Is it okay to leave a dog alone overnight every once in awhile? If so, is there an acceptable age?

Question

My dog is 1 yr old and is potty trained. I would get back at 7am to let him out. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't neglecting him by not being home over night once in a great while and that he would not be scared. He is not crated.

Answer 1

Overnight is just like leaving a dog alone during the day when you go to work, just make sure your pet has fresh water, and can't chew up anything dangerous or important. I've left mine alone before, and she doesn't seem to mind. Age wise, just make sure they are potty trained or you are going to come home to "presents"

Answer 2

I am going to go against the grain here and say no. Dogs are not cats; they need more attention. A dog should not be crated or left alone for more than eight hours at a time; while being at work during the day usually falls into that time frame, and overnight trip does not. While he can probably go without a refill on his food or water, he most likely cannot go without a potty break during that time. If he's alone in the house, every moment alone is a moment he can get into something the can harm him or even be deadly (chemicals under the sink, plastic bags, or even a pillow that he unravels and swallows a long string from). If he's crated, he certainly shouldn't be in his crate for more than eight hours as he needs both a potty break and to be able to get out and stretch and move around.

See if you have a neighbor, sibling, family member, friend, etc. who can come stay with him or take him. At the very least he should be taken out at night and again in the morning.

Answer 3

It isn't ideal, I suspect he's going to start wondering where the heck you are, but if he's not going to raise such a ruckus that all the neighbours are kept awake, I think it will be okay for an emergency. He is used to being in his area, he's pad trained, he will have everything he needs. I'd leave a radio or TV on. But this is a wake-up call for you about dog care. If you can't afford one night in a kennel(how much? probably $35 at the most for such a small dog) for the dog, what will you do if the dog gets sick and needs a vet visit? I haven't gotten out of a vet's office for less than $150 for some years now and it's more, maybe much more, if the dog really needs treatment. And you need a back-up plan in case this happens again. Find a kennel you trust, ask your vet if they board, or find someone who will take the dog into their home, so you have that resource next time something comes up.

Answer 4

How long? most dogs are ok for around 8 hours but I wouldn't suggest leaving one crated that long. If you do use a crate consider an X-pen which gives a bit more area to move around in. If you can leave your dog home during the day to go to work the same for an equal over night time would be fine. Anything more than 10 and your really testing your dog's potty training skills and its not very nice. I know I wouldn't like it if I couldn't go for 10 hours. There's also the "once in a while" factor. Dogs who's owners work know they're inside for a while with no chance to potty. I've let my webcam record my pups to see what they do and they drink very little during the day and then have a nice big long drink when I arrive home. If your dog doesn't understand you're not just running out for an errand he may not adjust his eating and he may not be able to wait for you to come let him out. Is there a friend or neighbor that might be able to stop by and atleast let the dog out once in the evening to relieve him/herself?

Answer 5

oh yea, actually dogs need some alone time too. BUT like the other peeps have said, if you dont feel comfortable leaving the dog alone in the house free to rome, then you should crate it. Dogs have their own sense of humor, and sometimes may fell neglected, so one day he/she might just leave u a little present when u arrive back home, but thats just the puppy in a dog. Most will grow out of it. Mine did. but yea i leave my dog at home by hersef for hours, and as long as she has her toys she's fine! and i have a Yorkie, and she is VERY hyper, so you could imagine, LOL

Answer 6

I've left my dog over night before also. As long as you'll be able to get home early enough the next day (or have someone else stop by) to let the dog out, it should be fine! if i am only going away for the night, i think this is much easier on my dog and me than the kennel would be. just make sure he has a comfortable place to sleep, food and clean water and it should be ok! worst case you'll come home to an accident on the floor.

Answer 7

I think it is ok. If he is house broken you may want to leave down a puppy pad and explain to the dog what it is. You will be surprise how much they understand. I use terms like potty outside, or want to go potty, go about in this manner & show him the pad, it may not connect the first time, but it will.

I would think since he is not a littlke puppy 2-6 monts old, his age should be ok.

Don't forget extra water and food, his favorite toys and a place to sleep, adjust your temperature accordingly.
My dogs loves their blankets, so I make sure they have it when I leave. You will definitely be loved when you arrive home! Don't forget to walk him.

Answer 8

Make sure it has it's limits. If the dog is not trained yet I suggest you leave it in your room or in a comfy cage. There's reallly no "acceptable age" it depends on how the dog acts. If the dog is fully "potty trained" and knows right from wrong, why not leave it alone?

Answer 9

I used to doggy sit a doby and all the owners did for the dog was give him a room for his toys and sleeping area, food area and play area, they closed off all other areas they didnt want the dog to get into unsupervised. most dogs who are potty trained can hold their waste for about 5 to 6 hours, but dogs tend to enjoy human interaction, the doby would cry and howl during the day until I was able to get over their to walk and play. and the doby was about 9 years old. if you must leave your dog get a doggy sitter you trust, may it be a neighbor or family member and let them come by in the morning, afternoon and at night, to let your dog out to the bathroom, feed them, and give them loving attention. good luck, and hope this helps.

Answer 10

I work nights so know where you are coming from. I put my dogs in cages when I am gone and fill a kong full with peanut butter to keep them occupied for a while. Then they mostly just sleep. If the dog is several months old then it is old enough. Just remember to keep the dog in a safe place.