How Long Can You Leave a Puppy Alone
Puppies make for adorable playmates, but they’re also a big responsibility! Having a puppy means your entire schedule revolves around feeding them, exercising them, and giving them your love and affection. But sometimes, life gets in the way and we can’t spend every waking second with our pups. That leaves many new pup parents wondering how long it’s okay to leave their little furry friends alone. We have all of the answers!
Bathroom Breaks
The good news about pup parenting is that as they get older, dogs don’t need quite as many bathroom breaks. When they’re still young, though, pups need plenty of potty breaks! The general rule of thumb is that puppies can hold it one hour for every month of age, but this rule doesn’t apply until your young one reaches about 3-6 months of age. 8-10 week-olds can only hold it in for one hour or less, so keep a close eye on those youngsters! 10-12 week-olds can only go about 2 hours without the bathroom.
Exercise
Leaving your dog home alone for a few hours won’t harm them, but you should be around enough to get them the exercise they need to stay healthy. Physical activity is essential to help your dog’s digestion, mental health, and weight, among its other benefits. Some breeds like herding and sporting dogs need sustained intense activity, while others can manage with just a walk or two throughout the day. You may consider hiring a dog-walker to ensure your puppy is getting the exercise they need on your busy days!
Toys and Entertainment
If you need to leave your dog alone, at least leave them with a few toys to stay busy! We all know how painful boredom can be, so give them some safe toys to stay mentally engaged. Kong toys are a treat and toy in one, which makes them great for hungry pups whose brains are still developing. For pups who are home alone, you want to make sure toys are safe and don’t have small pieces that can easily be choked on. Nylabones are a safe and fun option that your pup will love!
Puppy Proofing
Puppy proofing your home is essential for leaving your dog alone for a while. In fact, you should puppy proof your home even if you’re home all the time! Puppies love getting into everything that they shouldn’t be getting into. Crates and baby gates are a great start to control your adventurous little one. It may be inconvenient for you to navigate a dog-proofed house every day, but it’ll be worth it to avoid the mess.
Don’t worry too much about leaving your pup home alone for a short while, but it’s important to understand their needs. Raising a puppy is a big responsibility, but once you get in the hang of things, you’ll be the perfect pup parent! If you are in need of help with puppy training our professional dog trainers serve clients all over Denver, Lakewood, Englewood and beyond. Contact us today.