How To Leave Your Dog Home Alone

Leaving your dog home alone is sometimes unavoidable. Whether you're at work, running errands, or attending an event, life’s commitments often mean your furry friend will spend some time alone. But preparing them properly can make all the difference. Gradually building up their confidence helps prevent separation anxiety and teaches your dog that being alone isn’t scary. And with tools like a pet camera, you can keep an eye on them throughout the day to make sure they’re safe, settled, and content while you’re away.

How Long can a Dog Stay Home Alone?

Generally speaking, dogs shouldn’t be left alone for more than 4 hours at a time. However, this depends on factors like age, breed, and the dog’s personality. Puppies, older dogs, and dogs with anxious tendencies may need more frequent company and care.

If you’re away for a full workday, try to arrange for someone like a friend, neighbour, or dog walker to stop by and check on them. Alternatively, doggy daycare can be a great option to provide social interaction and prevent boredom.

Preparing to Leave my Dog Home Alone

Preparing your dog properly can help prevent separation anxiety, and spending time alone can feel like a normal part of their routine. It’s a gradual process, so start by leaving them for short periods, like a quick trip to the shops, and slowly build up. With a bit of patience and consistency, your dog will begin to feel more confident and safe when you're not at home.

Below are some key steps to help make your dog’s time alone more comfortable and stress-free.

1. Take them on a Long Walk Before you Go Out

A long walk helps your dog burn off energy, go to the toilet, and settle down more easily. Physical exercise is especially helpful for high-energy breeds and younger dogs. After a good walk, most dogs will be happy to nap for a few hours while you’re gone.

2. Choose a Suitable Area to Leave Them

Select a safe, familiar space where your dog feels relaxed. Many owners choose a kitchen or utility room with wipe-clean flooring in case of accidents. Avoid restricting them to a new space only when you’re going out, as this can cause negative associations. Instead, help them get used to the area by spending time there together regularly.

3. Ensure they have everything they need

Make sure your dog has fresh water, a cosy bed or blanket, and access to their favourite toys. Leaving behind a worn T-shirt that smells like you can provide extra comfort. You might also consider leaving a radio or TV on at low volume to provide background noise and drown out any sudden outside sounds.

4. Prevent your Dog from Becoming Bored

Interactive toys are a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated while home alone. A Kong filled with peanut butter or a treat-dispensing ball can keep them busy for hours. Puzzle toys, chew treats, or food cubes also encourage natural behaviours like sniffing and problem-solving.

5. Say Goodbye

A calm, consistent routine when you leave helps your dog know what to expect. Use the same phrase like “see you later” or “bye bye” each time you go out. Over time, they’ll associate these words with a peaceful goodbye, rather than becoming anxious about your absence.

6. Avoid Punishment

If your dog has chewed something or had an accident while alone, try not to scold them. Dogs can’t link punishment to an event that happened hours ago, it only creates confusion and anxiety. Instead, reward good behaviour and use positive reinforcement to train them over time. Remember, your return should be a happy moment, not a stressful one.

7. Check on them using a Pet Camera

It’s not just dogs who experience separation anxiety, owners do too! A Tapo pet camera lets you check in on your dog from your phone at any time, no matter where you are. Many pet cameras include two-way audio, and some even feature treat dispensers or calming music, allowing you to talk to your pet, reward them, and reassure them remotely.

Are Pet Cameras Worth It?

Absolutely! A pet camera isn’t just a gadget, it’s a way to feel closer to your pet when life gets busy. Whether you're working late, out for dinner or away for the weekend, it gives you peace of mind and a little window into their world. Here’s why at Tapo we think they’re worth it:

• Check in anytime from your phone
  Open the Tapo app for an instant window into your pet’s world, whether they’re snoozing on the sofa, chasing their tails or up to mischief.
• Talk to your pet with two-way audio
  Reassure your puppy with a familiar voice or remind your cat that the houseplants are not a snack, or just simply say Hi!
• Get alerts when there’s movement
   Whether it’s playful zoomies or signs of stress, motion detection helps you stay in the loop in real time.
• Save and share cute moments
  Catch their funniest or sweetest behaviour on video and save it to your phone, or send it to your friends and family group chat.
• Keep an eye on their wellbeing
   Use it to keep an eye on their habits like meal times, naps, or how they settle when you leave.
• Helpful for training
  If your pup is still learning the ropes, a pet cam can help you reinforce good behaviour and gently guide them. 

How to Set Up a Pet Camera

Setting up your pet camera is quick and easy:

1. Download the Tapo app and create an account.
2. Plug in your camera and power it on.
3. Follow the app instructions to connect the camera to your home Wi-Fi.
4. Position your camera in a spot with a clear view of where your dog usually stays. Ideally, this should include their bed, toys, and food/water area.
5. Adjust the angle and test it using the live feed in the app.
6. Enable features like motion detection, sound alerts, or two-way audio.

Conclusion

Worried about leaving your dog home alone?  Make life easier with a pet camera from Tapo.

• Free UK delivery
• Expert UK-based support
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 2-year warranty
• Seamless smart home integration (Alexa, Google Assistant)
• Earn points and unlock rewards with our reward program

Explore the full Tapo indoor camera range and enjoy greater peace of mind, every day.