Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with some changes in your daily routine. Puppies need company, interaction, and exercise and some breeds more than others. Also, they don’t have much bladder control which means they cannot hold it in for too long. Here are a few guidelines to follow when leaving your puppy alone at home.
Your puppy’s age and his bladder control:
- 1 hour: A puppy between 8-10 weeks old will only be able to hold it in for up to an hour.
- 2 hours: A puppy between 10-12 weeks will likely only hold it in for 2 hours maximum.
- More than 3 hours: As a rule of thumb, puppies between 3-6 months can hold it in for one hour per every month of age they are; so a 4-month-old puppy can wait approximately 4 hours to pee.
- Up to 6 hours: After 6 months of age, like most adults, dogs can hold it in for up to 6 hours. Of course, it can vary depending on the puppy’s size, health, and habits.
That being said, you’ll want to make sure that your puppy is not left home alone during this time.
For the first couple of months, you can use a crate to keep your puppy safe if you need to leave your home. It is best to introduce your puppy to its crate for short sessions of 10-15 minutes until they feel comfortable and secure. You can use some treats or toys to help them adjust to it. Make sure the treats and toys you leave in the crate are large enough so that they cannot be a choking hazard. As a rule, it is not recommended to leave your puppy with a bone without supervision.
As your dog gets older, they can be kept in the crate for longer periods of time. But keep in mind, that crates should always be used as a short-term solution. Before and after leaving your puppy in their crate, don’t forget to walk them so that they’re getting enough exercise and can do their business before you leave.
Here’s a checklist of things you’ll need to create a safe space to leave your puppy while your puppy is on their own:
- A crate if you are crate training. Choose one that has room for your dog to stand up, turn around, stretch out, and lie down.
- Baby gates. Can be used as a pet gate. It’s a fun, freestanding choice if your dog isn’t a jumper.
- A dog bed. Should be sufficiently padded and made from a comfortable material. It should also be easily washable (accidents happen)!
- Cozy items. Leave a blanket or one of your old shirts so your puppy can feel warm and safe.
- Remove any hazards. Electrical wires, sharp objects, plastic bags, plants, and household cleaners are some common hazards.
- Leave out water. Always make sure they have fresh water available.
- Training pads. Creating a potty spot can encourage your puppy to do their business in the right place and prevent having to clean messes.
- Safe toys. Food-dispensing toys like Kong are a great alternative to keep your pup busy while you are away. Also, puzzle feeders can help avoid unwanted boredom behavior. However, never leave your dog alone with a toy that could be chewed apart and swallowed.
- Keep a light on. This is especially important if puppies are adjusting to a new environment. Leaving a light on will help your puppies see their surroundings and feel safer in their new home.
Tip: If you plan on leaving your puppy alone, try leaving them for short periods of time to see how they react. If you need to be away for a longer period, you should ask someone to come and check on your furriend. If all goes well, you can gradually increase your time spent away from home. Keep in mind, never leave your dog alone for more than 6-8 hours. Your dog will thank you for it!
Source: https://www.rover.com/blog/ca/long-can-leave-puppy-alone/
