Our previous blog addressed Mastering Puppy Independence: Can I Leave a New Puppy Home Alone?. A young puppy is still developing, and its bladder cannot hold it for long periods. For example:
- A 2-month-old puppy might be able to hold their bladder for about 3 hours.
- A 3-month-old puppy might be able to hold their bladder for about 4 hours.
- A 4-month-old puppy might be able to hold their bladder for about 5 hours.
- And so on.
So, assuming your furry friend is well on its developmental way, here are some tips that you may find helpful as you navigate stepping away from your puppy for more extended periods.
Here are a few essential tips to help you leave your puppy at home once they are more developed:
- Ease Into Leaving Your Puppy Alone for Longer Periods Over Time. As outlined in our blog, gradually work up to being gone for more extended periods. Start with one hour and work up to more extended periods.
- Crate Your Puppy While You’re Away. When leaving your puppy for shorter periods, use an adequately sized crate outfitted with a chew-proof soft pad. Crate-trained puppies enjoy the feeling of safety that their crate becomes for them. If you’ll be gone for more extended periods, enlist the help of a family member, friend, or pet sitter to help relieve your puppy and provide exercise, playtime, water, and food if you’ll be out during your pet’s scheduled feeding time.
- Create a Safe Confinement Area. Creating a puppy-safe environment is essential if you prefer not to crate your puppy when leaving home. Use a dog or puppy gate to create a safe environment with no cords, access to trash receptacles, chew hazards, stairs, and more. Ensure an adequate supply of water.
- Use Puppy Pads. Try incorporating puppy pads into your routine to ensure your puppy can feel comfortable while you are away.
- Give Your Pup a Workout. Before departing, help your puppy get some solid playtime or take it for a walk. That way, you can rest assured that your pup will have ample time to relieve itself and feel more restful while you are away.
- Be Choosy About Chew Toys and Treats. Especially when leaving your puppy unattended, make sure there are no chew or choking hazards. Opt for top-rated, puppy-approved items.
- Create a Calming Atmosphere. Position a nice and cozy bed near a window or door to give your pup a bird’s eye view of the yard if they enjoy it. Add pet-safe aromatherapy to a diffuser nearby.
- Play Background Noise. Some puppies like the sound of low-volume talk radio, while others respond to classical music or pet television.
- Come Home During Your Lunch Break. Seeing our pets throughout the day is the best break one can have!
- Hire a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker. Enlisting help from a pet sitter or someone to walk your dog during the day is ideal for people regularly away from home for long periods. It provides peace of mind, and your pup will also thank you!
Read Essential Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need for Your Furry Friend for more tips on preparing for a new puppy.
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