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Can I leave my dog home alone? Dos and don’ts, how to prevent boredom, which apps to use

Learn how to safely leave your dog at home for short periods, training tips, and what technology to use to keep them entertained

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Learn how to safely leave your dog at home for short periods. Photo: Shutterstock

Dog owners tend to enjoy having their companions with them most of the time, whether that is on holiday, when exercising outside or even at work.

However, there are times when our pets should or must stay home alone – like when their owners are at the gym or out to do a bit of shopping.

A dog home on their own can seem a scary thought for both dog and owner, but with proper training they can safely be left to their own devices.

Puppies or very young dogs should only be left alone for short periods, say dog trainers and animal welfare experts, but three or four hours is not much of a problem for most adult dogs that are accustomed to being left alone.

A dog that has had exposure from a very young age to being alone is likely to react calmly to the short disappearance of its owner.

Other dogs, such as those from animal shelters that may have experienced trauma, can become stressed very quickly.
Puppies or very young dogs should only be left alone for short periods, say dog trainers and animal welfare experts. Photo: Shutterstock
Puppies or very young dogs should only be left alone for short periods, say dog trainers and animal welfare experts. Photo: Shutterstock
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