The dog is a social animal that lives in a group. Being alone therefore does not come naturally to them. They can still learn to wait calmly for your return, as long as you teach them step by step.
How long can a dog stay alone?
There is no single answer. It all depends on their age, character, health and what they did before you left.
- A puppy cannot hold on for long and needs company. Their absences must stay short, and lengthen very gradually.
- An adult dog that is used to it can stay alone for a few hours, if they went out beforehand and have something to keep them busy.
- An older dog may need to go out more often.
If your working days are long, arrange a solution for the middle of the day: a neighbour, a dog walker, a day care, or a return home at lunchtime.
Preparing for departure
A proper outing before you leave
A dog that has walked, sniffed and done their business is more ready to sleep. Before a long absence, plan a proper walk, rather than a quick turn round the block.
A corner where they feel good
Leave them in a room where they have their habits, with their bed, fresh water and a pleasant temperature. A bed with a raised edge, where they can rest their head and feel surrounded, helps them rest. You will find several models in our dog beds and cushions collection. If you are unsure about the spot, read our guide to where to put the bed.
Something to do
A chew toy, a snuffle mat or a treat-dispensing toy keeps them busy at the moment you leave. Choose sturdy toys, suited to their size, that they cannot swallow. Our guide to keeping your dog busy indoors gives more ideas.
Learning to be alone, step by step
Begin with very short absences, at a time when your dog is calm.
- Leave the room for a few seconds, then come back. Repeat several times a day.
- Close the door behind you, for a few minutes.
- Leave the flat: take out the rubbish, go and get the post.
- Lengthen the time bit by bit: a quarter of an hour, half an hour, an hour.
Move on to the next step only if your dog stays calm at the current one. If they get restless, go back a step.
Leaving and returning without drama
Long goodbyes raise the tension. A few minutes before you leave, stay calm and neutral, and gently ignore your dog.
Dogs also pick up on the signs of departure: keys, shoes, coat. Several times a day, pick up your keys or put on your coat without going out. These actions will gradually lose their value as a warning.
When you come back, wait for them to settle before you greet them. Then take them out so that they can do their business.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving them alone for a whole day as soon as they arrive: a dog discovering a new home needs time to find their feet. If you can, plan a few days at home when they arrive.
- Shutting them in a room they do not know: they would link your departure with a worrying place.
- Scolding them on your return for something they did: they do not connect it with what they did earlier, and they may dread your return.
Recognising separation anxiety
Some dogs cope very badly with being alone. Here are the most common signs:
- continuous barking or howling after you leave, sometimes reported by the neighbours;
- destruction near the door or windows;
- toilet accidents indoors even though they are house-trained;
- heavy drooling, panting, restlessness;
- a dog that follows you everywhere and gets agitated as soon as you get ready.
In these cases, your dog is in distress. Punishing them on your return makes their anxiety worse. Talk to your vet: they will check that there is no medical cause, and can point you to a veterinary behaviourist or a dog trainer.
To find out what happens when you are out, a camera or a simple audio recording helps a lot. And if the neighbours complain, explain to them that you are working on the problem.
In short
- Take your dog out before you leave, and leave them a comfortable corner with water.
- Lengthen your absences very gradually, starting from a few seconds.
- Leave and return without fuss.
- Leave them a sturdy toy to keep busy with.
- Continuous barking, destruction, accidents: talk to your vet.