Leaving a young puppy alone for 8 hours can be very stressful for the puppy. Puppies need a lot of care, attention and training in their early months. Being left alone for such a long stretch of time regularly is not ideal. However, there are ways to prepare a puppy to be left alone for that long if absolutely necessary.
The Problems with Leaving a Puppy Alone for 8 Hours
There are several issues that can arise when leaving a puppy alone for 8 hours or more on a regular basis:
- Loneliness and isolation – Puppies are very social animals and need a lot of interaction. Being left alone for so long can be very lonely for them.
- Boredom and destructive behavior – Puppies have a lot of energy and get bored easily. They may resort to destructive chewing or barking if left alone with nothing to do.
- Lack of housetraining – Puppies need to be taken out very regularly to potty train properly. Most puppies can’t hold their bladder for 8 hours at a time.
- Lack of exercise – Puppies should be walked and allowed to play/run multiple times per day. Being crated or confined for 8 hours doesn’t meet their physical needs.
- No training or socialization – Critical early training and socialization opportunities will be missed leaving the puppy alone for so long.
- Safety concerns – Puppies can get into trouble and hurt themselves if unsupervised. They may chew and swallow inappropriate objects.
While adult dogs may be okay for 8 hour stretches, puppies simply have too many needs to be left alone all day. They require constant care, supervision and training during the first 6 months to 1 year of life. Leaving them alone for very long is generally not recommended.
At What Age Can a Puppy Be Left Alone for 8 Hours?
Most experts advise waiting until a puppy is at least 6 months old before leaving them alone for 8 hours at a time. Some puppies may be ready closer to a year old. Here are some factors to consider:
- Bladder control – Puppies cannot hold their bladders for 8 hours until about 6-9 months old.
- Maturity level – The puppy should be calm, not destructive or anxious when alone before being left for 8 hours.
- Meeting needs – The puppy should have all exercise, training, play, potty needs met before and after the 8 hour stretch.
- Confinement – The puppy is confined to a safe space like a crate or play pen while alone.
While some puppies may be physically ready by 6 months, their emotional maturity levels can vary. Take it slow and monitor how they do. Start with shorter alone times and increase the duration gradually as the puppy proves they can handle it.
Preparing a Puppy to Be Left Alone
If it is absolutely necessary to leave a young puppy alone for an 8 hour work day, there are some things you can do to prepare them:
- Crate train – Get the puppy comfortable spending time in a crate with toys and treats.
- Exercise before – Take the puppy for a long walk before leaving for the day.
- Potty right before – Always let the puppy potty right before crating for the day.
- Provide toys/chews – Leave safe chew toys in the crate to alleviate boredom.
- Consider daycare – Take the puppy to doggie daycare a couple days a week if possible.
- Arrange visits – Have someone stop by mid-day to take the puppy out.
- Gradually increase alone time – Start with 2-3 hours alone, then build up to 8 hours over weeks.
- Give attention before/after – Lavish affection and playtime before crating and after getting home.
Proper preparation and meeting all of the puppy’s needs before and after the long alone time can help them better tolerate the situation. Consider having a friend or dog walker come mid-day if possible.
Risks of Leaving a Puppy Alone for Too Long
When a puppy is left alone for longer than they can physically and emotionally handle, there can be some risks including:
- House soiling – Puppies may pee or poop in the crate if forced to hold it too long.
- Chewing/destruction – Puppies may direct boredom and stress into destructive chewing behaviors.
- Excessive barking – Being left alone can lead to anxiety, fear and excessive vocalizing like barking.
- Self-harm – Puppies may try to escape the crate and harm themselves if distressed.
- Poor socialization – Without enough human interaction, puppies may become fearful or aggressive with people.
- Poor training – Training and housetraining progress will be hindered by long absences.
Leaving a puppy alone most of the day interferes with crucial socialization and training during puppyhood. This can lead to problem behaviors forming that are extremely difficult to break later on.
| Age | Maximum Time Alone |
|---|---|
| 8-10 Weeks | 1-2 Hours |
| 11-14 Weeks | 3-4 Hours |
| 15-20 Weeks | 4-6 Hours |
This table provides general guidelines for maximum time puppies of different ages should be left alone, according to experts.
Providing for a Puppy’s Needs
If it is necessary to leave a puppy alone for an 8-hour workday, their physical, mental and emotional needs must still be met. Be sure to provide:
- Plenty of potty breaks before crating.
- 30-60 minutes of exercise beforehand.
- Chew toys and interactive puzzle toys in the crate.
- A comfortable, secure crate with bedding.
- Regular socialization and training on nights/weekends.
- Lots of affection, play and training when you are home.
Try to have someone come let the puppy out once or twice if possible. Providing ample exercise, potty opportunities, training and affection in addition to the alone time is key.
Alternatives to Leaving a Puppy Alone for 8 Hours
If leaving a puppy alone for 8 hours is unavoidable, consider these alternatives:
- Dog daycare – Enroll puppy in doggie daycare 2-3 days a week.
- Dog walker – Hire a dog walker to take puppy out mid-day.
- Work from home – See if working from home part of the week is possible.
- Come home at lunch – Arrange schedule to come home at lunchtime to care for pup.
- Take time off – Take some vacation or personal days to help pup adjust.
- Friend/family visits – Have someone puppy knows stop by on occasion.
- Pet sitter – Hire an experienced pet sitter to provide mid-day care.
If you simply cannot make other arrangements, be sure to give your puppy extra focused attention when you are home. Spend all your non-work hours actively training, playing with and socializing the puppy.
Setting Up a Puppy for Success
If it cannot be avoided, a puppy can be set up for success when left alone during a long workday by:
- Establishing a predictable routine and schedule
- Providing interactive puzzle toys and chews
- Plenty of exercise before confining for the day
- Working gradually from shorter to longer alone times
- Keeping the puppy nearby when home like in an exercise pen
- Maintaining training and providing mental stimulation
- Hiring a dog walker or sitter to provide a potty break
While far from ideal, a responsible pet owner can take steps to keep a puppy safe, healthy and psychologically cared for when they must be left several hours at a young age. Be patient and compassionate when caring for your pup!
In Summary
Leaving puppies under 6 months of age alone for 8 hours or more is generally not recommended. Puppies have many physical and emotional needs that require frequent care and attention. However, with proper preparation and management, some puppies may be able to successfully handle an 8 hour stretch by 6 months old.
Provide adequate exercise, training, potty breaks, chew toys and a comfortable crate. Consider hiring a walker or sitter to break up the day. Lavish your puppy with affection and stimulation when you are home to make up for the long absences. With time and maturity, a well-prepared puppy can learn to manage until their owner returns.