Content
- Can dog be alone all day?
- How to leave a dog alone without it crying
- How to leave a 2-month-old dog alone
- How to leave a 3-month-old dog alone
- Advice for leaving a dog alone at home
- Is leaving a dog alone a crime?
It's time to leave your dog alone at home and you wonder how long you can leave your companion unattended and how and when you can teach a dog to be unattended.From an early age, the young puppy wants us to always be with him, but the circumstances of our life call for him to be alone from time to time. Therefore, the best thing is that you learn to be well and calm so that you don't suffer.
In this article by Animal Expert about how to get a dog used to being alone, you will discover how to teach your partner to be without you and not suffer from separation anxiety.
Can dog be alone all day?
Dogs are gregarious animals, that is, they live in groups or groups, which means they are always with their family, which is what makes them feel safe and happy. But, of course, sometimes we have to leave our friend alone at home, either because we have to work or go shopping. How long can we leave a dog alone at home depends on your age and education. Young puppies from 5 months can be educated little by little to spend time alone.
Anyway, if you wonder if dog can be alone all day, the answer is that it is not indicated. Adult dogs must not be alone for more than four hours. Besides that time, dogs suffer and feel abandoned. They need a lot of attention and care and so it is recommended that you ask someone to keep it when you have to be away for a long time. A dog up to 4 months old should not be alone for more than two hours.
How to leave a dog alone without it crying
The period in which the dog is still a puppy is considered particularly important because his behavior later depends, to a great extent, on what the dog has learned and experienced during this phase of its life. Puppies consider themselves puppies until they are approximately 4 and a half months old.
When the dog comes to live in our house, he usually never was alone, because at least his brothers kept him company for every day of the first few weeks of his life. So it's understandable that it's hard for him to be alone at first. To get a dog used to being alone, the most important thing is to be patient with our little friend.
After arriving at the new home, the puppy will need time to get used to the surroundings, the people, the routine and its possible bigger companions. If we left him alone right away, the little one could get stressed and panic. First of all we want gain their trust and strengthen the bonds. This is an important prerequisite for him to be relaxed and able to be alone. Once the dog has got used to it after a few days, you can start with short exercises during everyday life.
How to leave a 2-month-old dog alone
During the first few months, you mustn't leave the dog alone because he's so young. It would be best for a family member to stay with him at all times for the 5-7 weeks following his arrival in the new home. During this season, the dog feel insecure and you need to get used to your new family.
To get the dog used to being more independent, start with gentle exercises. When he's busy, for example, with a toy, leave the room for a minute, but not longer, so that he doesn't miss you yet. In this way, he learn that you will come back after you leave and it's completely normal to be alone for a while.
How to leave a 3-month-old dog alone
With time and after the dog has got used to being alone in a room for a minute is normal and that there is no problem, it can be slightly increase the difficulty level. Now leave the room, even if the dog is not distracted. First, stay alone for two minutes outside where he is and go back inside. The most important thing is that you do relaxed and everyday way, because it's something totally normal. If the dog cries while you're away, ignore him and cut the time off next time, but congratulate him when he's kept calm, a method known as positive reinforcement in dogs.
If the puppy can be alone for several minutes in a room, you can begin to leave the apartment or house for a few minutes. You must leave the dog alone when he is sleeping. Besides, it's better that you don't say goodbye to him, but yes, see it as something normal and frequent. At first, go out for just a few minutes, go take out the trash or check the mail. If you show calm, the dog won't be nervous either.
When the dog masters these frequent and brief absences without problems, the duration can be increased and the periods varied. Every now and then come back after ten minutes, then come back in five, on another occasion in fifteen. So he will get used to the flexible hours, but knowing you will always return.
Advice for leaving a dog alone at home
Some dogs are afraid of abandonment, so we must get the dog to trust us, to feel happy and balanced. All of this will help us to teach you how to be alone without feeling separation anxiety:
- have a routine: Take the dog for a walk every day at the same time, even on weekends. Try to get him to exercise, both physical and mental, to tire himself out. A dog needs a walk with exercise of at least 30 minutes. This way, you will relax when you get home and rest when you are alone.
- food time: Keep in mind that the puppy must eat before you leave, but they often vomit their food out of stress from being alone. So plan to feed him long enough before you go out so he can eat quietly and then relax.
- prepare a quiet place for him: leave toys, bed, food and water at his disposal, all in a safe room, where he cannot break furniture or pillows, but do not lock him in a small room or tie him up, because he could feel get stuck and will associate being alone with a bad feeling.
- beware of gagging: do not leave snacks or toys that you could choke on. You should always be able to watch your dog when he is eating bones and treats. Puppies often start tearing up unsuitable toys and eating the pieces, which can be extremely dangerous.
- background sound: Some puppies are comfortable with relaxing piano music or the noise of the radio or television. Try to calm him down by leaving the television on with the sound turned down so that he feels accompanied.
- Ask for help: if you have to leave your dog alone for more than two hours, ask a neighbor or friend to stop by and even take him for a walk. Dogs can't take that long without peeing either.
Is leaving a dog alone a crime?
You may wonder if leaving dog alone is a crime and, as you can see throughout this article, leaving the animal alone after it is an adult for a few hours is normal, because you have to go to work, shop, etc.
But, you should pay attention to other factors that need to be taken into account when leaving your pet alone, otherwise it could be considered a crime. Law 9605/98[1] deals with environmental crimes and other measures and in its article 32, of chapter V, Section I, it specifies that it is a crime against fauna:
Practice acts of abuse, ill-treatment, injuring or mutilating wild, domestic or domesticated animals, native or exotic.
So when you leave your dog alone, should leave you with all the right conditions, that is, with water, food, bed, space to circulate, a suitable place to take care of your needs and rest and for a short period of time.
It is also worth mentioning that leaving a dog alone for several days, as in cases where you are going on a trip, for example, can indeed be included in the animal abuse practice and be considered a crime. If you are going to travel or need to be away from your home for a long period, make sure your pet will have the necessary care and company of someone you trust will treat you well.
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