How long can a dog be left alone?

Posted by Argos, 27 January 2014, last updated 7 August 2024.

Owning a dog is a big responsibility and not a decision to be taken lightly, so before jumping into a long-term commitment with a new pet, consider the amount of time you should dedicate to them and realistically how long you can leave them alone for. To help you decide if you have enough time for a new pet or if you’re spending enough time with your current one, we’ve put together a go-to guide on how long dogs should be left alone, if they can be alone overnight, and the best ways to get them comfortable with being left at home.

Am I spending enough time with my dog?

If you currently own a dog and notice that he or she is becoming destructive while you’re out, it could be the case that you are leaving them alone for too long. It’s important your dog has a healthy and happy home life, which means finding a good balance of spending time with and apart from your dog.

How long should you leave a dog alone?

The amount of time you can leave a dog alone depends on the type of breed and character of your dog; remember that all dogs are different and require unique needs. Some dogs can become distressed when left alone which can lead to them being destructive.

The RSPCA advise that dogs shouldn’t be left on their own for any longer than 4 hours, this is so that they can have regular opportunities to go to the toilet, even if they are good at being left alone, as regularly trying to hold on without going to the toilet can lead to health problems.

Can you leave a dog at home all day?

Can a dog be left alone overnight?

Dogs love company, and many pooches can feel uneasy when left alone, therefore leaving your dog overnight is not advisable. If your dog hasn’t had much human contact during the day and is then also left overnight it could cause them to become distressed and also have an impact on their overall health, especially if they only have a small bladder.

How to get your dog used to being alone

We have some tips on how to start getting your dog used to being alone and how to make them feel more comfortable without your presence. Firstly, it’s important to increase the amount of time your dog is left alone gradually so that you can teach them that it isn’t frightening and that they’re safe. Things you can do to ease this process include:

Give your dog a reward when they are calm before you leave – this will allow them to associate your absence with something pleasant.
If your dog is anxious and making a lot of fuss, do not give them a reward – this will avoid encouraging that behaviour.
Leave your dog with toys, such as chew toys to keep them occupied, along with plenty of water so they can stay hydrated.
Take your dog for a good walk before you leave them if possible – this will make them tired and less interested in fuss.

It’s a good idea to start teaching your dog to feel comfortable alone when they’re still a puppy, but it can still be done successfully as an adult. If you’re unable to put your dog at ease with being alone, it could be that they’re struggling with something like separation anxiety – therefore it’s important to visit a vet for further professional advice.

Can you get a rescue dog if you work full-time?

Most rescue homes will not allow you to re-home a dog if you have a full-time job which means you are out of the house for over four hours at a time. The Dogs Trust says that this is due to the boredom and anxiety that this causes, and it can be even worse with a puppy.

They do however make some exceptions when the dog you are looking at adopting is an older dog. But in every case, they say that there should be a way that they can get outside for ‘toilet breaks’.

How much time does a dog need?

So, is it possible to spend too much time with your dog? Yes, sometimes problems can arise from spending a lot of time around your dog. This is because they can become dependent on your company and become increasingly demanding. To keep your relationship healthy, and for a well-behaved dog that you will love even more; you can make sure interactions are on your terms.

If your dog is demanding too much attention from you, then don’t talk, pet, play with or even look at them because if you entertain them it is likely that they will repeat this behaviour. You should be the one to initiate interactions as a reward when they are being well-behaved.

The best relationships with pets are consistent and controlled so to keep your dog happy, find a happy medium. Don’t leave them alone for too long, but don’t spend too much time pampering them either; they’ll love you all the more for it.

Spending time with your dog can make a dull day bright, but when it comes to looking after you and your pooch it’s important to protect yourself from unexpected vet bills with Argos Pet Insurance provided by Pinnacle Insurance plc. Explore our dog insurance policies today.

Argos Limited is an Appointed Representative of Home Retail Group Insurance Services Limited (HIS). HIS is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (register number 314050). Registered office: 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT (registered in England and Wales, no 04109436). HIS act as an introducer to Pinnacle Insurance plc, who sell, administer and underwrite the policy and who are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register number 110866). Registered office: Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 2XX (registered in England and Wales, no 01007798). HIS and Pinnacle Insurance plc are not part of the same corporate group.