how long are you allowed to keep your dog at home alone?

[Anonymous]

How long can you keep your dog at home alone?

[Anonymous]

My dogs have never been alone for more than 5-6 hours. We have always had a midday dog walker, and we would work from home if they couldn’t come.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think there is a rule. Some dogs are trained to use piddle pads and have food/water that auto refills. It’s not my style but I don’t think there is a rule.

Why?

[Anonymous]

Before 2020, we usually left our dog home alone for 7ish hours and occasionally for longer, for 8-10 hours.

Whether we're home or away, she just sleeps all day, which is what most dogs do during the day.

[Anonymous]

Allowed by whom?

[Anonymous]

Depends on the dog. Mine can technically do fine for a work day, but they are much, much happier with a walk or even quick potty break visit. I hate leaving them that long; doesn’t seem fair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How long can you keep your dog at home alone?

It's a good question that I have asked a few dog owners that I know. The reason I asked them is because I am single and would love to have a dog. The problem is that I work and I am out of the house for 9 hours a day. There seems to be no definite answer. Some people have told me that it would be fine to leave it alone while I am at work to another telling me that it's a bad thing to do to a dog.

I do have a house with a fenced in yard and I can easily have a dog door installed but I think I will wait until I am retired which should happen in about 4 years.

[Anonymous]

Our late dog seemed fine to be left our whole workday. One of us worked really close to the house so that was 9 hours. That being said, we now think that was too long. We really wish we had explored some sort of doggie daycare so he could have some companionship.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dogs have never been alone for more than 5-6 hours. We have always had a midday dog walker, and we would work from home if they couldn’t come.

+1 I know some people let their dogs go 8-10 hours alone but I think that’s cruel. No more than 6.

[Anonymous]

Breed?
Age?

Our dog is pretty much never alone. Maybe an hour? She's a 9 year old beagle. Before the pandemic, maybe 4 hours would be the max.

[Anonymous]

My dog would be fine all day a few days a week but I think 5 days a week every week is a lot. For my dog loves the yard (often chooses to spend the majority of the day outside even when we are home) and has access to a shady doghouse which he also lives but he would be lonely without his humans 45 hours per week. Could you get a sitter on some days or doggy daycare two days per week?

Also keep in mind that puppies need more bonding time and definitely would t be okay alone all week.

[Anonymous]

The longest I left mine was 9 hours. I worked an 8 hour day plus 20ish minute commute time. I did a 10 min walk before work and an hour walk or hour at dog park after work. Having a yard really means nothing as far as exercise unless you plan on being out there throwing a ball or stick. Most dogs go running outside for about 2 mins then just stand at the back door for the rest of the time. They’re still alone, just outside.

[Anonymous]

Really depends on the dog. My 8 year old is (was-pre-pandemic) fine with an entire workday, but the younger dog was a total mess after a couple of hours. Still is, even at almost 5. We had to get a midday walker/playtime when we got her.
When we leave now for more than a couple of hours, we come home to crazy from one, and one who won't even get off his bed to say hello

[Anonymous]

My husband leaves an hour or so later than me, and I come home a couple of hours earlier than him. So the dog is left alone for about 7-8 hours a day. I walk him for about 3 or so miles in the morning (about 50min - hour) and then again for another 3 or so miles when I return from work. We usually play long-distance fetch for about 15 minutes or so. He often gets another short walk before bed. My husband takes him jogging twice a week or so. We often go for long hikes on the weekends. He doesn't seem deprived at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dogs have never been alone for more than 5-6 hours. We have always had a midday dog walker, and we would work from home if they couldn’t come.

+1 I know some people let their dogs go 8-10 hours alone but I think that’s cruel. No more than 6.

Yep, any longer than 5-6, then at least get a dog walker to come in. Would you want to hold your pee for 10 hours straight?