How to Leave Dog Home Alone

Leaving your dog home alone is a reality for most dog owners — but doing it well requires preparation, the right setup, and an understanding of your dog's needs. A dog that's properly prepared for alone time is calm, safe, and content. Here's how to leave your dog home alone without guilt or worry.

What You'll Need

• A Kong toy (frozen): A frozen stuffed Kong toy is the most effective tool for keeping a dog calm and occupied when home alone. Prepare it the night before and give it as you leave.
• A puzzle toy: A puzzle toy loaded with kibble provides mental exercise that keeps dogs occupied for 15–30 minutes.
• A Nylabone: A durable Nylabone chew provides long-lasting independent entertainment and satisfies the chewing instinct.
• A comfortable dog bed: A comfortable orthopedic dog bed in a safe, comfortable space gives your dog a designated rest area.
• A dog camera: A Furbo 360° dog camera lets you monitor your dog remotely, receive barking alerts, talk to them through the two-way speaker, and toss treats from your phone.
• Calming chews: ThunderBites calming chews given before you leave can reduce separation anxiety in dogs that struggle with alone time.

How Long Can Dogs Be Left Alone?

• Puppies under 3 months: Maximum 1–2 hours
• 3–6 months: Maximum 2–3 hours
• 6–12 months: Maximum 3–4 hours
• Adult dogs (1–7 years): Maximum 4–6 hours ideally; up to 8 hours occasionally with enrichment
• Senior dogs: 4–6 hours maximum depending on health and bladder control

If you regularly need to leave your dog longer than these guidelines, arrange for a dog walker, doggy daycare, or pet sitter.

Before You Leave: The Setup

Exercise First

Give your dog a good walk or play session before you leave. A tired dog settles more easily and is far less likely to be destructive or anxious during alone time. Even 20–30 minutes of active exercise before departure makes a significant difference.

Feed Through Enrichment

Instead of feeding from a bowl, give your dog their meal through a puzzle toy or snuffle mat before you leave. This extends mealtime into a 15–30 minute mental workout that tires them before you go.

Set Up the Space

• Ensure your dog has access to fresh water
• Set up their comfortable bed in a safe area
• Remove hazards — toxic plants, accessible trash, electrical cords
• Leave background noise — TV, radio, or a dog-specific playlist
• Set up the dog camera so you can check in

As You Leave

• Give the frozen Kong as you walk out the door — it creates a positive association with your departure
• Leave calmly without prolonged goodbyes — emotional departures increase anxiety
• Give calming chews 30–60 minutes before leaving if your dog has separation anxiety

While You're Away

Check in via the dog camera periodically. If your dog is barking excessively, pacing, or showing signs of distress, they may have separation anxiety that needs to be addressed. Use the two-way speaker to speak calmly to your dog if they seem anxious.

When You Return

• Greet your dog calmly — excited greetings reinforce anxious behavior around departures
• Take your dog outside immediately for a toilet break
• Give a walk or play session to release pent-up energy

Signs Your Dog Struggles with Being Alone

• Destructive behavior when you return
• Accidents indoors despite being house-trained
• Excessive barking or howling (neighbors may tell you)
• Anxious behavior when you prepare to leave
• Excessive greeting when you return

These signs may indicate separation anxiety. See our guide on how to treat separation anxiety in dogs for a full step-by-step approach.

Final Thoughts

Leaving your dog home alone well requires exercise before departure, enrichment toys to occupy them, a comfortable space, and a dog camera to monitor remotely. A frozen Kong as you leave, a Nylabone for extended chewing, and calming chews for anxious dogs complete the toolkit. With the right setup, most dogs handle alone time calmly and comfortably.