My 3 year old female working line German Shepherd is never alone for more than 4-1/2 to 5 hours TOPS. I stopped crating her at 6 months and she’s a complete angel in the house. But I will not leave her alone for more than 5 hours. When I got her I promised her I would “do right” by her first and foremost. And to ME, 5 hours is the absolute limit.
We adopted when we got married years ago fast forward after divorce I kept the dog because I had the yard and dog door. He had the best food got regular vet care and on my days off took him to the park and the neighborhood, we went to many trips around town. He loved car rides! Unfortunately my job is shift work 3 days a week with 12-13 hours a shift. I read this type of crap and eventually surrendered him to the shelter since I couldn’t afford a sitter and couldn’t get any adopters. All shelters here are high kill….guess he had a few good 4 years before his euthanasia day. I often wonder how his last few days in the shelter and the smell of death in the death room. Will never adopt again!
So thanks to all that tell us how we shouldn’t leave dogs for that long. Some of us don’t have many choices.
Agreed, this article has me considering surrending my adopted pup. If I’m not able to afford daycare or walkers…..maybe she deserves to go to a better home 🙁
Hi Nancy,
I believe no dog should be left alone no matter what, but you have to spend some time apart so as to avoid getting your dog obsessive over you. There is a thin line between dependence and obsessiveness. But at the same time spending too much time apart can lead your dog to anxiety and stress.
For your dog’s own good, spend a little time apart from your dog so that you can actually enjoy and cherish the moments when you are together.
I like what you sad about making sure that your dog can go outside to relieve themselves 3-5 times a day. My sister has been telling me about how she wants to adopt a puppy in the coming months. I’ll share this information with her so that she can look into her options for caring for one properly.
It’s so beneficial to learn that 10-12 hours is too long for a dog to be alone at once since they usually have to go to the bathroom 3-5 times per day and can develop separation anxiety. I have a research conference I have to attend in August for the company I work for. I’ll make sure to find a pet pick up service in Dallas to take care of my sweet puppy, Mac.
Great site, dude!
Tener un perro implica sacarlo a pasear. Esto significa que la mayoría de los dueños de perros cumplen con la cantidad recomendada de un mínimo de 30 minutos de ejercicio al día.
Está comprobado que los dueños de perros son más saludables que las personas que no tienen mascota. Ayuda a reducir la aparición o desarrollo de afecciones como alergias, asma y afecciones en la piel.
Ven la responsabilidad de forma concreta y tangible al saber que tienen que cuidar de otro; sacarlo a caminar, darle de comer, bañarlo, llevarlo a revisión médica, etc.
You mentioned that it isn’t a good idea to leave your puppy home alone all day. If my husband and I both work out of the home, would it be a good idea to have a friend come and check on him around midday? I will have to keep these thoughts in mind as we consider buying a German Sheppard puppy.
The same is the case with me. would I check the dog at lunchtime? My German Sheppard puppy is 2 years old. It is necessary to check on him at midday? Any suggestions regarding this?
Firstly, I think the article was apt. I was well informed by a professional thank you. I’ve experienced my next door neighbours Pomeranian dog barking from 6.40 am till 6.30 pm at night without a break. The next door neighbour is my landlord and a good, kind hearted man who lives with his wife. she goes to work and he goes away for two to three times per week. The incessant barking is not only nerve racking but is stressful for the dog. I’ve offered to take the dog and keep my White Swiss company but they will not let me so this dog barks all day at least 3 days a week or more. If I call the council I would create a terrible barrier between us. any suggestions? I think its cruel!
This is a great article! I agree with all you said. Thanks a lot!
Firstly, I think the article was apt. I was well informed by a professional thank you. I’ve experienced my next door neighbours Pomeranian dog barking from 6.40 am till 6.30 pm at night without a break. The next door neighbour is my landlord and a good, kind hearted man who lives with his wife. she goes to work and he goes away for two to three times per week.
Its really nice
Thank you for writing this article. Short but true story of my own experience: I had the occasion to meet a 2 year old black lab, in an apartment where I was hired to do some house sitting. The dog was in the apartment all alone, and a couple times I noticed pee and poop on the floor. So I spoke with the owner, found that the dog wasn’t getting walked enough, and offered to walk the dog in the afternoon after I finished my work. I ended up walking that dog for about 3 months, and it was always a nightmare. The dog was so badly behaved he could barely walk on a leash at all without pulling in all directions and barking at everyone and was completely unmanageable. Eventually the owner offered me the dog because they were moving out of the country and the dog needed a new home. I told them I didn’t want the dog because I didn’t….I thought the dog was insane. But I did agree to let the dog live with me until a new home could be found. What happened next was incredible…..literally from the day the dog moved in with me, his behavior outside changed completely. He was calm. All of that misbehavior stopped. It was an amazing transformation. I forced myself to wait 3 days before I told the owner I would keep the dog, because I didn’t want to seem to impulsive. Because I work from home, that dog had constant companionship and I believe that’s what changed him so drastically. I spent the next 13 years getting complimented on what a great dog I had – so calm and well-behaved. But I never did any special training – that’s just the way he was. The point of my story is, all dogs want is to be with their owners. To leave them alone for long stretches of time is not good, and I believe the cause of a lot of problem behaviors. They are first and foremost companions. So include them as much as possible into your life.
My dog goes to daycare. It costs me $500 per month and that is an expense I accept as part of owning a dog. She gets a lot of play time and attention at the daycare and has gone from having severe anxiety to being fairly manageable. Having said that I know a lot of people who exercise their dogs morning and night and work all day and the dogs are fine. A lot of people think I am wasting money on the daycare but I feel it has made a positive difference in her life. I also know it is a luxury, but having a dog is a luxury these days!
I’m such a bad dog owner according to so many people who know it all on this subject. Our dogs had a brief walk in the morning then my husband and I went to work (someone had to pay for the dog food) and the kids went to school. Sometimes they delivered papers with the kids. Then the long hours when they read or played checkers or some such until we came home. We hiked with them every Sunday. Sometimes they were loaded into crates and flew across the US or to other countries. Through all this abuse our dogs remained stable, happy dogs who accepted all this. So did the cat. They all loved exploring Japan, Korea and Berlin. Perhaps English Setters are just accepting of whatever those abusive parents hand out to them. Don’t let people discourage you but think how you can handle the situation.
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I have had dogs all my life at the moment I leave my dog from 11;45am after about 2 hrs exercise and get home at about 6.10pm greeted by big yawns and a very happy dog.
I am sorry but if I had to leave her from 8.00am in the morning (No time for a big long walks) until 5.30-6pm at night and could not afford a dog walker I would not have a dog.
Someone on this site mentioned giving their dog apoquel avoid at all costs lost my Tia to cancer because of this awful drug stopped her itching but was slowly killing her.
Well, my dog had a bad skin infection, itching, exposed skin turning black, apoquel fixed that quick, he lived to be 16 1/2, which is pretty old for a 75 lb German Shepherd/Collie mix.
My boy, Mac was crate trained from a shelter and so I had no problem with his going in it. He would go into it when he just wanted to get away and be alone or if the grandkids were too noisy. I fully agree that you should not leave them all day, but there are things to keep them occupied – kongs w/ peanut butter or treats, antlers to chew on, stuffed animals to curl up with (if they don’t tear them up), and a radio or t.v. playing quietly in the room. Mac rarely got “locked” in after he was 15 most. I will eventually get another dog (my boy died of a massive stroke just before he turned 10) and crate train him or her the same way I did Mac. Just use some common sense in “locking” him with nothing in his “house”! A couple toys would be good too.
Hello
Thanks for sharing the great information. I read this blog and must say the information that you shared in this blog is really very useful. Please post more blog related to ”Top Pet Questions App”
Thank You.
Thank you. You do not have a “right” to own a dog. If you are going to be leaving your dog more than 3-4 hours a day due to your work then you wait until circumstances change and you can truly meet their needs. I’m sorry if that doesn’t fit our “gotta have it now” mentality but these are living creatures dependent on us, not car or designer handbag
What do you mean? Who took that right away? 🙄
Hey Nancy Tucker.
Sometimes I left my dog for 3 days alone. Will it be problematic to my dog? That happens only once or twice a month.
I’m horrified to read people leaving their dogs home alone for three to six days. This is animal cruelty and should be reported to authorities. It is everyone’s responsibility to report such abuse.
If your lifestyle is such that you’re not there for your dog, then be responsible and don’t have a dog.
Too many dogs are being bred. Dogs take time, commitment to daily walking a dog, feeding, regular vet attendance for essential vacs and check ups, brushing, bed cleaning, council registrations, when some dogs breed twelve pups at a time, there’s a big chance that only six will have a pleasant ideal life. Stricter rules should be imposed on breeders and owners. They’re not just fluffy cute pups to be adored for a few weeks, but a commitment for up to twenty years. Too many people dump them in dog shelters when they’re sick of them, or they move premises.
Please if you own a dog, give it the care and time it deserves. And if you see a dog being left for extended periods, it’s the community’s role to report it so the dog can get the attention it deserves.
I really enjoyed this article! When I have to go to the office, I bring my dogs with me, and I feel guilty leaving them for four hours when I’m working from home. Our dogs are special to all of us and we try to treat them well.
I’m sorry but if you are not in a position to meet your dogs needs, which includes not leaving them longer than 4 to 5 hours, then you wait until you are. In a world where people want everything now that seems to be a shock but these are living creatures, not a designer handbag or sports car
My neighbour has started a new relationship and has been staying at his home from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening and even longer some weeks leaving him alone in a small kitchen with no heating windows closed no lights on and no way of him getting outside.i often hear him crying
Everything
This mostly seems like a nagzilla article, obviously there are common sense guidelines for leaving your dog alone. Don’t really need 5000 words to describe them.
I was the one who said my dog was on Apoquel. It was a life-changer for us (for both my dog and me). After less than 24 hours of being on the medication, my dog could actually play; he was suddenly a different (much better/happier) dog. Imagine feeling itchy 24/7 — how can any living being focus on or enjoy anything?
I wrote my comment to this blog about 10 months before my dog, a pre-owned German shepherd, died. He was only 5 1/2 years old. He died of hemangiosarcoma, which is cancer of the blood vessels — and always fatal.
Was his cancer due to being on Apoquel? Possible, yes. But soon after I got him (he was 2 years old at the time), I started calling him my lemon dog. One thing after another, there was always something wrong with him.
I came to recognize that his gene pool was more like a cesspool. I’ll never know, but I’d put good money on betting that he was a puppy mill puppy. A beautiful dog, but a medical mess. Like allergies, hemangiosarcoma is often hereditary.
Hemangiosarcoma is rare in a dog as young as mine was. Could the Apoquel have accelerated his cancer? Again, possible. There are always risks in giving a dog immune suppressing medication. But I have no reason to think that Apoquel caused his hemangiosarcoma. I still think having him on Apoquel was the right decision for my dog.
Wow, what a teapot.
I think the answer lies in the dog. Some dogs are fine with being alone all day. My first dog, Caesar, was like that as was my second. I was gone for 7 hours a day to work but even on weekends they didn’t spend time with me. Caesar had afternoon nap time and Ramses was always going off doing his own thing. Evening was their time with me and they slept on the bed with me. Daytime seemed to be for them.
I retired before Ramses died. After him I got Diana as a puppy. While she does her own thing a lot and does take long afternoon naps, she will also seek me out in the yard or the house because she just suddenly has the urge for a hug. She will stand in front of me and lean in until I have to put my arms around her and stroke her chest with my chin in her head. After a bit she’s had enough and off she goes.
Freyja is my velco dog. Likely because of the time she spent in the shelter and having been returned twice previously (the second within 24 hours). If I’m working in the yard, 90% of the time she is near by, either sitting close or lying not far away. She needs constant reassurance that I love her with pets and strokes and eye contact and her constant need to kiss me. While she has gotten a bit better over the last three years I do no leave her alone. If I have to go Diana is with her and that is enough for her. But no way I can take Diana to the vet and leave her alone. So she must attend ever vet appointment that Diana has. Diana, on the other hand is perfectly fine. I can take Freyja to the vet and for all I know, Diana is relieved of the constant shadow of Freyja. Basically Diana is independent and Freyja is needy.
Some is nature and some is nurture.
You just have to know your dog.
I wouldn’t even do doggy daycare with Freyja unless I spent the first two or three weeks there with her. At the dog park she does wander off with Diana for a bit but she usually circles around and checks in with me periodically, sometimes not straying all that far from me.
And I would never board her.
Ramses hated the dog park so we stopped going. He was always next to me on high alert, guarding me. But when we were home in our own fenced in yard, he was quite independent and relaxed.
Dogs are individuals, just like people. Some are extroverts, some introverts, some very self assured and some high strung.
Do what’s best for your dog, not what’s convenient for you.