How Long Can Dogs Be Left Alone—Really?

Dogs thrive on companionship — it’s one of the qualities that make them the perfect buddies for so many of life’s adventures. Unfortunately, knowing that your pup loves spending time by your side can also make it hard to leave them alone. The key to making the experience guilt-free for you and stress-free for your dog lies in understanding your dog’s tolerance for alone time and building predictability into their daily routine.

Why dogs shouldn’t be left alone for long periods

Dogs are social animals who bond closely with their people. Long stretches alone can contribute to stress, boredom, house-soiling, destructive behavior, excessive barking, and in some cases, separation anxiety. These outcomes are bad news for you and your dog, and can be difficult to reverse once unwanted behaviors set in.

Additionally, dogs rely on humans to meet their basic needs. That means that extended periods alone or being confined could prevent them from getting enough potty breaks and exercise. In fact, if your dog is left alone for too long, compromising their access to food and water, you could even be violating animal cruelty laws.

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The factors that influence how long a dog can be left alone

No set amount of alone time applies to all dogs, but some variables can guide you towards determining what’s best for your dog. 

Age

Puppies need the most hands-on supervision, which includes frequent potty breaks, meals, and social time. A realistic amount of time to leave them alone depends on where they are in their developmental stage and training. Senior dogs, especially those with mobility challenges or medical conditions, may also require more frequent check-ins. Healthy adult dogs, on the other hand, can often spend more time on their own.

Breed and temperament

Some dogs are naturally more independent, while others crave steady human interaction. Working, herding, and companion breeds often form close attachments to their people and may be more sensitive to long periods alone. More laid-back breeds, such as Basset Hounds or well-exercised Greyhounds, may tolerate longer stretches on their own. Still, temperament varies widely even within breeds, and environment and socialization play a role in how any dog handles time alone.

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Health status

Dogs with medical issues — such as diabetes, urinary conditions, arthritis, or cognitive decline — may need more frequent bathroom breaks, medications, or monitoring. Meanwhile, dogs recovering from surgery or illness need someone to check on them. If you’re unsure how long is appropriate for your dog, your veterinarian can help you determine what’s best for your dog’s specific situation.

Training and socialization

Dogs are pack animals by nature and have to learn to be alone. Those who have been gradually taught independence usually cope better than those who spend too much time alone too quickly. Lived experiences also impact how a dog reacts to being left alone. For example, dogs with a history of trauma, abandonment, or under-socialization might experience anxiety when left by themselves.

Routine and lifestyle

Dogs thrive on predictable patterns. If your schedule is consistent and your dog knows what to expect when you leave the house, they often feel more secure. If your schedule varies and it’s challenging to build a solid routine, you may need to consider bringing in help, so your dog can get into a comfortable rhythm.

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Recommended time frames for leaving a dog alone

There is no one-size-fits-all approach for how long you can leave a dog home alone. However, these general guidelines are good starting points that you can modify as you see how your dog reacts.

Puppies

Very young puppies need near-constant supervision and cannot regulate their bladder for long. As a rule, puppies should be left alone for only one hour per month of age, up to a maximum of about six hours. They also need midday meals, play sessions, and plenty of social time to develop into confident adults. For more details, check out our guide on leaving a puppy home alone. 

Adult dogs

Healthy adult dogs can typically stay alone for six to eight hours once they’ve been properly trained. Although some dogs may be able to stretch beyond this, longer lengths of time should be avoided if at all possible. Even a dog with solid house skills needs bathroom breaks, mental stimulation, and exercise throughout the day. If you plan to leave an adult dog alone for a full workday, consider whether a dog walker, pet daycare, or neighbor check-in could help create a more comfortable routine.

Senior dogs

Older dogs often need more frequent potty breaks, medication, and comfort. Some can handle up to six to eight hours, but may need the time adjusted depending on their health. Cognitive decline or anxiety, both of which can occur as a dog ages, can also increase their sensitivity to being alone. You’ll need to monitor your dog’s reactions and behaviors to gauge how their needs may be changing.

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Preparing to leave your dog alone

Patience goes a long way in helping your dog feel safe and relaxed when left alone. By making a plan and taking it slow, you’ll increase the length of time they can be alone. Start by practicing short departures — often only a few minutes at a time — and increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable. A pet cam that lets you check in on your dog remotely is a helpful tool to gauge how they’re doing when you’re not there. Providing a predictable routine around meals, exercise, and enrichment can also help them know what to expect before and after you leave the house.

Before you head out the door, make sure your dog’s needs have been met. 

• Let them go outside to go to the bathroom.

• Provide physical exercise.

• Ensure they have water and, if appropriate, food.

• Dog-proof their area (whether it’s a pen, a room, or the full house), so they can’t get into anything harmful.

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Ways to set your dog up for success

As with people, dogs need stimulation and comfort to prevent boredom and anxiety. When you’re not able to be with your pet, consider the following to keep them engaged and calm:

• Interactive toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving

• Long-lasting, pet-safe chews or frozen treats

• Window views for dogs who enjoy watching the world go by

• Calming aids such as pheromone diffusers, if recommended by your veterinarian

• Background music or TV shows to create a soothing environment

Alternatives to leaving your dog alone

If you notice signs of distress when your dog is left home — such as destructive chewing, potty accidents in the house, excessive barking, drooling, or pacing — you may need to consider a different approach. The following are some options you can try.

Hire a dog walker or sitter

A midday walk or drop-in visit can break up a long day and give your pup some social interaction. This is especially useful for young, senior, or high-energy dogs.

Use a doggie daycare service

Daycare offers structured play, supervision, and routine. It’s great for social dogs who need more enrichment than they’d get at home alone.

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Bring your dog to work

If your workplace is dog-friendly and your dog is well-socialized and able to settle in different environments, this can be an ideal way to meet your dog’s needs. It will also allow you to spend even more time with your pup.

Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member for help

Even a short check-in can make a huge difference for dogs who struggle with long periods alone. A quick potty break and game of fetch in the yard may be just what your dog needs to get through the day.

Balancing your dog’s needs with your lifestyle

Finding the right balance between your responsibilities and your dog’s well-being takes time. Most dogs can adapt to reasonable alone time when their needs are met. By building routines that include adequate exercise, predictable mealtimes, training, and enrichment, you can feel guilt-free when you leave the house for work, errands, or socializing. 

If your schedule changes, reassess your dog’s behavior and adjust how you support your dog. And remember, the goal is not perfection — it’s creating a safe environment where your dog feels at ease even when you aren’t home.

Commonly asked questions

How long can I leave my puppy alone?

Puppies should only be left alone for one hour per month of age, up to about six hours. Frequent potty breaks, meals, and socialization are essential for healthy development.

Can I leave my adult dog alone for eight hours?

Some adult dogs can handle an eight-hour day as long as they receive adequate bathroom breaks, exercise, and mental stimulation. Many dogs do better with a midday break.

Can I leave my dog alone with food and water?

Providing access to fresh water is essential at all times. Whether or not you should leave food out depends on your dog’s feeding schedule. Some dogs do well with free-feeding, while others require set meal times. However, even if food and water are available, dogs still have other daily needs that need to be met.

Should I crate my dog when I leave them alone?

Crating is appropriate for some dogs, but not for all. Dogs should only be crated if they have been positively crate-trained and don’t show signs of distress. To get started on crate training, check out this guide.

Should I get another dog to keep my dog company?

A second dog can provide companionship, but this isn’t a guaranteed fix for separation anxiety or loneliness. Only consider adding another dog if you want one and can meet the needs of both pets. Before making that decision, weigh the pros and cons so you can make the best decision for everyone in your household.

What should I do with my dog if I work all day?

This is a tricky situation for many pet parents. Consider a combination of solutions: a dog walker, pet daycare, visits from a neighbor, or adjusting your routine. Combining these tactics with at-home enrichment activities, like puzzle toys or frozen treats, may be the perfect solution for you and your dog.

References

“Alone time for dogs: How much is too much?” American Kennel Club (AKC), https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/alone-time-dogs-how-much.

“How long can you leave a puppy alone?” American Kennel Club (AKC), https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-long-leave-puppy-alone.

“How long can you leave a dog alone?” Kinship, https://www.kinship.com/dog-behavior/how-long-can-you-leave-a-dog-alone.

“Learning to be left alone.” Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), https://www.rspca.org.uk/webContent/staticImages/Pdfs/LearningToBeLeftAlone.pdf.

McGreevy, P. et al. “Impact of changes in time left alone on separation-related behaviours in dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Behavior, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868415.

“Separation anxiety.” American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety.