Planning to get a dog even though you have a hectic schedule? If you spend most of your day at work, your dog will miss your company and will lack interaction and exercise.
It’s a good thing that some dog breeds require less supervision and interaction than others.
So, what are the best dog breeds that can be left alone for 8 hours?
Find out how long you can leave a dog alone and the best dog breeds that can be left alone for long periods of time – and the ones that can’t.
Why Your Dog Needs Alone Time
It can be tempting to spend every minute with your dog, but you do need to teach them to enjoy being alone.
It’s going to help both of you in the long run.
Dogs are incredibly social creatures, so leaving them alone for the first time can be difficult. But you should start to get used to it because you’ll eventually have to do it more often.
The key is to start small. It’s unfair to go from constant companionship to spending an entire day on their own.
Give them a confinement area first, like a crate or an exercise pen. Crate-train them so they see their space as an area to relax than as punishment.
The Benefits of Giving Your Pup Alone Time
Teaching your dog how to be alone can provide a lot of benefits:
- Prevents separation anxiety for your pup.
- You can go to work, run errands, and do more without worrying about your pup.
- Prevents behavioral problems with your dog.
- Avoids stress for your dog.
How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?
Ideally, you shouldn’t leave adult dogs alone for more than four hours. However, this isn’t always possible.
If you have to work full-time, meet with people, and leave the house all the time, then at least don’t leave them unsupervised for more than 8 hours a day.
This does not include sleeping time.
It’s totally fine to leave your pooch alone to sleep outside your bedroom, although it’s ideal to let them stay with you at night if they have night-time separation anxiety.
Dogs are pack animals. They need you around to make them feel comfortable so don’t leave them alone for too long.
You can keep them entertained while they are home alone with toys, such as Gnawsome’s Spiky Squeaker Ball. It’s a squeaky ball with a spiky texture that your dog will enjoy!
You also should give them comfortable bedding like Puppbuds’s Machine-Washable Dog Bed to keep them cozy as they wait for you!
What Do Dogs Do When They’re Alone?
As we mentioned earlier, dogs can often entertain themselves when they’re left at home alone. Here are some of the most common things dogs do to entertain themselves:
- eat
- sleep
- explore
- play
- guard the house.
Should You Get A Dog If You Work Full-Time?
You’re probably reading this article because you want to get a dog, but are hesitant because you work full time. Most people who have full-time jobs have a dog at home, too.
Most of the time, trained dogs can be left home alone when you’re at work. However, if you’re just getting a new dog, it’s important to train them to be independent.
New dogs in a new environment can develop anxiety and boredom when left alone. Most dogs are social creatures.
They require social interaction and exercise. This is why it is important to get the right breed of dog from the get-go.
Below are the best dog breeds that can be left alone.
Best Dog Breeds That Can Be Left Alone
Raising a dog while working full-time may seem like a daunting task, but with the right breed and house-training, it can be done!
The best dog breeds that can be left alone are those that require less interaction and exercise. Although dogs are pack animals, some enjoy their alone time.
Basset Hound
These floppy-eared dogs aren’t just cute. They fit both the city and farm lifestyle!
Because they sleep a lot even during the day, you can work long hours in the office without worrying about them.
Despite being couch potatoes, Basset Hounds need adequate exercise and a cool environment. So, don’t leave them outside the house, especially during the summer.
Be aware that they usually aren’t very active inside the house, so they can become obese if overfed or lacking in regular exercise.
Remember that you can only leave Bassets for around eight hours. They might howl a lot if they start missing you. And that can get loud!
Whippet
The Whippet is a medium-sized dog that has very low-energy levels. They are suitable for an apartment lifestyle because they are clean and well-behaved.
By well-behaved, we mean they sleep a lot! So, have a soft place for them to sleep while you’re out and about.
Even though they have low energy levels, Whippets are very social dogs. They prefer to be in your company, so make sure you spend quality time with them when you are at home.
Be sure to exercise them regularly and give them the love that all dogs deserve!
Japanese Chin
Your Japanese Chin will most likely be sleeping for hours or playing with their toys when you’re not around to play with them.
This breed is a dainty toy dog that is elegant and aristocratic-looking.
They know how to make themselves happy and ease their own anxiety and boredom! This is one of the reasons why they are suitable for non-experienced owners.
As with any other dog, leave some food and water for them. And make sure to take them on gentle walks before leaving them for eight hours.
Watch this video to learn more about the Japanese Chin.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow seems like a furry friend who can entertain themselves and be happy with the simple things in life.
This clean and refined dog breed will do just fine unsupervised in your home. That is if you give them proper training first.
If they are housetrained and aware of basic commands, they can just chill around the house and do their own thing.
They might not even notice whether you’re around or not!
While Chow Chows are known to be dignified, some can be very stubborn and unfriendly! Try walking them for a few minutes before leaving for work.
You’ll come home to a happy and calm friend!
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a very popular dog breed in Japan. They are loyal, protective, and sweet.
This dog may seem clingy and stubborn, but they can also enjoy their own company.
Train them at a young age and they will grow into well-disciplined dogs provided they have good outlets for their energy.
The Shiba Inu breed also does well in households with children.
FAQ Dog Breeds
What Is the Least Destructive Dog Breed?
The least destructive dog breed is easy to train, can be left alone, and does not need a lot of physical exercises and mental stimulation.
Some of these include the Mastiff, Chihuahua, and Boston Terrier.
However, it still comes down to basic training. Make sure to train your dog at a young age to outgrow their chewing behavior and other destructive tendencies.
Here are some of the least destructive dog breeds.
What Is the Easiest Dog Breed to Own?
The easiest dog breed to own is friendly, good with kids, easy to train, and easy to groom. They are also well-behaved when left alone!
But most of all, the easiest dog to own is one that fits your lifestyle. If you work a lot, you need a dog that does not have separation anxiety.
One breed that is easy to own is Labrador Retriever. Find some other dog breeds that are easy to own.
How Do I Keep My Dog Entertained While I’m at Work?
You can have a dog while you’re working as long as you can still give them adequate exercise, bonding, and entertainment while you are away.
Entertaining them while you are away will help them stay mentally stimulated and avoid destructive behaviors.
If you don’t keep them occupied, they might have anxiety, restlessness, and overly clingy behavior.
One way to entertain your dog is by letting them eat out of puzzle bowls. You can also leave squeaky toys for them, as well as a treat camera!
Find out how else you can entertain your dog while you are at work.
Should I Crate My Dog While at Work?
If you have trained your dog to enjoy the crate and see it as their safe place, then you should crate them while at work.
Crating your dog is not a punishment. We want our pups to feel safe and at home here. The friendlier the environment, the happier the dogs.
Crating your dog has its pros and cons. We have a guide on how to properly crate your dog while you’re at work!
Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone for Too Long!
Ideally, you shouldn’t leave your dog alone for long periods of time. But the demands of our personal and professional lives mean we cannot always stick to this.
The good news is some dogs can be left alone for 8 hours without feeling lonely or anxious. The best dog breeds for this include the Basset Hound, Shiba Inu, and Chow Chow.
Make sure to keep your dog comfortable and entertained when they are left alone!
You also might want to train your dog to stop making noises when they are left alone.
