Can you spend too much time with a puppy? A Comprehensive Guide

How much time should you spend with a puppy?

Generally speaking, caring for a puppy takes a minimum of two to three hours, spread throughout the day and night. Significant early training can make the amount of time you spend daily caring for a puppy higher. A puppy is a delight, but he requires a lot of time and attention.

How much time should you spend with your dog every day?

Mary Birch, PhD and director of Canine Good Citizen, says that spending 30 minutes to one hour of active playtime with your dog could be enough to wear them out, but that they should expect more attention from you during the day, whether its a special morning snuggle session or running through your bedtime routine with your dog at your side.

“It is hard to put a number of minutes that we should spend with our dogs each day. We interact with our dogs and feed them and take them outside for breaks. Ideally, there would be at least 30 minutes to an hour a day of exercise for most breeds. This can include brisk walks or an active game of fetch in the back yard. Those are the basics. Add to that play time either indoors or outside, training, and snuggling on the couch in the evening. Having a dog truly is a commitment in time and caring,” she says.

How much time should dogs spend with their Owners?

Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer to the question, “How much time should dogs spend with their Owners?” The fact is, every dog and every circumstance is different, and there are many factors that can determine whether a dog is getting adequate attention.

The generalisation from most dog experts is that dogs need about one to two hours of dedicated doggy time to maintain a strong Owner/dog bond. That can include feeding, playtime, training, grooming, and exercise, spread throughout the day. And, dogs shouldn’t spend more than eight continuous hours alone per day.

With that generalisation in mind, here are a few factors that will help you figure out how much attention your unique dog needs:

Their breed. Some dogs, such as Maremma Sheepdogs and Chow Chows, were bred to live mostly independently from their Owners. Others, like Pugs and Labradors, were bred to be their Owner’s constant companion. Looking into your breed’s history will tell you a lot about how much alone time your dog can handle.

Whether you have other pets. Having multiple pets in the house can be a source of comfort for social animals like dogs. That’s not to say that a second pet will cure separation anxiety or mean that you can leave your pup alone for more than the max eight hours at a time. Even so, it can give them some mental stimulation while you’re away.

Their personality and past experiences. Some dogs simply need more interaction and attention. This is especially true for dogs being rehabilitated for abandonment or other traumatic past experiences. Until they’re fully comfortable being alone, these dogs will need more attention to deal with their anxiety.

How Much Time Should You Spend With Your Puppy | How To Prevent Separation Anxiety

If you’re a busy Pet Owner, you might be afraid to ask: “How much time should dogs spend with their Owners?” What if you’re not spending enough with your canine companion? Will they start to see their Pet Sitter as their new Owner? Is it possible to lose the bond between you and your pup?

In this article, we’re going to pull back the curtain on what your dog really thinks about your time away, and how you can be sure to keep a strong relationship even with those long hours apart.