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Just like humans, dogs can have their own variety of impairments. Some pups are born blind, while others lose their vision later in life due to a range of medical conditions. Blind dogs are very resilient, and can lead full lives! But they do need some special help, just like this lovable foster pup, Kobe.

Keep your blind dog safe like foster dog Kobe |  Furbo Dog Camera

So what can we do for our vision-impaired pups? 

Appeal to their sense of smell in activities

When Kobe is home alone, his pawrent uses Furbo to follow these tips. Furbo is perfect for dogs with vision impairment: even though Kobe can’t see the machine, he can hear the distinctive treat toss sound and smell the treats every time. Plus, he can hear the loving voices of his pawrents, which calms him down. The treats are also a routine, which is calming, and keeps him within his safe zone. 

We’re rooting for Kobe on his foster journey; who wouldn’t want to home this baby? And with Furbo, he’ll always be safe and happy even when he’s home alone.

How to Keep Your Blind Dog Safe at Home Alone

Deciding to own a dog is the start of a grand adventure, but it’s one that should be planned for carefully.

Who's a Good Dog! 9 Best "Home Alone" Dog Breeds

Deciding to own a dog is the start of a grand adventure, but it’s one that should be planned for carefully. Doing some homework well in advance will help ensure a happy relationship between you and your new pup and can smooth out the bumps in the road that invariably come with strengthening the dog-human bond.

While it’s never a good idea to leave a dog alone for long periods of time, the fact that most of us have jobs means that we must either find a way to make it work or give up having a dog. Leaving your furbaby home alone can cause quite a few problems because many dogs suffer separation anxiety. They may act out when left alone, soiling the house, chewing things up, digging, and barking. One way to avoid these problems is to choose a breed that is less likely to suffer from distress.

Here are our recommendations for 9 best "home-alone" dog breeds: 

One of the few terrier breeds that do not suffer from separation anxiety, the Boston Terrier (actually part of the “Non-Sporting” group in AKC) with its distinctive “tuxedo” markings are intelligent and independent dogs that are no longer used for their fighting origins. Although they can be stubborn and sometimes hyperactive, they nevertheless make wonderful companions for older people or those who live in apartments.

The Lhasa makes a funny and engaging pet for just about anyone. Bred for centuries to be royal watchdogs, they don’t seem to realize how small they are and put on their “big dog suit” every time they meet another dog. They are playful and inquisitive, but are independent enough not to mind being let to their own devices. Unfortunately, that independent spirit means that although they will readily learn all your commands, they’ll only obey when it suits their own purposes.

This big dog in a small suit is among the favorite breeds in America. They enjoy a role as guard dog, but can get noisy if they take that role too seriously. Intelligence works in their favor, as they are quick to learn and are affectionate as well. They do not mind being left alone if you are sure to leave toys and chew things to keep them busy while you’re gone. 

This large breed needs a lot less exercise than one would imagine and they love to sleep, making them ideal for families who live a hectic schedule. A few short walks a day will meet the Bullmastiff’s energy requirements. Older dogs are especially calm and laid-back, but puppies are still puppies and need more exercise. Socializing this wonderful breed and teaching it at least basic obedience commands are necessary, as an adult can reach 130 pounds. Despite its size, it makes a wonderful apartment dog. Give it lots of attention when you are home, and be sure to leave toys for pups to chew on.

Looking like a giant teddy bear, the Chow Chow seems like it would be great to cuddle with. However, it’s really not much for snuggling and physical closeness. Like a cat, it would rather not be hugged and is not a fan of strangers. The Chow Chow is good with its own family, but isn’t the best breed to have around small children. Suspicious of strangers, it makes an ideal watchdog.  Quiet and independent, they are fine with being left home alone.

Another dog that does very well in apartments is the Chinese Shar-pei due to their quiet and somewhat reserved demeanor. They do not readily take to strangers but will do anything for their humans. Their cat-like aloofness means that they are a good choice for people who must work or are busy. However, it is important to spend the time to properly train and socialize the Shar-pei when it is young, or it will become stubborn and disrespectful and try to rule the home. They are excellent watchdogs and guardians and like to have a job to do. 

A devoted Japanese breed, the Akita was developed originally as a hunting dog, but found its place in the world of guardians and watchdogs. Like other breeds that are good at guarding, the Akita is somewhat aloof with strangers but will accept them if its family is home. Early training and socialization will mitigate problems that might otherwise arise from being a fearless dog that refuses to back down from a challenge. Though tolerant of your daily absence, the Akita craves your attention when you are home.

This unique breed hails from Africa, where it was developed as a hunting dog. Known as the “barkless” breed, they are not voiceless. It’s just that their vocalizations are limited to “yodeling” and blood-curdling screaming, as well as whines and growls typical of all dogs. Because the Basenji is very independent as well as intelligent, it may not even notice when you leave. However, be prepared to be joyfully received upon your return. 

This designer dog is a cross between the Pekingese and the Poodle and has inherited the best from both breeds. Affectionate and intelligent, they enjoy being with their people but really don’t mind spending time alone, as long as they have something to amuse them. Puzzle balls or other toys that require them to use their minds to get treats are great for these little dogs. Not particularly destructive, they are a good choice for someone who works but wants a small breed. 

Remembering that dogs are social animals who consider themselves part of a pack that includes their human families, leaving them at home alone is not the ideal. However, providing something for them to do while you’re gone and training them to respond to audio commands will help. Remember to check in on them as often as possible can make the arrangement work, even if you have a full-time job. Make sure your dog has some outdoor time before you leave and some mind-engaging challenges while you’re away, or he may just find something on his own to do. And it may not be something you particularly approve of!

Furbo Dog Camera can help you keep tabs on your pup while you’re working, ease anxiety both from his end and yours, and allow you to even toss him treats while you talk to him from your office. Coupling Furbo with the proper choice of breed and a dedicated training plan means that you can have a wonderful life with your pup right from the start.

What are the best dog breeds for being left home alone? Here are the 9 best "Home alone" dog breeds, which are the Boston Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Akita, and other independent breeds.

9 Best "Home Alone" Dog Breeds For Someone Who Works All Day

Have you ever wondered what your kitty does after you step out the door? Cats can be mysterious, but never fear — you can still figure out how your furry friend is spending their purrsonal time. Here’s our guide to common home-alone cat behaviors! 

Cats aren’t just creatures of comfort — they’re intrepid adventurers, boldly exploring the highest perches they can find! It’s part of their instinctual need to survey their territory, find safe spots, and satisfy their curiosity. Left to their own devices, your cat might engage in some especially ambitious climbing expeditions.  

Make sure you take the right steps to protect your little mountaineer — and your breakables! — while you’re out. Here’s how:

Provide safe options. A sturdy cat tree or shelf, placed far away from fragile items, can offer a purrfect outlet for your furbaby’s climbing instincts. 

Secure loose items. Use double-sided tape to lock down knickknacks, potted plants, and other breakables, so they don’t find their way to the floor with the push of your free-range kitty’s mischievous paw.

Worried that, despite all your precautions, your cat might meet with a mountaineering mishap? With the Furbo 360° Cat Camera, you can keep a loving eye on your whiskered explorer no matter where you are, so you’ll never have to wonder what’s happening at home. And, with Furbo Cat Nanny’s AI-powered Cat Activity Alerts and Breaking Glass Alerts, you’ll even get notifications in real-time if anything goes wrong. 

While you’re out, your furball probably dedicates ample time to grooming! This meticulous behavior is far more than a cleanliness routine; it also relaxes your cat and distributes natural oils that enhance the health and luster of their coat.

As with all things, moderation is key. While regular grooming is a sign of good health, excessive grooming can indicate anxiety or underlying medical issues.

⚠️ If you notice that your cat has frequent hairballs or skin irritation, talk to your vet right away!

Not sure whether your cat is grooming too much? Use your Furbo 360° Cat Camera to keep an eye out for worrisome behavior! Thanks to Furbo Cat Nanny’s Vomiting Alert, you’ll even find out about hairballs in real time, instead of coming home to an unwelcome surprise.

Despite the cool cattitude your furball might display when you’re around, they miss you when you’re gone, and can find your absence confusing. They may even try to summon you home by vocalizing their complaints in every room! 

If you’re worried about your furbaby getting lonely, leave something that smells like you — like a recently worn shirt — on the couch for them to snuggle while you’re away. 

😺 Fun fact: adult cats don’t meow at each other. They save that for their kittens…and their hoomans! 

With Furbo Cat Nanny’s Continuous Meowing Alert and Crying Alert, you’ll always know when your furry friend needs your attention. Furbo’s Real-Time 2-Way Audio feature even lets you respond, so your cat will never feel neglected while you’re away! 

Cats instinctively scratch nearby surfaces, both to keep their claws healthy and to mark their territory with their scent glands. When the house is quiet, your cat might seize the opportunity to really dig their claws into their favorite scratching spot. 

🐾 Pro tip: To support your cat’s natural scratching impulses without sacrificing your favorite armchair, strategically position scratching posts or pads throughout your home!

Not sure where to place the new scratching stations? With Furbo Cat Nanny, it’s easy to figure out where your furball spends the most time; just take a peek at the automatically created Kitty Diary footage! 

Cats stretch their bodies to awaken their muscles, kickstart their circulation, and make sure that everything, from their agile joints to their sensitive whiskers, is working smoothly. Stretching also triggers their proprioceptive senses, helping them understand the position and movements of their bodies. 

When the house is all theirs, your furball probably takes their stretching up a notch, turning your living room into their purrsonal yoga studio. 🧘‍♀️

Want to watch some adorable footage of your kitty contortionist? With Furbo Cat Nanny’s advanced Cloud Recording feature, you can bring a smile to your face at the tap of a button! Replay the carefully curated 15-second clips whenever you need an instant mood boost. 

Every day is an opportunity to ensure your cat’s wellbeing and enrich the unique bond you share.  With your Furbo 360° Cat Camera, you can watch over your precious furball and find out exactly what they need — plus collect heartwarming footage of their purrsonal lives! 

Furbo is here to give you peace of mind by keeping your cat safe and happy, wherever their secret adventures take them.

Grab your Furbo 360° Cat Camera, and never miss a moment of your furbaby’s day. 🐈🐾

Unlock your cat’s home-alone secrets Discover their daily adventures, from playful stretching to spirited climbing expeditions, and strengthen your bond by understanding their purrspective.

Purrsonal Time: What Your Cat Does While You’re Away

Get a glimpse into your kitty’s secret life!

Chewing is instinctive and necessary for our pups, and treats can be a great distraction while home alone. While bones, rawhides, and other treats are delicious for your pup to enjoy, they can pose a choking hazard if left unattended. Fractured teeth, oral injuries, airway obstruction, and gastrointestinal complications are all a risk for dogs chewing on a treat. In order to keep your pup safe and happy, consider implementing these treats into your doggo’s diet.

A dog food puzzle toy is a toy constructed to hold food and treats in various hiding places. Providing your dog's meal in an interactive toy can give him or her a hobby to pass the time and prevent them from resorting to destructive chewing or barking. These food toys create a positive association for the dog with being left at home alone and/or in their crate. 

A Kong toy is a durable and stuffable toy that you can fill with doggie kibble and even pumpkin puree to keep your dog busy. There are plenty of sizes and levels of durability so that you can choose one that’s right for you.

We spoke to Alexis Slone who is a veterinary technician in Kentucky, she says, 

“I really like to give my dogs yummy high-value treats like kongs stuffed with Peanut butter that has been frozen. This gives them something to do that they enjoy while you are gone. Eventually, they will be excited to see you go because they get their favorite snack! Be sure if you are a multi-dog household like mine to be more careful with leaving treats like this. We don't want to cause a scuffle!”

A snuffle mat is similar to a dog food puzzle toy, as it hides food and treats for your pup to find. The difference is that a snuffle mat brings out your dog’s instinct to burrow, as the layers of fabric require them digging their nose around. You can secure the mat to table or chair legs to ensure the mat doesn’t scoot around.

Frozen doggie treats are a great way to cool down your dog during hot summer months while keeping them occupied with hidden treats. They’ll lick away at the ice block to get peanut butter and yummy treats. These treats should last your pup hours!

A Furbo Dog Camera is a great solution for not only throwing treats to reward your pup but also monitoring your dog while they’re chewing on toys or eating ice treats. The Smart Alerts sends a notification to your phone to inform you that your pup is getting active, barking, howling, and more!

We spoke to Dr. Christine Bobula who is a veterinarian in California, she says, 

“You could even place a treat machine or Furbo dog camera near the kennel to be able to check in periodically with voice or treat rewards for good quiet kennel behavior.

By making your absence associated with fun toys or delicious treats, you can eventually change your dog's feeling about your absence and make it something pleasant. It is also helpful to give a command when leaving. We call this a departure or safety cue. It is used to help allow your dog to know what is happening and to relax while you're gone.”

Chewing is instinctive and necessary for our pups, and treats can be a great distraction while home alone. While bones, rawhides, and other treats are delicious for your pup to enjoy, they can pose a choking hazard if left unattended. In order to keep your pup safe and happy, consider implementing these treats into your doggo’s diet.

Safe Treats for Your Dog While Home Alone

Leaving your dog at home while you’re working at the office for eight hours, or even just shopping at the grocery store for two hours, can be incredibly stressful as a furparent. Even when a house is pup-proofed, there are infinite ways that your dog can manage to find trouble. Your mind races with “what-ifs” and you find yourself constantly distracted instead of getting work done. 

Younger dogs that are filled with energy are constantly seeking stimulation, and have a tendency to go scavenging for fun things to play with and eat. So how can a parent protect their furbaby while they’re away? One of the first steps is being aware of and preventing common accidents that younger pups experience while home alone. 

We spoke to Dr. Hannah Curtis, who provides at-home general wellness veterinary care in North Orange County, California. 

“I am a mobile, house-call veterinarian, so I get to travel to homes to visit dogs in their own environment. The majority of emergency calls I get about dogs left home alone call for dogs eating something they shouldn't have and for dogs that have experienced an injury.”

Here’s Dr. Hannah’s list of the top five items dogs ingest while home alone:

You may be asking yourself, what can I do to protect my young pup while I’m away? You can start by pup-proofing their living space. If your dog is free-range, rather than in a kennel, then it’s important to remove any potentially dangerous and ingestible objects from their reach. Removing a trash can or laundry hamper from the room can prevent a curious pup from digging in. By using baby gates, you can also section off a safe space for them to live in while you’re away.

Dr. Hannah explained that being able to periodically check in with your dog via a camera at home could help avoid further intoxication, injury, and suffering. Dr. Hannah uses her Furbo Dog Camera to help monitor her pups while she’s working:

“Checking in on our 3 dogs at home while we are working long days has been so important to us. When I get to see the dogs sleeping, barking at the garbage truck or watching TV it automatically makes me feel less stressed. It is comforting to know that they are home safe when I'm caring for other family's pets. “ 

In addition to being able to watch live videos, talk to your pup, and toss treats, Furbo provides Barking Alerts which notify you when your furbaby may be getting in trouble. 

These two labs managed to find their dad’s underwear, and proceeded to play tug-of-war with it! Luckily, the Furbo Dog Camera alerted their furparents with a Dog Activity Alert, and they were able to prevent them from ingesting the dirty laundry.

Labs Caught Tearing Dad's Underwear | Furbo Dog Camera

The Furbo Dog Nanny is a dog-monitoring service that helps look after your dog and keep them safe at home. With Smart Alerts and Cloud Recording Videos you can know exactly what’s going on at home and be alerted of emergencies in real time, and playback important moments you may have missed.

Vet: The Most Common Home-Alone Accidents for Younger Dogs

The scientists have spoken: enrichment has a Great Dane-sized list of benefits for your dog! Just for starters, it reduces anxiety, prevents boredom, provides a sense of accomplishment, increases overall wellbeing, and enables mental, emotional, and physical satisfaction. Your dog can live their happiest, healthiest lives when they’re regularly learning new things, engaging their minds, satisfying their natural instincts, and exploring novel sensory experiences. 

Understimulated dogs, on the other hand, often find dangerous or destructive ways to entertain themselves. If you keep coming back home to chewed-on chair legs and shredded sofa cushions, lack of enrichment could be to blame. 

But we can’t always be there to play with our precious pups, teach them new tricks, or take them on adventures. So, what’s a loving pawrent to do?

It’s simple: provide enrichment activities your furbabies can enjoy on their own! Enriching your dogs’ home-alone time can improve their quality of life, and it can keep them safe and out of trouble. You’ll come home to the most contented version of your furry friend.

Read on to discover four home-alone enrichment ideas!

Training is one of the most effective forms of enrichment. Training helps your dog learn some basic commands, and even more advanced fun tricks. You can even teach your dog how to like being home alone! 

But how is a training session a form of home-alone enrichment? Well, you can actually train your dog remotely! You can use the Furbo Dog Camera to speak to your dog when you’re away and practice some exercises. 

And don’t forget to use the camera’s treat-tossing feature to give your doggo some positive reinforcement for their good behavior!

Your dog will love the mental stimulation of learning something new, not to mention the chance to bond with you even while you’re away.

Note: Before you start using your Furbo, help your dog get familiar with it! This way you’ll ensure all your remote training sessions are a success! 

Encourage your dog to practice problem solving with an interactive toy, like a treat-stuffed puzzle, flip board, or snuffle mat. You can pick up a premade option, such as KONG, at your local pet store, or create your own with an online DIY tutorial. 

Different dogs enjoy different home-alone enrichment toys, so keep an eye on your Furbo footage to figure out your own pup’s preferences. 

If you’re making DIY dog enrichment toys, ensure you avoid bones, ropes, and rawhide. These things aren’t suitable for unsupervised play because small pieces can break off and become choking hazards for your pup. ⚠️

Searching for rewards satisfies dogs’ natural hunting and scavenging instincts. So hide some treats and toys in dog-safe locations around your home, and let your furry friend channel his wild ancestors by sniffing them out! 

Make sure to peek at your intrepid adventurer’s progress with your Furbo. You’ll also get Real-Time Smart Alerts so you can see if any explorations take an unexpected turn. 

As a bonus, you’ll get extra adorable puppy playtime footage you can share with #CaughtOnFurbo 📸

Not up for letting your dog roam the whole house? Provide a more contained adventure by making a “busy bucket”. Layer treats, old towels or pillowcases, and toys in a sturdy bucket. This homemade dog enrichment activity will fulfill your furry friend’s wildest dreams of digging for treasure! 

Since unfamiliar sights and sounds grab dogs’ attention and provide endless stimulation, try mentally engaging your dog with some TV time! If your furbaby tends to spook easily, steer clear of content that contains potentially upsetting noises, like shouting, gunshots, or fireworks. 

Instead, flip to the DOGTV channel, or search YouTube for playlists designed to keep dogs entertained. Some discerning doggos would rather get their sensory stimulation by people-watching, so try placing a cozy bed or blanket near a window with a good view. 

Dog Watching Cartoons | Furbo Dog Camera

Ready to engage your dog’s other senses? Fulfill his need for novelty by providing a toy with an unfamiliar scent, a new flavor of treat, or some distinctively textured bedding.

Keeping your pet’s paws busy when they’re home alone is a great way to ensure their emotional well-being. So always look for new puppy enrichment ideas and try them out with your furbaby! 

No matter what your pets’ favorite form of home-alone enrichment turns out to be, Furbo is here to keep them safe and happy. Furbo 360° Dog Camera lets you keep an eye on your pup, and talk to them remotely if you see them starting to get bored. 

The Furbo Camera also lets you provide positive reinforcement for your pup when they interact with the enrichment activities you left them. And with our Smart Alerts, you can react immediately if anything goes wrong. 

The scientists have spoken: enrichment has a Great Dane-sized list of benefits for your dog! Just for starters, it reduces anxiety, prevents boredom, provides a sense of accomplishment, increases overall wellbeing, and enables mental, emotional, and physical satisfaction. Your dog can live their happiest, healthiest lives when they’re regularly learning new things, engaging their minds, satisfying their natural instincts, and exploring novel sensory experiences.

4 Solutions for Home-Alone Enrichment

How to keep your dog stimulated… and why that’s imPAWtant!

4 Solutions for Home-Alone Dog Enrichment

“Our older, senior dogs may be at home resting much of the time while we're out, but they can slip and fall or take a turn for the worse when we are away. Dogs with chronic arthritis or cognitive dysfunction (doggie dementia) can end up getting themselves stuck in strange places such as under tables and chairs or in tight corners, and they can become frightened and stressed.”

You may be asking yourself, what can I do to protect my senior pup while I’m away? Dr. Hannah explained that senior pets and pets with chronic conditions typically need more frequent monitoring. 

“Having a way to check in on them throughout the day can be helpful in understanding the progression of their disease so that we can make the necessary changes to help them have a better quality of life even when we aren't able to be home with them. Being able to periodically check in with your dog via a camera at home could help avoid further intoxication, injury and suffering.”

Dr. Hannah uses her Furbo Dog Camera to help monitor her pups while she’s working:

“Checking in on our 3 dogs at home while we are working long days has been so important to us. When I get to see the dogs sleeping, barking at the garbage truck, or watching TV it automatically makes me feel less stressed. It is comforting to know that they are home safe when I'm caring for other family's pets.“

In addition to being able to watch live videos, talk to your pup, and toss treats, Furbo provides Barking and Dog Activity Alerts which notify you when your furbaby may be getting in trouble. 

Poor Chester the pug fell behind the couch while his furparents were away. Luckily, the Furbo Dog Camera sent Chester’s dad a Dog Activity Alert, and he was able to rush home to save him.

Leaving your dog at home while you’re working at the office for eight hours, or even just shopping at the grocery store for two hours, can be incredibly stressful as a fur parent. You may be asking yourself, what can I do to protect my senior pup while I’m away? Dr. Hannah explained that senior pets and pets with chronic conditions typically need more frequent monitoring. 

Vet: The Most Common Home-Alone Accidents for Senior Dogs

How Long Can You Leave a Dog Home Alone?

It’s a question everyone with a furbaby has asked at one point: ”How long can I leave my dog alone?” Whether you plan on heading out for a day trip, to work or to run errands, you may wonder whether it’s acceptable to leave your dog on his or her own for that length of time. And what happens if you don’t plan on being gone long but get delayed?

This guide will cover the basics of how long you can leave a dog home alone and what to do to make the separation a little easier on both of you.

How Long Is Too Long to Leave Your Dog Alone?

When deciding whether your furry family member can be left alone all day or just for a few hours, you need to think about why dogs may have a tough time solo. Cats, it can seem, are perfectly content to stay in solitude all day. Dogs, on the other hand, are pack animals and they see you as part of the pack. This can mean they can get stressed when you leave. Dogs are also more reliant on you because they need to be let out.

An adult dog can be left alone for up to four to six hours a day, as a very general rule of thumb. However, this number can vary widely on several factors, such as:

You can train your furbaby to be less anxious when you leave. A well-trained dog may feel more comfortable being left alone for longer and may look forward to you coming home.

Schedule a Dog Treat While You're Away: Furbo Dog Camera

Let’s face it: it’s not just your furry family member you need to worry about when it comes to separation anxiety. Some dog parents just feel more comfortable leaving their furriest family members home for longer. If you feel anxiety about it, it’s something you may need to consider.

Even small amounts of time left alone can be enough time for a dog to get into trouble. Having good monitoring systems can make you feel less anxious and can let you check in on your furbaby, ensuring they are safe even if you have to leave them alone for a longer period of time. Furbo Dog Camera is one example of a way you can monitor your dog with a two-way communication system, automatic bark alert, and even a treat dispenser.

If your cutest family member has had anxiety or has had problems in the past, they may just not be able to handle a longer period alone.

Some breeds are just naturally more anxious. Some may have smaller bladders, meaning someone will have to drop by to let them out. Some guard dog breeds, for example, may not need potty breaks until after up to ten hours, while hounds may experience anxiety after only a few hours. You may also want to have a puppy pad on hand for any accidents, too.

Even if you have a furbaby who seems like he or she would be fine for longer, each dog is different. Your dog may simply not have the personality or temperament to be left alone for hours.

Senior dogs may need bathroom breaks more often, as often as every two hours. Older furbabies may also need more attention and may have medical conditions which require more frequent monitoring as well as regular medication, which can impact how long they can be left alone.

Dogs need bathroom breaks three to five times a day, but dogs all have different habits and different bladders. Some may be able to last eight hours before needing to be let out while others can’t make it more than four. Knowing your dog can help you determine how long they can be left on their own.

Puppies are a whole other story. Adult dogs over the age of 18 months may be fine for being left alone for hours, but that is not the case for babies. Young puppies need to be checked in on and taken out every two hours, especially when their bladders are still growing. Since they are still training, puppies may also just not understand why you’re gone for a while.

In general, puppies can hold their need to potty for the same number of months they are. A three-month puppy, for example, may be able to hold on for three hours while a four-month puppy may be able to wait four hours. Tiny puppies of eight to ten weeks may only be able to hold on for an hour or even less. Of course, the exact amount of time they can wait will depend on several factors, such as their size and how they are developing. You will notice how often your puppy needs to go when you’re house-training them, and you can use this as a guideline.

Adorable Shiba Puppy Playing With Toys

It’s important to consider bathroom habits when determining how long your furbaby can be left alone. You don’t want accidents because you didn’t get home in time and you don’t want your dog suffering because he or she is trying to hold on to make you proud. Allowing a dog to wait too long for a bathroom break can also put your furbaby at risk of urinary tract crystals, infections and stones. To keep this from happening, make sure your furry friend isn’t left alone so long their potty breaks are too far apart.

In addition to bathroom habits, you need to consider your dog’s emotional needs. Separation anxiety can lead to drooling, depressive behaviors, attempts at escape, barking and other troubling behaviors. Furbabies who are upset with solitude can end up destroying items in your home and can end up chipping their teeth or even suffering injury as they try to figure out where you are. Not leaving your dog alone too long and leaving your dog alone correctly can help diffuse this situation and can minimize your furry friend’s risk of separation anxiety.

Leaving a dog alone for 8 hours if you don’t know how they will react can result in anxiety, problem barking and lots of stress for your furbaby. One of the problems with leaving is that you have no way of knowing how your dog is doing. Is your furbaby largely OK with solitude and patiently waiting for your return? Are they upset?

Your furriest family member can’t just pick up the phone and tell you they’re upset, but there are a few ways you can evaluate how long your dog can be left alone before anxiety kicks in. You can have a friend or family member drop by to peek in. Your friend can let you know if your dog is barking inside the house. You can also ask neighbors to let you know if your furbaby is showing signs of stress.

An even more reliable way to check to see how your furry family is doing is with Furbo. Furbo is a two-way communication device that monitors your furbaby. You can set up the system to send you bark alerts on your phone, so you’ll know instantly if your furry family member is in distress or is trying to get your attention. Furbo has a camera so you can peek in on your dog to see how he or she is doing alone and you can even speak to them to calm them down. Furbo even dispenses treats so if your furry friend is having a rough day, you can spoil them a little bit, even if you are far from home.

Keep Track of Your Dog At Home With Furbo Dog Camera

Whether you are running errands or are at work, you never know what can happen while you’re gone. With Furbo, you can always check in and you can be alerted if your dog is barking or making noise. If your fur baby is doing something impossibly cute, Furbo even lets you get HD video and pictures in an instant, so you never have to miss any special moments. You can share them instantly with social media, too, so all your furbaby’s friends can admire right along with you.

How to Keep Your Dog Happy When Home Alone

There are a few things you can do if you need to be leaving your dog home alone while you’re at work:

You can’t just explain to your furry family member you’re leaving for a while, but you can train him or her to understand. Start by exiting your door, going through all the usual motions of leaving. Grab your keys, put on your shoes and head out. Spend a few minutes outside and once your dog is quiet, come back in. Gradually, increase the length of time you spend outside before coming in. Your furbaby will start to feel less anxiety and will get used to the routine until it becomes second nature. If you have a new pup and will be leaving for work or errands regularly, try to ease into the idea of leaving gradually, so you can train him or her.

Boredom is a very real problem for dogs who are left alone. You can alleviate this problem by leaving behind a special treat they can work on. For example, a puzzle toy with a treat that will take some work to extract will keep your furry friend busy for a while, which can make the time fly by. If you choose a toy or treat your baby gets only when you leave, it may take the sting out of solitude, too. If you’re wondering how to keep your dog entertained while you’re at work, take a look at some of the toys and treats available for dogs. You may just find the right one for your baby! Furbo is also a great way to keep playing with your furry friend since you can continue training and can dispense treats from wherever you are by using the Furbo app on your phone.

If your dog tends to bark at outside sounds or tends to bark when it gets too quiet, you can get rid of some of these factors which may be getting your furry buddy upset. For example, closing the curtains and windows can reduce the tantalizing sights and sounds of outside, which may be anxiety-inducing for some dogs. Keeping a white noise machine or radio on can help some dogs feel less alone, too. You may need to experiment a bit to find the right solution for your friend.

Limit the Number of Problem Areas He or She Can Access

Letting your dog roam all over the house can actually mean more upset, since your furbaby may simply go from room to room, mourning your absence. Many dogs feel more comfortable with a limited space. Placing your furry buddy in a crate or a single room while you leave can mean he or she is less likely to get into trouble. If you crate your dog, make sure the crate is in a familiar and comfortable place where he or she won’t be blasted with sun and will be cozy. Only crate your dog if he or she is used to it, or gradually get your furbaby used to a crate with short intervals of a few minutes of crate time and a healthy dose of treats. Crated dogs should not be left alone for more than four or five hours at a stretch, even if they have lots of crate training.

Protect Your Most Vulnerable Family Member

Make sure you have a good system in place for keeping your dog safe when you’re not home. Carefully dog-proof your whole home and keep any dangerous items well out of reach. Have someone check on your furbaby or use Furbo to ensure you can check in to make sure your furry friend is safe and well at all times. Have a back-up plan in case something goes wrong and you can’t get home right away. This may mean putting down puppy pads or having someone drop in if you’re delayed for any reason.

If your dog seems to suffer from separation anxiety, even when you leave for shorter periods of time, or if you have any questions about leaving your dog home while you work, talk to your vet. Your veterinarian can give you specific advice based on your furbaby’s medical history. If there are breed considerations you need to think about, or if your furry family member has a medical condition which means he or she can’t be left alone for longer periods of time, you can review this with your vet. You can also talk to a professional dog trainer if general training isn’t helping your furry friend stay calmer when you leave. A trainer can work with both of you to keep your furbaby as calm as possible. 

Before you have to leave for a few hours, tire your dog out with some healthy exercise. Find out from your veterinarian how much exercise is good for your furriest family member and use this as a guideline. Exercising together helps you bond with your dog and gives you some quality time together, which can make him or her feel less lonely. Some good exercise can also tire your buddy out, so he or she may end up napping when you leave, meaning less anxiety. Exercising outside just before you leave also lets you fit in one extra potty break, which makes it easier for your furbaby to be good and wait until you get home.

When you come home after being gone, be sure to give your dog lots of attention and love. It’s probably natural to spoil your furbaby, but make sure your coming home is a celebration your furry friend looks forward to. If possible, engage in some exercise together to get rid of any excess energy your pup may have accumulated at home.

Welcome Home | Furbo Dog Camera

Your dog may appreciate having a towel or shirt that smells like you. This can be relaxing and comforting. You can also leave the TV on at low volume if your furbaby loves to watch. Furbo also allows you to talk to your dog through two-way communication while you’re at work, which can mean you can offer reassurance even if you can’t be there in person. You can even dispense treats with Furbo, which can be a great way to make your dog feel better about being alone for a bit. Comforting your dog in some way can reduce the anxiety of separation and can make it easier for him or her to wait until you get back home.

Your furry friend is really smart and will pick up on your emotions. If you feel a lot of stress and upset when you leave for work or errands, your dog can pick up on that and it can make him or her more upset, too. After all, your furbaby wants you to be happy and wants to know you’re okay. Create a ritual when you leave the house so you go through the same motions and work to stay calm. Use Furbo if you need the extra peace of mind that comes with knowing your furriest family member is safe and sound while you’re away.

If you have a puppy, a senior dog, a smaller furbaby, a furry family member who gets upset when you leave or a dog who can’t be left alone for longer periods of time you may need to be strategic if you work full-time. If you often travel or put in long hours at work, you may want to consider your options carefully. Some fur-parents seek flexible work arrangements so they can spend part of the day at home. That helps keep furry friends healthy and happy. Other furbaby parents get their dogs sitters or take them to doggy daycare. Whatever the solution, look for options designed to work with your life. Even if you’re home a lot, consider finding a reliable sitter for when you travel or when life throws a curveball and you need to be away from home for a bit.

We hope this guide has been useful in teaching you how to keep a puppy busy while at work and how long you can leave your furbaby at home alone. Remember, ongoing supervision is the best way to ensure your dog stays happy, healthy and safe. Furbo is a monitoring system, two-way communicator, problem alert system and treat dispenser that is the next best thing to being at home. If you need to leave your furry pal at home some of the time, Furbo lets you know when your friend is barking and lets you check in on your dog at any time with an HD and night vision camera. The Furbo app means you can always check in, no matter where you are.

If you have a furbaby at home, order Furbo today to keep the bond between you and your furbaby strong. Just as you have a cell phone to stay in touch with friends and family, you can use Furbo to ensure you stay in touch with your furriest family member, too.

Whether you plan on heading out for a day trip, to work or to run errands, you may wonder whether it’s acceptable to leave your dog on his or her own for that length of time.

As hard as your dog plays on weekends at the dog park or when you take him on a walk (or run), it’s no wonder that on Monday morning he wants to sleep. So do you, probably. Because although weekends are supposed to be for resting, few of us have the luxury of lazing around, especially when we have dogs who want to expend some of that pent-up energy! They are excited that you’re home all day long and want to spend as much time with you as possible.

That kind of tells us what Monday might be like. But what about the rest of the week? What do they really do when you’re not around? Here are the top 7 things we’ve collected from more than 50,000 Furbo users around the world:

Sleeping On The Desk | Furbo Dog Camera

Yes, dogs do dream. In fact, scientists who performed research on dreaming rats are pretty sure that dogs dream in much the same way that people do. So when your dog flexes his legs in a running motion or barks in his sleep, he’s probably dreaming about an experience he’s had recently. Curious to see if your dog is dreaming? Watch for the twitching legs or his eyes moving behind his eyelids. That’s when he’s dreaming.

Do you often come home to find your furbaby’s toys spread around the house until it looks like Romper Room? Just what is he doing with all his toys, you wonder. Well, wonder no more. My dog likes to take all his toys out of his basket without ever playing with them. He hides them around the room so it’s even hard for him to remember where he put them. Occasionally he’ll play with them, but for the most part he’s hiding them.

Schnauzer eat treat | Furbo Dog Camera

Although many professionals say that you should pick up whatever your dog doesn’t eat in 20 minutes, some of our loveable furlings are used to “grazing” (eating small amounts often during the day). Perhaps your own furbaby eats a bite here and a bite there, or maybe he wolfs it all down at once. Do you enjoy giving your pal treats now and then? You can treat your dog even when you’re away from him by using Furbo’s treat tossing function.

Two Shiba sibling fighting | Furbo Dog Camera

Sometimes when our dogs are playing, it can look and sound really vicious. Siblings raised together or adopted shelter siblings can act like they’re going to tear each other to smithereens. Keeping an eye on them when you’re not sure of their intentions is a good idea. If you see these behaviors, it’s probably all friendly: a big, open-mouthed, silly grin; exaggerated bouncing around; front end down and back end up in the air; falling over and exposing underbellies; taking turns chasing; going back for more.

2 naughty mix destryoing  | Furbo Dog Camera

There’s a picture going around that shows a dog sitting in the remains of a totally destroyed couch with a caption that reads “I’m so glad you’re home! I was sitting on the couch and it suddenly exploded! I could have been killed!” Sorry, pup. That bucket doesn’t hold water. But finding out what did happen—or better yet what’s about to happen—is as simple as keeping your eyes on your little destructo when he doesn’t know he’s being watched. Furbo lets you in on their world without their even being aware of it. It’s the rare dog who will willfully destroy something if he knows you’re watching. When you can see the disaster before it happens, calling the dog’s name and tossing him a treat or two may just distract him from his nefarious plans.

Dog Howling on Sofa

When dogs are left at home alone, they may become anxious and voice their dismay by barking or howling. Some of our furbabies are vigilant, too, and will bark whenever they hear an unusual noise. And some dogs seem to like the sound of their own voices. Furbo sends out an alert when your dog barks, allowing you to intervene before the bark becomes a nuisance to your neighbors. But perhaps his bark is actually a warning. In that case, being able to see him and assess his posture and behavior may prevent something (like a break-in) when you actually have time to call for help. And if he’s just “singing” the blues, you may be able to cheer him up by talking to him. This is one of the best attributes of the camera—being able to communicate with your furbaby from afar.

The last thing on our list is actually the one your dog does more than any other, every day. He waits for you. In fact, most of his life is spent waiting. When you come home and he falls all over himself trying to lick you and cavort and wag his tail all at the same time, you know he’s missed you and longed for your return no matter what else he’s been doing today.

Furbo Dog Camera allows you to see what your dog’s day is like any time, any day. Not only is it a good way to avert problems by catching behavior before it becomes an issue, but it is also nice to check in on your furbaby and know that he is happily awaiting your return. Staying in communication with your pup helps him overcome anxiety, but let’s face it. We’re kind of anxious ourselves when we know we have to leave for nine or ten hours at a stretch. That’s why Furbo is such a wonderful aid to having a happy, healthy home life with your favorite four-legged family member.

What do they really do when you’re not around? Here are the top 7 things we’ve collected from more than 50,000 Furbo users around the world.

Secret Life of Dogs — 7 Things Dog Does When They Are Home Alone

Crate training is an effective tool that can help the potty-training process as well as give your pooch a safe and secure place they can call their own. But if you've never crate-trained a dog before, you might be wondering what’s the best way to go about it. How long can you leave a puppy in a crate? If you have a new pup, this is a question you need to be asking yourself a lot. Eventually, you will need to run errands or leave for work. What happens then?

Dog Breaks Out Of Cage On Dog Security Camera

The real question you should ask yourself is: How long can a puppy hold its bladder? Dogs hate to relieve themselves in their crate, but if you don't understand their needs ahead of time, they may have no other choice.

As you get to know your puppy, you'll get a better understanding of how long you can leave your puppy in its crate. This depends on several factors 

Age: How old is your puppy? Generally, you should take a look at the number of months of your puppy and use it as a rough guideline. A five-month-old puppy, for example, can be crated for four to six hours at most. A four-month-old may be able to last three to five hours.

Time spent away: All dogs, even grown dogs, should be crated for no more than nine hours. Crating a puppy during the day for too long can cause separation anxiety or accidents in the crate. This increases the chance of stress, anxiety, and health issues such as urinary tract infections. If your puppy develops a habit of going potty in a crate, you may have a hard time with training later.

Temperament: Some dogs don’t like being left alone for long periods and may need more attention. Depending on the temperament of your dog, these mournful cries could continue for hours on end or just a few minutes

Medical history: Some medical conditions can cause your dogs to relieve themselves more frequently. In this case, it’s best to hire a pet sitter or make other arrangements so your pup is never alone. It's important to know if your pooch struggles with a condition that would make holding it in more difficult.


Breed: Every breed has its unique features and specific needs. For example, smaller dog breeds have smaller bladders, which means that they may need more breaks in between crate time. 

Puppies that are still in the process of house training may require more frequent breaks. Puppies that are younger than six months will need to be let out of their crate more often so they can have a potty break once or twice every few hours.

If you have a younger puppy and you can't get away from work, this means you may need to hire a friend, family member, or pet sitter to drop by your house to take your puppy out.

How to Crate Train a Puppy During the Day

Crate training should be a process that helps your puppy see the crate as a safe place of their own. You want to create an environment and situation where your puppy looks forward to spending time in its crate. Crate training your puppy offers many benefits. You can make training easier and offer your furbaby extra security and comfort even when you're away. Crate training also ensures your puppy can stay safe when you're not around and keeps your household items safe too.

When trying to crate train your puppy, start with incremental uses of the crate. Get a comfortable blanket in there and keep the environment cozy. You can even throw in an old shirt with your scent so your pup feels less anxious when you’re away. Use positive reinforcement and lots of treats to encourage an enjoyable experience in the space. Never use the crate as a punishment as it could make your pup scared of the crate and more anxious when you’re gone.

If you know you'll have to leave your puppy for an extended period, make sure they have all the essentials, including food and water. But beyond that, you'll want to add some items that will keep them distracted. Puppies love to play, so throw in some interactive dog toys or safe chew treats to keep them entertained.

Dog's Favorite Toy | Furbo Dog Camera

Keep Tabs on Your Puppy While You're Away

Even when using the crate, you'll want to be able to supervise your pup in case of any emergencies. Furbo Dog Camera is a two-way communication system that lets you check on your furbaby, no matter where you are. Not only can you see and hear them with an HD and night vision camera, but the interactive smartphone app allows you to talk to them. Imagine the happiness and relief for your puppy when they hear your voice. If your pup looks a little bored, you can also use the treat dispenser for a quick interactive play.

The best part about the Furbo Dog Camera is that you'll be the first to know if an emergency arises. If your puppy looks anxious or has an accident in the crate, you'll be able to make your way home or ask a friend to stop by.

Crate training is an effective tool that can help the potty-training process as well as give your pooch a safe and secure place they can call their own. But if you've never crate-trained a dog before, you might be wondering what’s the best way to go about it. How long can you leave a puppy in a crate?

How Long Can You Leave a Puppy in a Crate?

Did you know that over 26,000 dog collar accidents happen every year?  From fit issues to tag mishaps, your furbaby’s collar could be putting them in danger on a daily basis.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can keep your precious pup safe. Here’s everything you need to know!

Collars can put your furbaby at risk in a number of ways. First, the metal ID tags on dog collars often lead to serious problems, since they can slip into small spaces and get stuck. They can easily get tangled up in a heating grate, a gap between floorboards, or even another pet’s collar, trapping the dog in a dangerous situation.

Uncover potential dangers and safe collar practices to avoid dog collar accidents. Explore tips for choosing the right collar and ensuring a proper fit.

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