When you and your dog got together, it was to give him a forever home. You’re so glad he’s yours, and you’re his! Unfortunately, you can’t always be together. You have to work, and you are not among the lucky ones who can work from home or bring their pets to the office with them.
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9 Best "Home Alone" Dog Breeds
If you’re considering getting a dog but know your future pooch will have to spend some time alone, it’s important to do your homework first. Some breeds don’t tolerate being left alone very well, so you would be wise to consider this when choosing a dog to share your life.
Here are 10 dog breeds that especially don't like being alone.
1. Toy Poodle
This sweet little ball of fur is affectionate and will bond strongly with you. Unfortunately, the toy poodle can become overly dependent on your presence and develop severe separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Sometimes, this results in negative behaviors like having accidents in the house.
2. Australian Shepherd
The lovely Australian Shepherd is an extremely intelligent dog that loves nothing more than working for you. Easily trained, they are energetic and athletic — and they need an outlet for that energy. Leaving them alone can cause an undue amount of stress — in severe cases, they can actually become self-destructive if left alone for too long.
3. American Pit Bull Terrier
This is an affectionate breed that lives to guard and protect his family. Without company, he may become anxious, destructive or noisy. Though pit bulls are a wonderful addition to your home, you’ll want to consider how to keep them entertained when you are not there.
4. Chihuahua
This engaged and active little dog is a favorite house pet that owners often treat more like a child than a dog. Being carried around with their human makes them extraordinarily affectionate, but if left alone for extended periods of time, their anxiety may lead them to become destructive or even aggressive.
5. Bichon Frise
These adorable balls of fluff are affectionate and love just about everyone — they crave human attention. That’s why, when left alone for extended periods, they are apt to develop anxiety issues.
6. Italian Greyhound
Like a small greyhound, Italian greyhounds were bred to run and hunt. Though this elegant dog loves to be in your lap, they also need lots of exercise and an outlet for their energy. If left alone too long, they may become anxious, aggressive or destructive.
7. Maltese
Like the Chihuahua, the cute little Maltese is often treated more like a child than a dog. They quickly become accustomed to being the center of attention, and can be resentful and jealous of your focus if they are left alone.
8. French Bulldog
These little powerhouses are not as fond of exercise as they are of snuggling with you, and they covet your complete attention. Addicted to human company, they can become jealous if your attention is divided between them and someone else. They absolutely hate to be alone.
9. Fox Terrier
An intelligent, very active breed, fox terriers are not the best people pleasers. They love to learn, however, and need an outlet for their extreme energy. If left alone too long, they are apt to become destructive, wreaking havoc in your home.
10. Pomeranian
If there’s one thing Pomeranians hate more than a bath, it’s being alone. These pups become easily attached to their owners and if they’re left alone or with strangers, Pomeranians can become aggressive or anxious.
Other Types of Dogs That Hate Being Alone
In addition to these 10 dogs breeds that hate being alone, some canines that shouldn't be alone are that way because of their particular temperament. For example, your dog may struggle when you go to work because they have a more high-strung personality or more energy to get rid of. Similarly, dogs without obedience training or dogs who aren’t used to being alone could get upset if you suddenly leave them to go to work.
Finally, puppies do not do well alone in most cases. Just like human babies, young dogs need extra attention and care. They also may not be completely housetrained, making it risky to leave them alone for long periods without a bathroom break.
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Even if your dog is not considered an at-risk dog for separation anxiety, they still may not like being left alone. Dogs left alone can experience extreme stress and fear, even if you aren’t gone very long. To them, minutes can feel like hours. Imagine how unhappy he might be if you’re gone for eight or ten hours at a time.
This list of 10 dog breeds that don’t tolerate being left alone is not an exhaustive list. Even though purebreds are more likely to become stressed out when they’re alone, mixed breeds are not exempt from the pain of separation, either.
What to Do When You Leave
For dogs that don’t like being alone, anxiety can start the moment you close the door behind you. Such dogs may wander from room to room, whining and barking. They may feel stress or anxiety, and if they bark, they may be disruptive to others living in your area. Some dogs may have too much energy and run around or destroy furniture. This can not only be costly for you, but it’s also dangerous for the dog, as they might swallow something dangerous.
There are many things you can do to help your dog cope with being left alone and avoid the problems that can arise. Giving them an extra-long walk before you leave, providing interactive toys, leaving treats around for them to find or installing a doggie door to an enclosed backyard can all help. You can also hire a dog sitter or take your pup to doggie daycare, although you will want to vet any caregivers carefully — especially since your dog already shows signs of attachment and separation anxiety.
For more severe cases, there are other potential solutions. You may want to speak to your vet about things you can do, including any medical options you can explore. If your job is flexible, you may also be able to work from home part of the time or come home during lunch. Some dog lovers also choose to keep their dogs in a kennel while they are away. By associating positive experiences with a kennel, it can become a place of calm for your dog that also keeps them from destroying your home.
Another potential solution is to get a second dog to give your canine companion a friend. However, this can also mean your pup suddenly has a partner in crime for wreaking havoc — it may not necessarily solve your problem.
How Furbo Can Help Your Anxious Pup
Furbo Dog Camera is an ideal way to keep an eye on Rover and stay in touch with him while you work. Not only will your dog feel better after hearing your voice during the day, but you will be more comfortable knowing you can see, hear and interact with him, too.
Furbo is a two-way communication system, so you can see and verbally communicate with your dog. Plus, the treat dispenser allows you to entertain and soothe your pup with their favorite snacks.
The dog alert feature can also be tremendously useful in helping you determine whether your pup is in distress. In many cases, dog lovers don’t know their pet is upset when they are left alone. After all, how can you know if your dog is barking or showing signs of anxiety while you’re gone? You’re not there!
With Furbo, you don’t have to worry about missing this essential information. You can monitor your dog to see how they react to being alone, as well as get alerts that will tell you how much your dog barks when you’re not there.
