You love dogs, but you also have a busy lifestyle and spend most of your weekdays away from the house. Can you be a successful pet owner? When choosing the perfect pet for yourself, consider if the breed is needy or if it can be left alone for long periods.
We've compiled a list of independent dog breeds that do better than others when you're not around. These "low-maintenance dogs" are ideal for owners who have limited time to spend with a pup.
Will Hooch be okay alone at home?
Dogs are social animals by nature and love the company of people and other pets. With the busy lives of today's society, it is sometimes difficult to spend enough time with our furry buddies. Consider getting one of the dog breeds that will fit your schedule.
Many dog breeds only need one walk a day, and playtime every once in a while. However, some are dog breeds with separation anxiety issues, like the Golden Retriever, a breed that simply loves tons of attention.
Puppies generally need more attention, time, effort, and training to become more socially adaptable to specific situations, like you being away from home for lengthy periods. After time and sensitive training, most dogs can learn to cope with periods of isolation.
However, certain dog breeds can be left alone for longer than others. These dog breeds need only a little bit of stimulation from their human companions and can find constructive things to do if left all by themselves.
Dogs that can be left at home all day
From small dogs that can be left alone to some of the best dogs for first-time owners who are not used to caring for a pet, here is our list for the busy pet owner.
#1. Basset Hound
Once known as a prominent hunting dog, the Basset Hound is an easy-going and calm dog that can easily hang around all day long lounging on the couch. Because of its stable mood and temperament the Basset Hound is one of the best dogs that can be left alone all day at home.
#2. Boston Terrier
One of the dogs that can be left alone for up to 8 hours without causing it trauma is the pint-sized Boston Terrier. An even-tempered, intelligent, and highly energetic dog, this breed can keep itself amused for hours!
#3. Dachshund
A confident and intelligent dog breed, the Dachshund not only makes a fantastic addition to the family, but they are also great listeners and easy to train. They also have an independent streak, making it easy to leave them alone for an entire day.
#4. Scottish Terrier
Originally bred to be used in the hunt for badgers and foxes, these dogs also make loyal family friends. A very clever and independent little scamp, the Scottish Terrier may sometimes ignore you so it can be left alone.
#5. Chinese Shar-Pei
This cute dog is full of wrinkles and sports an unusual purple tongue. But these characteristics are not the only things unique about the breed; Shar-Peis are one of the most independent dogs. With a bit of training, you can leave these dogs alone without hassle.
#6. Chow Chow
With its regal lineage, the Chow Chow has a sense of self-dignity that rises above all other dogs. Don't expect too much cuddle time or displays of affection from this dog; they are more concerned with being loyal to their pet parents than snuggling with them.
#7. French Bulldog
Working and living in the big city has its advantages. The French Bulldog loves the hustle and bustle of living in the city. They need minimal exercise and do well in an apartment, where they can keep themselves company all day.
#8. Shiba Inu
A dog that hails originally from Japan, the Shiba Inu is a loyal, medium-sized furry friend. However, these dogs aren't overly affectionate and can be just as happy in their own company as they can be in yours.
#9. Labradoodle
This interesting crossbreed dog adapts pretty well to being left alone. With a hypoallergenic coat, this pup won't be covering your home with fur through the day. No sneeze fest when you get home! This intelligent and friendly dog is easy to train and fiercely independent.
#10. English Foxhound
A strong yet graceful and active dog, the English Foxhound loves a jog or a brisk walk in the park. Because Foxhounds are intelligent, they are also happy to be home alone and even keep active when they're on their own!
What do these balls of fur do while you're away?
Unless you have a pet nanny cam, you may never know what your furry friend gets up to while you're out of the house all day. Walking through the door and noticing that the couch is still intact may have you wondering what they've been doing all day.
Not to worry, here's what most dogs do when you leave them alone.
- Sleep - Dogs sleep, on average, about 14 hours a day. Puppies can sleep even more than that! Chances are, your furry friend is snoozing most of the day away until you get home.
If your dog has short legs, you could get a bed ramp for dogs so it can get up while you're away. A dog that gets exercise in the morning will sleep more during the day. So a quick walk in the morning does the whole doggone day a world of good!
- Play - Dogs love to play. Leave toys filled with dog treats lying around the house to help keep your pet entertained. If you have more than one pet, they may even play together for periods throughout the day.
- Guard - If your breed is a guard dog type breed, they may spend most of the day protecting the house by watching the window or door.
- Eat - It's what dogs also love to do - a lot! Leave treats around the house to give Fido a fun activity and help keep him from feeling hungry. Avoid leaving any human food out, however, as they will eat that too!
- Explore - If you are one of the pet parents who don't use a crate, your dog will spend most of the day sniffing here and there around the house. A newly discovered ball under a table or a crawling insect will keep them amused for hours.
How to make staying home alone easier for your dog
You don't want your dog to suffer from separation anxiety, so there are some ways you can help your pet cope with being alone for the day. Here are 12 stress-relieving tips for your furry friend:
- Take your lunch break to go home and spend time with your pup.
- Ask a close friend or family member to stop by and spend a little time with your dog.
- If you don't have someone in your family or friend circle to stop by, hire a reputable and recommended dog sitter or dog walker.
- Set up a schedule that includes time to play and walk your dog.
- Adopting another dog is one way to give your pup a friend. However, there are a few things to consider. Does your dog get along with other animals? Is the dog you are adopting friendly with other dogs?
- Dogs love toys, and many interactive toys are engaging and challenging. They will provide hours of enjoyment and exercise while you're gone.
- Leaving the TV on, or having the stereo play calm music, can help keep your dog occupied. Animal shows are the best because dogs are alert enough to notice what's going on on the TV and feel comfort in seeing other animals appear now and again.
- When you leave, simply say goodbye. Making a fuss with a lot of emotion is something the dog will pick up on and feel the separation or sadness. Be loving but brief and firm; your dog will feel more comforted as you walk away.
- A pup cam is a great way to keep an eye on your dog when you're not around. It's also an excellent security tool.
- Potty-training your pup is essential. By starting at a young age, you'll make sure that there will be fewer accidents for you to clean up when you get home as they get older.
- A securely fenced backyard and a doggy door will help your dog to roam around freely and not feel so caged in a house.
- Walking your dog before leaving gives them exercise and bonding time with you before you go for the day. It will make them sleep a bit more throughout the day and be in a calmer state generally.
Is your dog one of the dog breeds that can be left alone?
There is no way of knowing how Buster will react until you leave him alone at home. Although there are some dogs that can be left alone for 8 hours a day, others may suffer from separation anxiety.
However, there are dog breeds that are more likely to be okay alone at home. With some training and trying out a few of these tips, you could rest easy knowing that your furry friend will be well-adjusted and well-mannered while you are away.
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