Work, school, shopping: almost all dogs spend part of the day with no one at home. Some use the time to have a nap; others bark, chew at the door or do their business on the floor as soon as they hear the key turning in the lock. The good news is that there’s plenty you can do to make their time alone more peaceful — and to recognise when the problem can no longer be solved simply with a toy.
How long can a dog be left alone?
The RSPCA, the UK’s largest animal welfare organisation, recommends not leaving an adult dog alone for more than four hours at a time — and a puppy for far less. If you’re away from home for longer, it’s worth organising some help: a family member, a neighbour or a dog walker who can pop round midday to take them for a walk and keep them company.
The time limit isn’t the same for all dogs. A dog that struggles to be left alone may become anxious just a few minutes after you’ve left — or even before, when you pick up your keys.
Before you leave: tired, having done their business and with a full tummy
- Go for a walk before you leave. Give them the chance to do their business and burn off some energy. A dog that’s been walking, sniffing and playing relaxes much more easily. If you need ideas, we’ve got a guide to games to help your dog burn off energy.
- Get home with plenty of time to spare. The RSPCA suggests returning from your walk about half an hour before you leave, to give your dog time to settle down and ensure they don’t get hungry: a small meal or a treat-filled toy will help them relax.
- Make leaving and arriving drama-free. Long goodbyes and over-the-top welcomes turn your departure into a big event. Leaving and coming home calmly helps your dog see it as a routine.
Prepare the space where they’ll be staying
- A quiet room, with their bed, fresh water and no dangerous objects within reach (cables, bags, medicines, rubbish).
- Fewer street distractions. Many dogs bark at people passing by the window or at noises from the building. Closing the curtains and leaving a radio on quietly helps to muffle what’s going on outside.
- A camera, if you can. The RSPCA points out that many dogs who struggle with being left alone don’t show any signs of distress when you’re there. A camera shows you how they really spend their time.
The toys that really help: the ones with food inside
The best way to keep a dog occupied whilst alone is to make them work for their food. The ASPCA recommends leaving a toy filled with food whenever you go out, to keep them occupied for 20 to 30 minutes. This way, the moment you leave becomes associated with something very positive. Two things to bear in mind:
- Put the toy away when you get back. If it only appears when you’re out, it becomes something special.
- Deduct the food from their daily ration so they don’t put on weight. You can even put part of their meal inside the toy.
Options from our shop that work this way:
- Hourglass-shaped treat dispenser toy — the dog rolls it to release the treats; the opening is adjustable so you can control the difficulty.
- Swing-type treat dispenser — it always returns to an upright position and releases the treats as the dog pushes it with its nose or paw. It has no batteries or motor.
- Licking mat with spinning ball — it’s filled with a paste suitable for pets; licking is a calm and time-consuming activity.
- Ball with suction cup and treat dispenser — it sticks to a smooth floor and gives your dog a tugging game that doesn’t need you.
Always try out the toy with you nearby before leaving your dog alone with it: this way you can check that they like it, that they understand how it works, and that they don’t destroy it. And look out for an important clue: if you come home and the toy is intact, your dog may be too distressed to eat — the ASPCA notes that highly anxious dogs often don’t eat when their owners are away.
Boredom or separation anxiety?
A bored dog and a dog with separation anxiety can cause similar damage, but they need different solutions. According to the ASPCA, these signs, when they only appear whilst you’re away, may indicate separation anxiety:
- urinating or defecating indoors;
- barking or howling persistently, for no other apparent reason;
- chewing or digging at doors, windows and door frames;
- trying to escape from the room where they’ve been left;
- pacing back and forth or in circles, always following the same route.
Before concluding that this is behavioural, speak to your vet: the ASPCA points out that urinary problems, certain medications and other illnesses can also cause a dog to urinate indoors. And there are other explanations to rule out, such as a dog that has not yet properly learnt where to relieve itself or that is marking its territory.
What never to do: punish the dog when you get home
Coming home, finding the sofa chewed up and telling the dog off doesn’t solve the problem — it makes it worse. The RSPCA explains that the dog doesn’t associate the punishment with what it did hours earlier; it associates it with your arrival, and the next time you go out, it will be even more anxious. That ‘guilty’ look (head down, ears back) is fear, not remorse. Clean it up without saying a word and tackle the root cause.
When to seek help
The steps above are usually enough for dogs that get bored or have mild anxiety. Moderate or severe cases — dogs that hurt themselves trying to get out, that won’t eat whilst you’re away, or that panic as soon as you pick up your keys — require a gradual programme supervised by a professional. Start with your vet, who can refer you to an animal behaviourist.
To keep your dog entertained when you’re away
Check out all the interactive dog toys. If your dog eats too quickly, also read about how to get your dog to eat more slowly.
Sources
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for a vet’s assessment.