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.
They’ve adapted to our routines, but it’s far from ideal for them. Being left alone for long stretches of time is not a likely choice that they would make if it was up to them. 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. 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’re not coming out because you want to be home with your dog? That’s crazy! You’re letting your dog control your life!” 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. As long as he had enough food and water, most owners felt secure in the knowledge that he was all set.įew 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. 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. 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.ĭogs have historically been left alone for long stretches without a second thought. How long depends on the owners’ lifestyle and schedule. Let’s start with the most basic of truths: Most dogs will spend time home alone on a daily basis. Being Alone All Day is Stressful for Many Dogs Let’s look at how social isolation may affect dogs, and what we can do to minimize negative effects and maximize their well-being. 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?Ī 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.
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