Help! Is it Okay to Leave my Dog at Home Alone All Day?
If you worry about your furry buddy being cooped up for hours while you're at work, here's how to ease the boredom
Dr Lisa Chimes
19 August 2018
Houzz Australia contributor. I am a veterinarian and host of 'Dr Lisa to the Rescue' on the Nine TV network. I live in Sydney with my husband Brad, our two children Hudson and Darcie and two cavalier cross poodles, Nelson and Lucas.
Houzz Australia contributor. I am a veterinarian and host of 'Dr Lisa to the Rescue'... More
Dogs are social animals that crave companionship. Leaving a dog isolated for extended periods can result in boredom, anxiety, depression and behavioural problems. Fortunately, there are a few solutions that will allow you to work full-time and have a happy dog.
Get your dog a furry friend
Sometimes, the best way to solve the problem of a lonely dog is to get another dog. Obviously, this is not a decision to rush into as you will need to consider the personality of your existing dog, as well as the financial implications.
Some dogs don’t get along well with other dogs, and if this is the case for yours, then introducing a canine buddy may not be the right choice. On the other hand, if your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, then perhaps a second dog is something you should consider.
Sometimes, the best way to solve the problem of a lonely dog is to get another dog. Obviously, this is not a decision to rush into as you will need to consider the personality of your existing dog, as well as the financial implications.
Some dogs don’t get along well with other dogs, and if this is the case for yours, then introducing a canine buddy may not be the right choice. On the other hand, if your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, then perhaps a second dog is something you should consider.
You will need to get specific advice from your veterinarian, behaviourist or animal shelter as to which dog is most suited to your current dog – whether you get a puppy, adult, big or small dog will depend on your dog’s temperament.
Once you have made your decision, it’s important for your dog to meet the other dog before making any commitment and always ensure you have a ‘trial period’ at home before making anything final.
Once you have made your decision, it’s important for your dog to meet the other dog before making any commitment and always ensure you have a ‘trial period’ at home before making anything final.
Take your dog to work
Some workplaces are happy for employees to bring their dogs to work. And it’s becoming more common as research suggests that pets at work can increase productivity by improving staff morale. So it’s always worth asking your boss if this could be an option for you!
See more stunning home offices
Some workplaces are happy for employees to bring their dogs to work. And it’s becoming more common as research suggests that pets at work can increase productivity by improving staff morale. So it’s always worth asking your boss if this could be an option for you!
See more stunning home offices
Consider doggy daycare
If your dog is a social butterfly, then socialising with other dogs all day may be right up his or her alley. There are plenty of doggy daycares around Australia that offer training, play, dog walking and even grooming.
Spend some time visiting the local centres in your area and work out which one is best suited to your dog.
If your dog is a social butterfly, then socialising with other dogs all day may be right up his or her alley. There are plenty of doggy daycares around Australia that offer training, play, dog walking and even grooming.
Spend some time visiting the local centres in your area and work out which one is best suited to your dog.
Hire a dog sitter or walker
If you have a friend or family member who loves dogs, why not ask them to look after your dog for a few hours or even the whole day?
Alternatively, you can pay a dog walker to take your dog out on their own, or with a small group of dogs. If you opt for the latter, make sure you check how many dogs are walked at once and which dogs are in the group. It’s a good idea to allow your dog to meet his or her walking companions to see if they get along before making any commitment.
Tip: If the weather isn’t too warm, ask the dog walker to pick your dog up in the middle of the day to split up lengthy periods of isolation.
If you have a friend or family member who loves dogs, why not ask them to look after your dog for a few hours or even the whole day?
Alternatively, you can pay a dog walker to take your dog out on their own, or with a small group of dogs. If you opt for the latter, make sure you check how many dogs are walked at once and which dogs are in the group. It’s a good idea to allow your dog to meet his or her walking companions to see if they get along before making any commitment.
Tip: If the weather isn’t too warm, ask the dog walker to pick your dog up in the middle of the day to split up lengthy periods of isolation.
Set up a doggy playdate
Does your neighbour, family or friend have a lonely dog too? If your dogs get along, you can leave them together for the day and alternate which home they play at each time. The dogs will love to share each other’s company and and it won’t cost you a cent.
Picture Perfect: 46 Beautiful Bedroom Chair Scenarios Worldwide
Does your neighbour, family or friend have a lonely dog too? If your dogs get along, you can leave them together for the day and alternate which home they play at each time. The dogs will love to share each other’s company and and it won’t cost you a cent.
Picture Perfect: 46 Beautiful Bedroom Chair Scenarios Worldwide
Don’t forget to walk
If you are planning on being out all day, no matter which solution you choose (apart from dog walking), I always recommend that you take your dog for a long walk in the morning to reduce their boredom and restlessness during the day.
If you are planning on being out all day, no matter which solution you choose (apart from dog walking), I always recommend that you take your dog for a long walk in the morning to reduce their boredom and restlessness during the day.
If you haven’t got a dog yet, you work full-time and the above suggestions are not feasible, then perhaps it’s not the best time for you to acquire a new dog. Hopefully you can work out a solution so that you’ll be able to experience the privilege of owning a dog and the joy they can add to your life.
Tell us
What are your thoughts on this topic? Tell us about your companion in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to like or share this story or save the photos. Join the conversation.
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Read more pet stories
What are your thoughts on this topic? Tell us about your companion in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to like or share this story or save the photos. Join the conversation.
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Read more pet stories
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I have had dogs my entire life, and about 1/2 year ago I adopted a 5 year old dog from a mill who exhibits lots of social issues, anxiety disorders and outright fearfulness, ...and sometimes I have to leave her home alone. I am thinking of getting another dog (but there are financial considerations as well) from our local animal shelter - perhaps a gentle breed like a border collie. I think keeping a dog home alone all day while at work also pertains to the type of breed you have. Some are quite comfortable to look out windows, keep an eye on their world and wait for their human mommy and daddy to come home. Others may do well with a partner dog as the article suggests. With all the dogs we have in shelters, whose lives are barren cement floors, wire cages, lack of human touch and/or outdoor exercise - a warm loving nurturing heart and a place to call home over-rides any so called guilt of leaving them alone while at work. Love is Perfect. Here is my own personal Movie Star *** with her favorite activity of Watching Life outside the Window while feeling safe and comforted!♥
We have a wirehairedJack Russell and our son(who works fulltime) got his half sister at the same time. While the dogs live in two houses, we dog sit half of each week so they can have 3-4 days together. Both dogs are well socialised and just love getting together. Walking two instead of one is not hassle. It also means we have dog sitters if we are on holiday or vice versa.
This is the first time we have had this arrangement,before we had single dogs.It has definitely enhanced their lives.
We also have 'kongs' that we fill with treats if leaving them for a few hours- its a good boredom buster.
Thanks for the reminder of looking after them well!