Can Dachshunds Be Left Alone?

Can dachshunds be left alone? When you get a dachshund pup, your life will change – in a great way! However as much as you’d like to, it doesn’t always mean that you can stay home all day just to be with them. There are people who are lucky enough to work from home, where they can be with their dog, and just be there close to them. Unfortunately, for the rest of the keepers, there’s no choice but to leave your pet during your work hours. But that’s okay! Can dachshunds be left alone? As much as your dachshund pup wants to show you their puppy eyes as you go off to work, it’s safe to leave them alone. In this article, you’ll learn the answer to your question, can dachshunds be left alone?

Can Dachshunds Be Left Alone: Maximum of 4 Hours

As guilty as you might feel, it’s okay to leave your pet alone for a couple of hours. It’s also normal to spend time apart from your dog because they eventually will get used to it. Just a reminder though, an adult dog should only be on their own for four hours – max. Obviously, if you have a 9 – 5 job, then you need to hire a pet sitter to keep your dachshund puppy company.

Separation Anxiety in Dachshunds

Other breeds might give you the puppy eyes begging you to stay when you’re about to leave; then you see them looking out the window waiting for you to arrive. The thing about dachshunds is that they can’t somehow endure these long hours compared to other dog breeds. They usually suffer from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is intensified feelings of stress when the owner is away for a long period of time. 

How Long Can You Leave Them?

There are experts that suggest that dogs can be left for around 4 to 6 hours. However, for dachshunds breed, you need to limit that to a maximum of 4 hours. Four hours should be the most time that your pet dachshund dog is home by himself.  

Just like humans, dogs can develop a kidney problem if they hold their bladder. If you leave your pet without access to the outdoors for more than four hours, then this will become a health issue in the long run. Not to mention their boredom.

Unwanted Behaviors

These dogs are a curious and energetic breed that needs mental stimulation. If they’re stuck inside the house for hours on end with nothing to do, your pet will find ways to keep themselves busy. This could ultimately lead them to doing unwanted behaviors like chewing furniture and personal stuff like clothes or shoes.

They may not need to walk for hours if they are still a pup but they still need to get outside. You need to make sure that you walk your pet before you leave the house. Alternatively, you can also hire a dog walker to walk your dog while you’re out.

Experts also suggest the hour per month rule. This means that for each month that the pups grow older; they can have the ability to hold their bladder for another hour. Keep in mind that young pups need to be potty trained and obviously they won’t be able to understand why they can’t go in the house.

Tips to Avoid Separation Anxiety

Some of the behaviors mentioned above can’t be stopped if your dachshund is suffering separation anxiety. To stop them from acting out in a way that might disappoint you, the best thing you can do is to prevent them from feeling anxious whenever you go out.

Train your pet right away

The most important step in combating separation anxiety is through training your doxies. Whether you train them at home, or you hire a trainer, you can get them used to your absence. For instance, you could start off by leaving your pet for a few minutes, then gradually increase to half an hour, and so on.  By initially leaving them for short periods of time, this will help them realize that you will always come back. 

Exhaust Your Dog

It is ideal to tire your dachshund puppy out before you leave the house. This way, your pup will get to sleep for awhile, and they won’t feel the effects as much. You should take your pet out for a walk, or do vigorous activity that’ll encourage him to doze off while you’ve gone out. 

Hire a Dog Walker

If you don’t have the time to walk your pet before you leave, the next best thing is to hire a dog walker. It’s been what other keepers are doing for the longest time. This also works if you don’t have a family member who can do this job. A dog walker will walk your dachshund along with other dogs. This is the best way for your dog to not get bored, get some exercise and also socialize at the same time.

Get Another Dachshund or Pet Dog

Getting another dog may not be an option for everyone since one dog can already mean a lot of responsibility. But if you can make room for another one, then it will certainly help your dachshund to prevent feelings of boredom and anxiety. As long as your pets get along well with each other, they won’t really feel your absence so intensely. 

Stick to a Routine

Dogs are creatures of habit, so the sooner you teach them that they will be okay even if you’re not around, the better it will be for both of you. They can already expect that you won’t always be there to cater to them. They will learn when to eat, when to go for a walk, and that at the end of the day, you’ll come back home.

Having a stable routine is very important for them. It’s also ideal if you leave and come home at the same time every day so that they can get used to it easily. If you happen to be on a shifting kind of work, then you it’s best to not have a dog especially a dachshund.