Do you need to figure out how long a Labradoodle can be left alone if you have to leave for work and have no other choice but to leave them alone? Although Labradoodles can stay alone for a few hours, they are also very social dogs, so you must take a few safety measures if you have to leave your Labradoodle alone for a while.
Leaving your Labradoodle alone takes some thought and effort and many fantastic toys. Before bringing your dog home, you gave this some thought. If you already have a dog, you can do a few things to make their day much more enjoyable.
What Could Go Wrong With Letting a Labradoodle Be Left Alone?
This is frequently the first concern people have when wondering if a Labradoodle can be left alone, and I can immediately come up with at least a few potential catastrophes you might come home to after a long day at work.
- Ruined furniture
- Your entire home now serves as a dog bathroom.
- Turning shoes or other items of apparel into tasty appetizers
- Things tucked behind your couch’s cushion
There may be a few things you still need to consider, even though these are some of the more prevalent problems.
For instance, if your dog experiences separation or isolation anxiety, as many dogs do (I’ll elaborate on this issue in part below this).
If your Labradoodle is left alone, any form of anxiousness will undoubtedly result in negative behavior.
Whether or not your dog has been adequately housebroken is a significant factor.
Adopting a dog from a neighborhood shelter might have the advantage of already being housebroken. This is a fantastic situation if your lifestyle forces you to leave your dog home alone for extended periods.
Anxiety-Based Behaviors in Dogs Left Alone
When discussing destructive behavior in a dog left alone, it’s important to distinguish between destruction motivated by boredom and destruction motivated by worry.
There are a few things to think about if, when you depart, your home resembles the trenches of World War I:
Does my labradoodle exhibit anxiety when I’m ready to leave the house (or even when the dog assumes I’m leaving)?
Look for the typical warning signs, such as tucking its tail, hiding, trembling, incontinence, or pacing.
When you prepare to leave for the day, some dogs may act normal, but as the day goes on, it just worsens. This behavior indicates that the dog is likely only bored and not anxious rather than experiencing both.
Remember that some types of anxiety are beyond your ability to treat, and you may need professional assistance.
If you continue reading, I will advise people who tell me they have an anxious dog.
Don’t Leave a Labradoodle in a Crate the Entire Day
I’ve heard some doodle owners use the container as their first line of defense. A crate is not the ideal answer to the issue if you intend to be gone for an extended time.
Most of the time, your dog enjoys relaxing in his crate because it resembles your favorite chair or seat on the couch. Even if you have one of the greatest crates available, leaving your dog inside alone all day won’t solve any issues.
If your dog is confined to a crate for an extended time, many significant problems might arise. Dogs must first go to the potty frequently. Additionally, your Labradoodle will ultimately need to use the restroom if you keep him in a crate for an extended period.
Naturally, this results in a mess for you to clean up when you get home. But you are also interfering with the dog’s mind, which has trained it always to keep his place tidy. If you crate your dog all day, it could cause major health issues.
Doodles already have a higher risk of developing elbow and hip dysplasia. According to certain studies, the condition can also arise in other ways, even though this sickness is genetically based.
What results in Labradoodles’ hip dysplasia? Bad genes from either mum or dad are the primary cause. Environmental elements, including inactivity, obesity, and inadequate nutrition, can also raise a dog’s risk of developing hip or elbow dysplasia.
How Long is Too Long to Leave a Labradoodle?
Therefore, you should know how long you can leave your Labradoodle at home alone if you can’t resist doing so. And that will depend on the configuration you have. Before determining how long your Doodle is okay with being left alone, you should consider a few questions.
Even if these are not the only considerations, let’s utilize these inquiries as a broad framework to determine how long a Labradoodle can be left alone.
1. Will there be enough space for your dog to roam?
Your Doodle can stay home alone if he can get up and stroll about without issues or run around a little.
What happens, though, if your dog must be confined to a crate that is the right size? Then you are only permitted to leave him in there occasionally for a few hours.
And if a crate is your only choice, you shouldn’t leave your Labradoodle alone all day while at work.
2. Can Someone Use the Bathroom While You Are Away?
If your Doodle has the freedom to find a suitable restroom location entirely on his own, this will be a highly beneficial aspect. On the other hand, you can’t leave your dog alone for long if he needs you to let him out or let him back in.
Depending on the dog’s age, you or someone who can assist you must visit your pet at least once every four to five hours. A puppy must go outside far more frequently than that, at least once every two hours.
3. What Kind of Fun Things Can Your Labradoodle Do When Left Alone?
You may find various ways to keep your dog cognitively active throughout the day. For instance, place dog food soaked in water inside a KONG toy.
Your Doodle will be able to be left alone for a longer period the more of these kinds of items you have scattered about your home.
4. Is there enough water available for your dog to drink?
The most crucial element for your dog’s overall health and physiological processes is water. Your dog should always have access to plenty of water throughout the day, particularly during a hot summer.
However, managing this is relatively easy. You can purchase an additional water bowl if necessary.
5. Can Your Dog Cope With a Sudden Weather Change?
While the forecast may always be accurate where you live, this cannot be stated for the forecasters in my region, and it might be challenging to predict the weather precisely.
If you then examine the state of your doodling. If the weather suddenly becomes cold, what will he do? It may start to rain. If the weather changes unexpectedly, is there somewhere your dog can go?
An insulated dog housing or a doggy door into your house or garage could be the answer for your dog. This way, you won’t have to drop everything to get home if the weather changes and worsens while your dog is alone.
If you haven’t made the necessary preparations, it can be quite dangerous for your dog whether the weather becomes too hot or cold.
How Long Can Labradoodle Puppies Be Left Alone?
A puppy is a whole different story, though. Puppies require much more frequent trips outside than adult dogs because they are such high-maintenance animals.
Under 6 months old, Labradoodle puppies shouldn’t be left alone for longer than 2 hours. When working with pups, you must set and adhere to a strict feeding and confinement routine.
Your puppy can only obtain the essential nutrition it needs to support it’s constantly expanding body through this method. Crate training your puppy will almost surely take longer if you start to slack up on the routine.
Ways to Successfully Leave a Labradoodle Home Alone
You can successfully leave a Labradoodle at home alone by taking a variety of actions. Some of these concepts include those I’ve already addressed.
Here are some more detailed suggestions that will help make your dog’s day much more exciting and have the added benefit of reducing your Doodle’s separation anxiety.
Exhaust Your Dog Both Physically And Mentally
Ensure your Labradoodle has plenty of exercise before leaving them alone for a few hours. This breed is highly energetic and active, so before you go, take them for a trip in the neighborhood or play some fetch in the backyard.
While most of us are very good at ensuring that our dogs have had adequate exercise and walks, many overlook a just as crucial component, namely cerebral stimulation.
One of the smartest breeds you can purchase is a Labradoodle, so you should engage your Doodle in a few different cerebral exercises before you go.
Leave Your Doodle With Some Puzzles With Hidden Surprises.
Return Home for Lunch
Your dog will have the chance to take a lengthy break outside if you may possibly return home for lunch, even occasionally.
You could give your dog enough exercise and mental stimulation in the middle of the day to last until you come home in the evening if you live close enough to work or can take a slightly longer lunch break.
Get Someone Else to Let Your Dog Outside
Ask a neighbor if they would be willing to assist you in taking your dog outdoors once or twice during the day, depending on your connection with them.
It usually won’t be a problem if you must perform this once or twice.
However, suppose you intend to leave your dog alone for long periods regularly. In that case, you should probably start looking for a solution that won’t result in losing all your “favor” points with your friends, family, and neighbors.
Hire a Dog Walker
Consider considering a neighborhood dog-walking service if you’re looking for a long-term fix.
You can arrange for someone to come by your house every day at an agreed-upon hour and have them feed, walk, and provide water for your dog. However, this depends on the possibilities available in your area.
Of course, it can get pricey, but it is a close-to-ideal alternative for those who cannot afford dog daycare.
Doggy Daycare
This is the Rolls Royce of daycare options for your Labradoodle. Additionally, this is, without a doubt, the most expensive choice on my list.
Depending on the services you receive from your Doodle, prices will normally vary, but you can plan to spend, on average, between $15 and $35 every day.
While you might save money by purchasing a monthly bundle, you can still expect to pay between $200 and $500 monthly.
Take Your Dog With You to Work
What other options exist if none of the aforementioned suggestions work for you or aren’t an option? Occasionally, I’ll load my dog into the back of my car and drive him to work.
Before you jump to conclusions, there are a few things you need to be sure of. Don’t expect your coworkers to appreciate you bringing your dog to work, for instance, if your Doodle tends to bark a lot.
Alternatively, if your schedule is jam-packed with meetings during the day, you won’t be able to take care of it nevertheless. I only bring my Labradoodle to the workplace if I know I will be able to leave every two hours or so so that he can go outdoors and get some fresh air and exercise.
Can a Labradoodle Be Left Alone For 8 Hours?
Where will he sleep, and can a Labradoodle be left alone for 8 hours if you have a full-time job that requires you to be gone? Anyone with a Labradoodle who works long hours away from home faces a problem.
A mature Labradoodle can be left alone for 8 hours with the right precautions. A puppy should be supervised for that long.
Even though leaving your labradoodle—or any dog, for that matter—alone for so long isn’t ideal, there are some situations where it’s impossible to avoid. Despite this, leaving a Labradoodle alone for longer than two hours is never a good idea if they are younger than six months.
Access to Outdoors
One of the primary worries about leaving your Labradoodle alone for a lengthy period is the fear of returning home to a mess. It’s reasonable to say you’ll encounter some canine catastrophe when you get home if your dog doesn’t have access to the outside while you’re gone. Of course, your Labradoodle is in no way to blame for this.
Because their bladders are so small compared to human bladders, Labradoodles must go to the restroom every four to five hours. For this reason, if your dog has no access to the outside for bathroom needs, you should never leave them alone for more than five hours at a time.
Even if your Labradoodle has access to the outside, you should take a few basic precautions before leaving him unattended.
A Bit at a Time
If you must leave your Labradoodle alone for an extended period, do it gradually. Maybe start by letting him be alone for an hour, then progressively increase the time until he feels comfortable being alone for greater durations of time. Try to time your Labradoodle purchase with a vacation so everything works out. You will at least have some time to toilet train them if you do this.
If you’re lucky, a neighbor might be willing to walk your Doodle while you’re at work, or you need to be away from home for a long period for any other reason.
Or perhaps a family member could drop over and take the dog for a walk to occupy him. This kind of solution would be more of a requirement than an option if your dog won’t have access to the outside while you’re away for longer than five hours.
Relieve the Boredom
Labradoodles need to be entertained. Other solutions need to be implemented if you are unable to provide this. This is especially true if you don’t want to return home to find your furniture damaged and your shoes partially devoured. So first, tuck your shoes away. Second, get your dog some toys while you’re away.
You can fill a Kong with dog chow that has been soaked in water. In addition to giving him a snack, doing this will make him work for it as he tries to get the food out. Chewy toys are always a nice option, and you can keep your Doodle distracted from other mishaps like destroying cushions by turning on the radio or television.
Comfort and Warmth
Although crates are a great tool for training your Labradoodle, they are not the best option when leaving him alone for extended periods. A dog will treat his crate the same way you would treat your favorite couch or recliner. You shouldn’t anticipate your dog to spend that much time in his, just as you’re unlikely to sit in yours for seven or eight hours.
Give your Labradoodle the comfort of a plush bed. This will most likely serve as a polite request for your dog to slumber while you’re away. Additionally, you will need to consider how the weather may change. When it’s hot and humid, have a fan on.
This will keep your Labradoodle cool, and the noise will also be a fantastic diversion from any outside noises that might cause your dog to start barking. Due to the chilly winter weather, you’ll need to ensure your dog is kept warm by regulating the heater in the room.
Exercise and Hydration
It should go without saying that your Doodle should always have access to water. Ensure your dog has easy access to the water bowls, and leave more than one.
Try to develop the practice of rising an hour earlier in the morning and taking your Labradoodle for a brisk morning walk if you must leave them alone for extended periods. An energetic dog in the morning is less likely to cause trouble and become bored during the day.
Conclusion
Whether or not you can leave your Labradoodle alone depends on your particular situation, much like everything else when keeping a dog.
You can leave your dog alone if you live on 30 acres of land, and it has access to the outdoors all day long and a method to enter the house in case the weather changes. Most likely, your dog will adore that!
However, there is yet to be a definitive answer to whether a Labradoodle can be left alone because so many different factors are at play.
But you can do many other things to make it as nice as possible for the dog whenever you wind up needing to leave it alone for prolonged periods if you have a Labradoodle or want to obtain one.
