Almost all dog parents find themselves in a situation where they have to leave their dog alone sooner or later. However, some four-legged friends suffer particularly from separation anxiety and may react, for example, with aggression toward furniture.

A glance that breaks your heart, whining, or pure destructive fury: Some dogs react extremely stressed to being alone.

How their emotions manifest varies. Severe behavioral problems can be the result.

Out of fear of being left behind, they may bark excessively or take out their frustration on furniture and more. In any case, the animal suffers. Because: Dogs are pack animals!

This does not mean that a whole pack of dogs must constantly frolic around them, as is often mistakenly assumed, but still, dogs should not be separated from their familiar fellow dogs or caregivers for too long.

This dog guide shows you typical signs of separation anxiety in dogs, how long you can leave your dog alone, and provides tips to make it less stressful for your four-legged friend.

How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?

In many cases, the problem arises due to work, as most people do not have the option to take their pet to the workplace.

Can I leave my dog alone for eight hours?

Adult dogs can be left alone for several hours, provided you have practiced being alone with them (tips below). Some dogs can even be left alone for eight hours, but that is not ideal.

Dog lovers who leave their dogs alone for eight hours every day should rethink their daily routine and see if there is any way to change it (Maybe the dog can come to the office? Perhaps a long lunch break with the pet?). If you are considering getting a dog but have little time for the animal, it is better to choose a different pet.

Dogs need their “pack” to be happy.

Important: Every dog is different; one may cope well with being alone and simply nap through the time, while others may become anxious. So, always pay attention to the individual needs of each dog when deciding how long to leave them alone.

When Can You Leave Your Dog Alone?

At the beginning of their lives, puppies are never alone. They are surrounded by their siblings and the mother. This is good because in the first few weeks, puppies should not be alone. You can start practicing being alone with young puppies at around three or four months. Training at the puppy age is crucial, but the duration should be very short at the beginning and gradually increased.

A puppy should never be alone for hours – initially only for one or two minutes, then eventually for five, and, if the dog remains relaxed, maybe even for fifteen minutes.

Dog Can’t Be Left Alone: Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

Separation or loss anxiety in dogs manifests itself differently:

There are other symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs that many people underestimate: Tail wagging and jumping up during greetings.

It has been reported that tail wagging is often misunderstood, primarily positively evaluated. However, it can also indicate that the dog is stressed. While the exuberant greeting may seem like a moment of great joy to many, behind it sometimes lies significant frustration and the misunderstanding of having been left alone. Of course, the dog is happy that the “leader” is back, but before that, it suffered.

Therefore, it is problematic if people fully enjoy this moment or even boast about having such a loyal companion without realizing that they may have subjected the four-legged friend to emotional stress.

Tips for Combating Separation Anxiety in Dogs

It’s best to start early if you want to have a relaxed relationship with your dog: Dog expert Stephanie Salostowitz recommends starting to train alone time in puppyhood.

If you have taken over an adult dog, you have no influence on early education.

However, even if it is somewhat more challenging to free an already grown dog from separation anxiety, it usually works very well to get the dog used to being alone if you practice with the animal gently and consistently.

It can also be helpful to install a webcam or similar to observe the situation at home. This way, you can assess in which frame the dog becomes anxious and better cater to its individual needs, explains Dr. Tina Hoelscher, a veterinarian from “Four paws“. “In severe cases, anxiety-relieving psychotropic drugs can be used temporarily during the training phase, but this should by no means be a permanent state,” she emphasizes.

In any case, you should train being alone with your dog. The following tips will help you to train away separation anxiety in your dog or ensure that it does not arise in the first place:

Practicing Leaving a Dog Alone – 5 Simple Tips

Tip 1: Gradually Increase the Time

At the beginning, leave the dog alone for only a few seconds in a positive environment. Gradually increase the time the dog is left alone so that it can slowly get used to it. Here’s how you can proceed:

Tip 2: Make Separation Inconspicuous

It is essential not to make a big deal out of coming and going. The best practice situation: The dog has played, eaten, drunk, and is now tired. Then you can start training by briefly leaving the room and coming back after a few minutes (see Tip 1). The return should not be the focus. So, when you re-enter the room, do not immediately approach the dog. Do not speak to the dog, especially not in a high-pitched voice (“Yes, good, look who’s back!”), but behave as if nothing has happened.

If the dog is greeted excessively upon return, its entire attention will be on that, and it will find it challenging to endure the excitement and tension the next time you leave.

Tip 3: Do Not Reinforce His Behavior

It may happen that your dog comes up to you and whines. Even in this case, send it back to its blanket, even if it looks at you with sad eyes. Often, the whining is not a sign of separation anxiety but protest. Especially dogs that (are allowed to) follow you around all day have difficulty understanding that they are not constantly needed.

Do not respond to the dog’s “howling”: If you pity him, he thinks you are “howling” along and reinforces his behavior.

Dog expert Stephanie does not recommend using treats during training: This only fuels the dog’s expectations. Because he cannot wait for your return (and the treat), he will complain.

Tip 4: Do Not Overwhelm or Punish the Dog

Always keep in mind that the duration of training for leaving the dog alone can vary from dog to dog. Give your pet the time it needs, and do not increase the time interval too quickly.

“Furthermore, the dog should always perceive the home as a place of safety and security,” explains veterinarian Dr. Hölscher. Punishments are entirely counterproductive in cases of separation anxiety, as they increase the dog’s insecurity.

Tip 5: Keep the Dog Occupied

While it’s just a small consolation, toys can help the dog better tolerate being alone because it keeps them busy and distracted. Chew toys, in particular, are supposed to help relieve stress.

If you have the opportunity, you should consider getting a second dog so that your dog is not alone. However, keep in mind that, even with two dogs, you are still missed as the alpha, so you should not stay away forever and should practice being alone with both dogs.

Dog with Separation Anxiety: A Health Check Provides Assurance

Physical health is a prerequisite for enduring psychological challenges such as loneliness. Even a mild ear infection can additionally burden the animal and increase the stress of being alone.

Therefore, it is also important to rule out health impairments and regularly have the four-legged friend examined in a veterinary practice.

Conclusion: Most dogs can be left alone – but you have to practice it

You must prepare your dog and make it clear early on that it is okay not to be by your side all the time. Then, the dog can later endure being alone for a certain period much more easily. Pay attention to your dog’s limits and do not overwhelm it.

Work gradually and with a lot of patience, then being alone will not be a problem for your dog and you, or it won’t become a problem in the first place.