Is it bad to spend too much time with your puppy? Here’s What to Do Next

How Much Time Should I Spend With My Dog?

As I sat down to write, Dakota, my almost 8-year-old Siberian Husky, is doing anything she can to distract me from the computer. She brings me her new favorite toy, a Christmas gift from my (umm . . . her) boyfriend, to toss around a bit. Then her Kong as she stamps her foot and demands peanut butter in it. Finally, when she realizes that there is no way to pull me away from writing, she attempts to close the laptop with her paw.

Ive been home days, as were currently social distancing in New York, and Ive literally not left her side since the first night when I got home. Weve had snuggles, walks, car rides, special treats — even a dance party. Could she really need more attention? The guilt has set in.

And I know Im not alone. As any dog parent knows, guilt happens. Getting home late from work, going out on weekends — thats all time you can be spending with your furry friend. But your life cant stop, either, or revolve around a pup. I know I struggle with this — I ask Dakota if shes a happy girl at least once a day. I, as do other dog moms and dad, worry if she is getting enough bonding time, play time, and interaction.

But, it turns out if you are spending quality time with your dog, you wont have to worry much about their quality of life and their happiness. We asked the experts to weigh in. Related:

Why is it important to spend time with your dog?

The one-on-one time you spend with your dog may be extra special to them, but Krimins says it is actually improving your quality of life as well. Many activities with your dog require moving, exercising, and fresh air, all pluses for owners in addition to feeling good for making your dogs day.

“There are numerous ways to improve your dogs quality of life, and often, these same activities will improve the pet owners quality of life as well. For example, one-on-one time with a pet can involve activities such as walking, hiking, playing fetch, grooming, bathing, training and more,” says Krimins.

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.