The importance of considering your dog’s age and breed before leaving them alone for extended periods of time has been revealed by an expert. Lorna Winter, a dog trainer and co-founder of the puppy training app Zigzag, explained to DailyMail.com that the length of time a puppy can be left alone depends on their age and breed. Certain breeds, such as chihuahuas and dachshunds, are more susceptible to separation anxiety, a term used to describe the distress dogs experience when left alone. Young puppies, who are not yet equipped to handle solitude, may become anxious after just two hours. However, by the age of five months, their tolerance can more than double. Winter stated, “Puppies rely on us for their survival, so it is understandable that being without their beloved human companion can cause them to feel worried.”
According to Winter, there are several symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs, including yawning, lip licking, drooling, increased blinking, panting, pacing, restlessness, spinning, whining, crying, and howling. Age is a key indicator of how long a puppy can be left alone. For puppies under two months old, it is advisable to avoid leaving them alone for more than an hour, as their emotional needs are high at this stage. At three months, two hours can be the maximum time alone, as otherwise accidents may occur. By four months, puppies can handle being alone for four hours, but it is recommended to keep it to three hours to ensure they are not uncomfortable. By five months, they can go up to five hours, and by six months, with proper training, they can handle six hours alone. However, it is important to remember that each puppy is different and may have varying levels of tolerance for being alone.
Along with age, breed can also play a role in a dog’s ability to handle being alone. Certain breeds are more prone to separation anxiety than others. Chihuahuas, despite their intelligence, are often more susceptible to separation anxiety. Early and consistent training on being alone is crucial for these pups. On the other hand, chow chows are generally more self-reliant and can handle being alone to some extent. While they should not be left alone for extended periods, they require less physical affection than other breeds. Dachshunds, despite their independent nature, can still suffer from separation anxiety and should be trained from a young age. Greyhounds, surprisingly, enjoy peace and quiet and can rest comfortably during the day. Beagles, however, may misbehave if left alone, and it is important to provide mental and physical stimulation before leaving them alone. Engaging them in scent games or a short walk can help reduce their anxiety levels.
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