How to prepare your dog to feel comfortable being home alone

Leaving your dog at home alone can be tough — for both of you. Whether you’re going out with friends or just need to run errands, you want to feel confident that your best friend is safe and relaxed. The good news is that with a little patience and the right approach, you can teach your dog that solo time is no big deal. Here’s our guide on how to prepare your dog to feel comfortable being home alone.

How to get a puppy used to being alone

Teaching your dog to be comfortable alone starts with small, positive steps. This process works for dogs of all ages but is especially important when thinking about how to leave a puppy home alone. The goal is to show them that your leaving isn’t a scary event and that you always come back.

• Start small. Begin by leaving for just a few seconds. Step out the door, close it and come right back in before your dog has a chance to get worried.
• Mix it up. Gradually increase your time away but not in a predictable pattern. Go from 30 seconds to one minute, then back down to 10 seconds. This prevents them from anticipating longer and longer absences.
• Keep departures and arrivals low-key. One of the biggest mistakes pet parents make is creating a lot of drama around coming and going. Avoid long, emotional goodbyes or overly excited greetings. Try to ignore your dog for the first few minutes when you get home, and then offer a calm hello once they’ve settled down. This teaches them that your presence and absence are normal parts of the day.

This kind of gradual practice is a key part of separation anxiety dog training. Be patient, and if you see signs of discomfort, take a step back to a shorter duration where your dog was last comfortable.

Create a comforting safe space

Giving your dog a special spot where they feel secure can make a world of difference. This could be a crate or a small, dog-proofed room with a baby gate. The key is to make it a place they want to be, not a place they associate with punishment.

Fill the space with a comfy bed, a favorite blanket and toys. To build a positive association, feed them their meals there or give them a special high-value puzzle toy (like a frozen Kong) that they only get in their den. When leaving a rescue dog alone for the first time, establishing this safe space is an especially important step in building their confidence.

The role of exercise & enrichment

A tired dog is often a calm dog. Burning off excess physical and mental energy before you leave can help your pup settle down for a nap instead of worrying about where you are. A brisk walk or a fun game of fetch about 30 minutes before you head out can work wonders.

Mental stimulation is just as important. A few minutes of training or a puzzle feeder gives their brain a workout and leaving them with a food-dispensing toy provides a fun distraction to focus on after you’re gone. “Exercise and enrichment are crucial management tools,,” says Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s Chief Veterinary Officer. “Meeting all of your dog’s needs for exercise, activity, food and rest  helps regulate their mood and reduces overall worry.”

How long can a dog be left alone?

How long a dog can be left alone depends on their age, personality and health. While every dog is an individual, here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Puppies: Young puppies need a lot of attention and frequent potty breaks. A good rule of thumb is that they can hold it for about one hour for every month of age. If you’re thinking about leaving your puppy at home while at work, you’ll need a plan for midday check-ins.
• Adult dogs: Most healthy adult dogs can handle being alone for about six to eight hours, but this shouldn’t be the norm every day without a break. A midday visit from a friend or dog walker is a great way to prevent loneliness. You might also consider daycare if your pup enjoys the company of other dogs.
• Senior dogs: Older dogs may need more frequent bathroom breaks and can’t always be alone for as long as they used to, especially if they have health issues.

How to tell if your dog is bored or has separation anxiety

True separation anxiety is more than just a little whining when you leave; it’s a genuine panic attack triggered by being separated from you. This is different from boredom or a simple house-training hiccup.

A bored dog might chew on a variety of things playfully, while an anxious dog often focuses destruction on escape routes like doors and windows, sometimes even injuring themselves in the process. Similarly, a potty-training issue can happen anytime, but anxiety-related accidents only occur when your dog is left alone. Setting up a pet camera can be a great way to see if the behavior starts right after you leave (a sign of anxiety) or hours later (more likely boredom).

When to call a professional

While these tips can help many dogs, severe anxiety often requires extra support. If your dog is harming themselves trying to escape, causing major destruction to your home or if you’ve been training consistently for weeks without seeing any improvement, it’s time to consult a professional. Your first stop should be your veterinarian, who can rule out any underlying medical problems and discuss options. They may refer you to a specialist or a trainer who can develop a plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs.