Set up a puppy cam
When you’re in the learning process of leaving a puppy alone, a great way to keep an eye on the progress is by literally keeping an eye on them. With a camera, of course.
There are all kinds of apps and puppy cams on the market these days; from free to super-duper expensive, so find one that works for you and watch your puppy from your phone when you’re gone.
Puppy-proofing and preparing your house
When you leave your puppy home alone, the idea of them having zero supervision may worry you. One of the best ways to avoid unexpected accidents is to take preventative measures such as puppy-proofing your house.
Puppies are naturally inclined to be curious, especially if they’re in a new setting. They may explore and express their curiosity by chewing furniture or items that are not meant for dogs. Be wary of exposed electrical cords, human food, or chemical cleaning supplies that could potentially harm animals. Hide small household items that might be mistaken for toys, and provide your dog with plenty of other types of chew toys or puzzle toys instead. You can also use a puppy pen or a baby gate to set boundaries within an area that’s safe for your dog to explore.
How long can you leave a dog alone?
Each individual pup will vary, but the general rule is to only leave adult dogs alone for four consecutive hours. Dogs are social animals, often craving regular human attention and, without it, they become bored and lonely.
Additionally, it’s important to note that fully grown dogs can usually only hold their bladder for between six to eight hours, so you’ll need to account for this when leaving them alone. And, while you’re away, you’ll need to make sure they always have access to fresh, clean drinking water too.