The time has come to leave our puppy alone at home and you will wonder how long he can stay without us, how and when can a puppy be taught to stay alone. Of course, the young puppy wants us to always stay with him, but the circumstances of our lives ask that he be left alone from time to time, therefore, it is best that he learns to be well and calm so that he does not suffer.
In this article on how to get a puppy used to being left alone on our site, you will discover how to teach your furry to be left alone without experience separation anxiety.
How long can a puppy be left home alone?
Dogs are herd animals, which means that they are always with their family, which is what makes them feel safe and happy. But it is logical that sometimes we have to leave our friend alone at home, either because we have to go to work or do the shopping. The time that we can leave a dog alone at home depends on its age and education Young dogs from 5 months can be educated little by little to spend some time alone.
Similarly, adult dogs should not be left alone for more than 4 hours. Beyond this time, the dogs suffer and feel abandoned. The puppies, in turn, need a lot of attention and care and they still can't be left alone for that long, so it's a good idea to ask someone to help you. take care when you have to be away for a long time. A puppy up to 4 months of age should not have to be alone for more than 2 hours total
How to leave a puppy alone without crying?
The puppy's age is considered particularly important because the dog's later behavior depends largely on what he has learned and experienced during this phase of his life. Dogs are considered puppies up to 4 and a half months, approximately.
When the puppy moves in with us, usually he has never been alone, because at least his siblings kept him company throughout the day the first weeks of his life. Therefore, it is understandable that he has a hard time being alone at first. To get a puppy used to being left alone, the most important thing is to be patient with our little friend.
After arriving at the new home, the puppy will need time to get used to the environment, people, routine and possible older companions. If we leave him alone directly, the little one could get stressed and panic. First of all, we want to build trust and bond with him This is an important prerequisite for him to be relaxed and able to stay alone. When the dog has settled down after a few days, he can be started with short exercises during everyday life.
How to leave a 2 month old puppy alone?
During the first few months, Such a young puppy should not be left alone It would be best if a family member stayed always with the little one for the next 5-7 weeks after his arrival in the new home. During this season, the puppy feels insecureand needs to get used to his new family
To get your puppy used to being more independent, start with gentle exercisesWhen he is busy, for example with a toy, leave the the room from time to time for a minute, but no more, so I don't miss you yet. This way learns that you'll be back after you leave and that it's completely normal to be alone for a while.
For more information, you can consult this other article on our site on Can a 2-month-old puppy be left alone?
How to leave a 3 month old puppy alone?
Over time and after your puppy has gotten used to the fact that being alone for a minute in another room is normal and that nothing happens, you can slightly increase the level of difficulty Now leave the room even if the puppy is not distracted. First stay just two minutes outside and re-enter the room. The most important thing is that you do it in a relaxed and everyday way, because it's totally normal. If the puppy cries while you're away, ignore it and reduce the time of absence next time, but praise it when it has remained calm, a method known as positive reinforcement in dogs.
If the puppy manages to be alone in a room for several minutes, you can begin to leave the apartment or the house for a few minutes. You should not leave a puppy alone sleeping. Also, it's better that you don't say goodbye to him, but rather see him as something normal and frequent. At first, just go out for a few minutes, go throw out the garbage or check the mailbox. If you show calm, your dog will notice and won't get nervous either.
When the puppy masters these frequent and brief absences without problems, the duration can be increased and with different durations. From time to time, he comes back after ten minutes, then after five, after fifteen another time, etc. This will get him used to the flexible schedules and that your return is unpredictable.
Tips for leaving a puppy home alone
Some puppies are afraid of abandonment, so we must make the puppy trust us, make him feel happy and balanced. All of this will help us teach him to stay alone without feeling separation anxiety:
- Have a routine: Take the puppy out every day and also on the weekend at the same time before you go to work. Try to get him to exercise, both physically and mentally, to tire himself out. A puppy needs a walk with exercise of at least 30 minutes. That way, he'll relax when he gets home and rest during the time he's alone.
- Me altime: Keep in mind that the puppy must eat before you leave, but they often throw up the food from the stress of being alone. Therefore, plan enough time before you leave so that the dog can eat quietly and then relax.
- Prepare a quiet place for him: Leave puppy toys, his bed, food and water at his disposal. It has to be a safe place or room, where you can't destroy cushions or furniture. But don't lock him in a small room or tie him up because he might feel trapped and associate this bad feeling with being alone.
- Beware of choking: don't leave him sweets or toys that he could choke on. You should always be able to keep an eye on your puppy when he is eating bones and treats. Dogs often start to destroy the wrong toys and eat them to bits.
- Background Sound: Some dogs react well to soothing piano music, radio or TV noise. Try to calm him down by leaving the television on with the sound low so that he feels accompanied
- Ask for help: If you have to leave your puppy alone for more than two hours, ask your neighbor or a friend to come to see it and even take it out for a walk. Puppies still can't last that long without peeing.
