Leaving your dog alone
How to get my dog used to being alone?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Start with absences of just a minute or two, done several times a day, and only add time once your dog settles calmly rather than following a fixed schedule. Pair departures with a predictable routine, such as a specific chew toy that only appears when you leave, and keep arrivals low key so alone time does not become an emotional event.
Begin smaller than feels necessary
Most owners jump straight to 30 minutes or an hour, but the dogs who adjust fastest usually start with departures under 5 minutes, sometimes even stepping outside and immediately back in. This teaches the dog that you leaving does not automatically mean a long, uncertain wait.
Build the ladder gradually
Once a dog is consistently calm at 5 minutes, move to 15, then 30, then an hour, spacing the increases over days or weeks rather than a single afternoon. If a dog shows distress at a new duration, drop back to the last comfortable length for a few more sessions before trying again.
Make leaving boring
Skip long goodbyes and excited hellos, since both teach a dog that your coming and going is a big deal worth reacting to. A calm, almost unremarkable departure, with a stuffed chew appearing just before you go, sets a much steadier tone than a dramatic exit.
Common mistakes that slow this process down
Jumping ahead too quickly after just one good session, practicing only at the same time of day so the dog never generalizes to different departures, and accidentally returning right when a dog is barking or scratching are among the most common reasons progress stalls. Spacing practice across different times of day, weekdays and weekends alike, and staying disciplined about only advancing after multiple calm sessions tends to produce steadier, more reliable results over a few weeks.
Key takeaways
- Start with very short absences, sometimes under a minute, rather than jumping to a full hour.
- Only increase duration once the dog is consistently calm at the current length.
- Keep departures and arrivals low key so being alone does not become emotionally charged.