In today’s economic conditions, staying at home all day and dreaming of living a stable, comfortable life is not possible. Everyone has to step out of the house and do something to earn a living. In a lot of households, both males and females have to work full-time to live comfortably. If you have a similar household, you may think that getting a pet with such tough work schedules is tough. As you’ll be away from home for at least eight to nine hours a day, how will your pet manage alone?
Well, if this is stopping you from adding a four-legged companion to your home, you should definitely change your mindset. There are numerous dog breeds that have an independent temperament and would easily stay at home while you are at work.
These dogs are low in energy and don’t require you to entertain them constantly. Also, they are calm and easy-going. They prefer resting and taking naps over wreaking havoc in the home. Their tendency to get separation anxiety is way less than that of other dogs.
In this article, we shall talk about dogs that are not easily bored or annoyed in your absence. Rather, they have a lot of patience, which classifies them as the dog breeds that can stay alone 8 hours.
Dog Breeds That Can Stay Alone 8 Hours
1. Chihuahua
Despite being a small breed, the Chihuahua can easily spend time alone when you are off to work!
If you are someone who has an office to attend to for around eight hours a day, you will cooperate. Some of these individual dogs are more independent than others. If you have got one as a pet, your life is surely sorted!
However, it is necessary to train your dog to stay alone. You can’t just bring it home and expect it to behave well when you leave it alone. Rather, provide your dog with regular training so it learns how to spend its time alone without getting panicked.
Start with giving some hours alone, and then gradually increase this time. Also, work on crate training, and it will help the dog gain an independent nature.
Before you set out for your office, make sure you have placed your dog’s favourite toys in their designated places and have given access to food to your dog.
A lot of people in this Reddit thread say their dogs are okay when they leave them home alone and go to work!
Warning: If your dog has a small bladder, which is usually common in puppies, leaving it alone at home for long durations can be a bit messy!
2. Boston Terrier
Though Boston Terriers thrive on companionship, it is possible to leave this dog alone at home for as many as 4 to 8 hours a day.
With proper training and advanced preparation, you can work on the temperament of this dog and reduce all the chances of it getting separation anxiety while you are away.
The Boston Terrier Society says you need to start training the dog when it is young. A puppy’s behavior is easier to mould than an adult’s behavior. As these dogs are small in size, they are great for apartment living.
Also, they are not filled with crazy energy, so you don’t need to worry about getting your furniture damaged when they run around the house in your absence.
Remember: Give this dog a comfortable and safe space so it can stay comfy while you are away. You can have a crate for that matter. Make sure to have a dog-proofed area at home.
3. Basset Hound
Typically, a Basset Hound has a pack mentality and loves being around its folks. However, if you train the dog well, it will be able to live alone for at least 3 to 8 hours.
These dogs can experience and showcase separation anxiety. This is why it is necessary to introduce the concept of alone time to it gradually. Start by leaving the dog alone for one hour and then gradually augment this duration.
With time, you’ll realize the dog can stay alone for at least a few hours.
Stack on a few toys that your pet would love, place its favorite snacks where it can reach them easily, and avoid staying away from home unnecessarily for extended periods!
Caution: If your dog showcases destructive behaviors when left alone, get a dog walker to avoid this behavior getting even worse!
4. French Bulldog
A French Bulldog is also a small breed, known for being one of the best pet dogs out there.
It is an urban dog, with most of its families being residents of metropolitan cities, living in apartments. Obviously, these dog owners have to go out of their homes for some hours to earn a living. The Bulldog has an independent temperament and can be left alone at home for this period.
Just like all other dogs, PDSA suggests starting to train this dog from puppyhood. As it matures, it would understand the pattern and lifestyle of a working household. Hence, staying back at home for several hours when pet parents are not at home won’t be an issue!
Pro Tip: As they are social dogs, give them enough opportunities to socialize when you get back home. This will help you avoid their destructive behaviors.
5. Greyhound
Looking for an adaptive dog that will easily manage to live without you for a few hours while you are away? Get yourself a Greyhound.
These dogs are surely a great choice for pet owners who have to stay out of the home for several hours and can’t afford a pet sitter.
Originally bred as sighthounds, they have an adaptable nature and have relatively low separation anxiety when compared to most other dogs.
As it is a big dog and needs physical activity and some outdoor time, make sure there is a doggie door in your house. It will give your dog access to the yard to potty. This way, it won’t get anxious in your absence.
Remember: Give your dog ample exercise and mental stimulation each day to prevent destructive behavior that can arise from boredom.
6. Basenji
A properly trained and managed Basenji can surely live alone for 6 to 8 hours at home!
Nonetheless, 8 hours is the limit, and the dog should not be left alone for extended periods.
While you are getting your dog used to this alone time, give it proper crate training. Make this crate super comfortable by adding a soft bed or blankets to it. This way, your dog will be super comfortable at home when you are not there!
Also, make sure to provide your dog plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This way, it won’t be bored even when you are not around.
Pro Tip: Stock up on some puzzle toys and chew toys to keep the dog entertained during its alone time.
7. Chow Chow
A Chow Chow comes with an independent temperament, which works great in favour of pet owners who have to leave their dogs alone for extended periods.
Owing to its free thinking, it may be a bit challenging initially. However, as you train it, it would learn how to live alone.
When compared to other pets, large breeds like these need a comfortable and secure space to live alone while you are away. Before you leave for the office, make sure to get enough physical activity for appropriate mental stimulation. When your dog is not bored, it will showcase calm behavior.
Caution: If your dog reacts to being left alone initially, opt for a doggy daycare till it gets trained thoroughly.
8. Bullmastiff
A pet Bullmastiff is a complete family dog!
It is highly affectionate, loyal, and loving to the family members.
However, if you need to, you can leave this dog alone for long periods without it reacting negatively, provided you have trained it well.
Some things you need to provide for this dog before leaving the house are:
Appropriate physical activity for mental stimulation
Its favorite food is placed in an accessible space
A comfortable environment
Pro Tip: Cuddle your dog a lot once you are back, and it will soothe its heart.
9. Shiba Inu
Though a puppy Shiba Inu can’t be left alone at home without supervision, an adult one can easily stay back home while you are off to work!
Initially, this dog may develop separation anxiety, which it would showcase through incessant barking. However, with time, its behavior will mellow down as you keep it exposed to this situation.
Once back from work, serve all your dog’s demands of social interaction and spend some quality time with it so it doesn’t feel lonely.
PetMD mentions this high-energy breed also requires a lot of exercise and physical activity for it to be mentally stimulated.
Warning: Don’t leave your dog at home alone if it’s extremely anxious and barks a lot. Spend time with it and it will feel relaxed!
10. Pug
Pugs are urban dog which has, over time, developed a temperament to stay alone at home when their parents are at work.
Though they are affectionate and appreciate the company of their parents, they can certainly adapt to a lifestyle where they have to live alone for some hours when the parents go off to work.
Before leaving your dog at home, give it a comfortable space, access to food, and its favorite toys.
You need to slowly teach them to be alone and stay calm when no one is at home.
Warning: Don’t extend the alone time for more than eight hours!
Conclusion
Where some dogs are extremely social and constantly need to stay close to their families, others have an independent nature and can be left alone for some hours. They have the much-needed freedom that lets them be at peace when alone. However, their training is required to develop a sense of liberation in them, making them phenomenal house dogs.
