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Puppies develop quickly, and if you have a newborn litter at home, you will experience considerable changes in a short space of time. If you’ve just adopted a puppy, you will want to ensure that they are settled in properly and that they have everything that they need, including the opportunity to get used to their new surroundings and new family.
But you likely need to go to work or out shopping, there are plenty of other times when you might need to leave a puppy at home by themselves. Also, it’s beneficial to start training the habit at a younger age. So, how long can you leave a puppy alone?
Young Puppies
Newborn puppies are heavily reliant on their mothers to survive. Once your puppy reaches 3 or 4 weeks of age, they will have a bit more independence. However, while they might move away from their siblings to urinate and defecate, they won’t be going outside to use the toilet.
From the age of about 2 months and up to 3 months, puppies can be left alone for approximately 1 hour, but they should not be left longer than this. This is especially true if you have a new puppy that has just left their mother. They won’t be used to being by themselves and can suffer some sort of accident while unsupervised.
The One-Hour-per-Month Rule
This is a bit simplistic and may not work for every puppy. By the time your pup reaches approximately 4 months of age, you can adopt the 1-hour-per-month rule. This means you can leave your puppy for a maximum of 1 hour for every month of their life. So, a 4-month-old puppy can be left for a maximum of 4 hours, if they have been getting used to it gradually, while a 6-month-old can be left for 6 hours. You shouldn’t leave a young dog for periods of longer than 6 hours.
Teaching Your Puppy to Be Alone
There will be times in a dog’s life when they need to be left at home alone. Whether it is a regular occurrence while you go out to work or if it happens infrequently, if your dog isn’t used to being left alone, it can lead to behavioral issues. It is a good idea to get your puppy in the habit of being left to their own devices for short periods from a young age. Reach out to your veterinarian if you would ever encounter any behavioral issues with your puppy.
Tips to Leave Your Puppy Alone
Whether you need to leave your puppy alone or are looking to introduce them to the concept, it pays to be prepared.
1. Tire Them Out
There’s an old adage that a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. It may not be entirely true, but it is worth trying it with your puppy. Puppies, even those that are 6 months old, still need plenty of time to sleep, and this is especially true after they have had exercise. Play fetch to physically tire them out, or do some training to mentally exhaust them. You might find that they sleep the entire time that you’re out.
2. Start Small
Don’t jump straight to leaving a 6-month-old dog alone for 6 hours. Initially, you should start just leaving the house and then coming back again. This teaches your puppy that you will always come back, which can help reduce separation anxiety. Next, walk to the corner and back. Once your puppy is okay with 15 minutes, try half an hour, then an hour, and so on.
3. Have a Designated Puppy Area
A crate can be an excellent option for some puppies, as it provides a safe, cozy space where they can rest and feel secure. If you don’t have a crate, consider designating a specific room or sectioned-off area for your puppy. While it may seem restrictive, limiting their space can actually help them feel less overwhelmed when left alone.
4. Provide Toys and Activities
One of the reasons your puppy misses you while you’re gone is that a house can be really boring when there’s nobody in it. Provide puzzles and things like treat toys. Not only will these provide fun, but the activity can also take your puppy’s mind off the fact that you’re not home. You’ll be back before they’ve figured out how to get the last treat out of the Kong.
5. Pay Attention to Them When You Get Back
When you get back, greet your puppy in a calm manner without too much excitement. This helps prevent reinforcing overexcitement or jumping up at the door. However, once you’ve put your coat away and your keys in the bowl, it’s time to give your puppy full attention and praise. Then, enjoy a play session, engage in fun activities like fetch, and make sure they have a chance to go outside.
How Long Can You Leave a Puppy Alone?
Puppies are dependent on you for food, toilet breaks, time outdoors, company, and stimulation. When leaving them alone, it’s important to start with short periods and gradually increase the time as they grow. Young puppies shouldn’t be left alone for more than an hour or two. Between 3 and 6 months of age, a general guideline is one hour per month of age. Even as they get older, it’s best to avoid leaving them alone for more than six hours to ensure their comfort and well-being.
See Also:
- Can You Leave a Dog in the Backyard While at Work? Facts & FAQs
- Can Dogs Be Introverts? Vet Reviewed Explanations
Featured Image Credit: Jorge R Martins, Pixabay
