If you’re a pet parent, you might be afraid to ask: “How much time should dogs spend with their owners?” What if you’re not spending enough with your canine companion? Will they start to see their Pet Sitter as their new hooman? Is it possible to lose the bond between you and your fur baby?
In this article, we’re going to pull back the curtain on what your dog really thinks about your time away, and how you can be sure to keep a strong relationship even with those long hours apart.
TRUTH BOMBS, INCOMING!
(Just kidding. But better to know what your dog needs and how you can facilitate quality time.)
How much time should dogs spend with their owners?
Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer to this question. The fact is, every dog and every circumstance is different, and there are many factors that can determine whether a dog is getting adequate attention.
The recommendation from most Australian state pet welfare experts is that dogs need around three hours of dedicated doggy time to maintain a strong owner/dog bond. That can include feeding, playtime, training, grooming, and exercise, spread throughout the day. And, dogs shouldn’t spend more than eight continuous hours alone per day. |
With that generalisation in mind, here are a few factors that will help you figure out how much attention your unique dog needs:
- Their breed. Some dogs, such as Maremma Sheepdogs and Chow Chows, were bred to live mostly independently from their Owners. Others, like Pugs and Labradors, were bred to be their Owner’s constant companion. Looking into your breed’s history will tell you a lot about how much alone time your dog can handle.
- Whether you have other pets. Having multiple pets in the house can be a source of comfort for social animals like dogs. That’s not to say that a second pet will cure separation anxiety or mean that you can leave your pup alone for more than the maximum eight hours at a time. Even so, it can give them some mental stimulation while you’re away.
- Their personality and past experiences. Some dogs simply need more interaction and attention. This is especially true for dogs being rehabilitated for abandonment or other traumatic past experiences. Until they’re fully comfortable being alone, these dogs will need more attention to deal with their anxiety.
How much time should dogs spend with their owners as puppies?
Puppies will generally need more care and attention, especially during the first year. But until we can all get behind paid pup-ternity leave, there are going to be times when our puppies are alone in the house. So, just how much time can they tolerate alone?
In general, the minimum amount of interaction time for a puppy to be happy and healthy is two to three hours per day. This will give you enough time for training, play, cuddling, and feeding.
While three hours may feel like a short amount of time, consider that at this age, puppies sleep between 18 and 20 hours per day. So, as long as they’ve had time to adjust to longer stretches alone without separation anxiety, it’s okay to only give them about three hours of interaction time per day.
How much time should dogs spend with their owners as seniors?
Like puppies, there are some special considerations when it comes to older dogs.
Many doggy seniors, for instance, will sleep or rest up to 18 hours per day. This is a normal part of ageing that includes a decrease in energy levels.
But, whether your senior dog will be happy to be alone for that much time is another story… Some senior dogs become more affectionate in their old age. If that’s the case, they should get some extra love to make them feel calm and comfortable.
Other senior dogs would prefer more quiet time to themselves. If they’re in a household with other pets or children, they may appreciate a separate place to snooze in peace.
Medical concerns can also play a factor here. A dog who needs supervision should not be left alone for long stretches of time. And, even without any pressing issues, senior dogs can benefit from a midday walk to help stretch their legs and reduce joint pain.
What are the signs of a dog who is alone too much?
A dog that doesn’t spend enough time with their owner (chosen family) will may show their discomfort in a number of ways:
- Excessive barking or howling
- Destructive behaviours in the home like chewing or digging
- Urination in the home
- Hair loss
- Signs of dog depression, including low energy and loss of appetite
If your dog is showing these symptoms, it could be a matter of loneliness. Keep in mind that these symptoms could also stem from other issues, so make sure to get a vet recommendation to make sure.
What to do when you can’t be with your dog enough
Now that we’ve answered the question, ‘How much time should dogs spend with their owners?” you might realise that your pupper needs more quality time than they’re getting. But, if you can’t change your schedule to give your pup more attention, what can you do to keep them happy?
Here are a few ideas:
- Find a friendly Pet Sitter. Leaving your dog in the care of a dedicated Pet Sitter is a brilliant way to give them the attention they need. They’ll get more one-on-one attention than they would at a crowded kennel, as well as some much needed exercise.
- Provide your dog with more mental stimulation. When your dog is home alone, you can help them to feel more engaged with puzzle toys and other distractions to ward off boredom. And, when you’re with them, mental stimulation in the form of training, interactive play, and healthy dog food can help them remain satisfied.
- Focus on your strong relationship with your dog. You might be worried that time spent alone or with a Dog Sitter might negatively affect the relationship you have with your dog. But, there are some easy solutions. Namely, make sure that the time you do spend with your dog is quality time. If you’re focused on your dog during the time you spend with them, they’ll know that you love them. It really is that simple.
Your pup wants to be with you all the time, but you can find a schedule that works!
Now that we’ve considered the question, “How much time should dogs spend with their owners?” from a few different angles, you can set up the schedule that works best for you and your dog.
As long as you or your local Pet Sitter can give your dog a few dedicated hours a day, and maybe some tasty fresh meals and puzzle games when they’re alone, you’ll have a content furry companion!
