Never Make These 25 Common Mistakes When Leaving Your Dog Home Alone

Leaving your furry friend home alone can be stressful—for both of you. While most dogs can handle short periods of solitude, many pet parents unknowingly make small mistakes that can lead to big problems, from anxiety and destructive behavior to potential safety hazards. Whether you’re heading out for a quick errand or a full day at work, being mindful of your dog’s needs while you’re away is crucial. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your pup stays calm, safe, and happy while you’re gone.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 25 things you should never do when leaving your dog alone. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and create a more secure, comfortable environment for your canine companion—even when you can’t be there yourself.

1. Leaving Them Alone Too Long

Dogs have limits to how long they can comfortably stay by themselves. Adult dogs typically manage 6-8 hours, while puppies need potty breaks every 2-3 hours. Going beyond these timeframes isn’t just inconvenient—it’s potentially harmful.

Extended isolation can trigger anxiety, depression, and destructive behaviors as your pup becomes increasingly distressed. Some dogs might have accidents indoors or chew furniture out of boredom or stress.

If you need to be away longer, consider hiring a dog walker, asking a neighbor to check in, or using doggy daycare services. Your four-legged friend deserves regular human interaction and bathroom breaks!

2. Skipping The Walk Beforehand

Rushing out the door without exercising your dog first is setting them up for a challenging day. A proper walk helps burn excess energy and provides mental stimulation through exploring new scents and sights.

Without this outlet, your dog might redirect that pent-up energy into destructive behaviors like chewing furniture, excessive barking, or digging. Remember that different breeds have different exercise needs—working and sporting dogs typically require more activity.

Morning walks also establish a routine that helps your dog feel secure. Even a quick 15-minute jaunt around the block makes a significant difference in how peacefully your pup will spend their alone time.

3. Forgetting To Provide Fresh Water

Water isn’t optional—it’s absolutely essential for your dog’s health and comfort. Dogs regulate their body temperature through panting, which causes them to lose moisture continuously. Without access to clean water, they can quickly become dehydrated, especially on warm days.

Make sure to fill their bowl completely before leaving. For longer absences, consider setting out multiple water bowls or investing in a pet fountain that keeps water circulating and fresh.

Check the water bowl’s placement too—it shouldn’t be somewhere it could get knocked over easily. Some playful pups might accidentally tip their bowls, leaving them without water for hours.

4. Leaving Toxic Foods Within Reach

Your kitchen counter might seem safe from your dog’s reach, but many determined pups become expert climbers when nobody’s watching! Common foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum) can be deadly to dogs.

A bored or curious dog will investigate interesting smells, and without supervision, they might consume something dangerous. Even small amounts of these foods can cause serious problems ranging from digestive upset to organ failure.

Before heading out, scan your countertops, tables, and accessible trash cans for potential hazards. Store all food in cabinets or the refrigerator, never leaving anything tempting at nose or paw level.

5. Leaving Dangerous Areas Open

Unsupervised dogs are naturally curious explorers who don’t understand potential dangers. Basements, utility rooms, garages, and under-sink cabinets often contain chemicals, tools, and small objects that pose serious hazards.

Cleaning supplies, antifreeze, rodent poison, and small objects that could be swallowed represent just a few of the dangers lurking in these spaces. Even seemingly harmless areas like laundry rooms contain risks—dryer sheets and detergent pods can cause severe digestive problems if ingested.

Before leaving, close and secure doors to any potentially dangerous areas. For persistent pups, consider baby gates or childproof locks on cabinets containing hazardous items. Creating a designated safe zone limits their access to trouble.

6. Leaving Electrical Cords Exposed

Those innocent-looking power cords represent a serious danger to dogs left alone. Puppies especially go through teething phases where chewing provides relief, making dangling cords particularly tempting targets. Even adult dogs might chew cords out of boredom or anxiety.

The consequences can be devastating—from painful electrical burns in the mouth to potentially fatal shocks. Damaged cords also create fire hazards that put your entire home at risk.

Take time to secure cords using cord covers, cord concealers, or cord management boxes. Alternatively, apply bitter apple spray (designed for pets) to deter chewing, though this shouldn’t be your only precaution. Rerouting cords behind furniture or unplugging unnecessary devices also helps.

7. Skipping Mental Stimulation

Physical exercise isn’t enough—dogs need mental challenges too! Without brain games, your dog might become bored and destructive, regardless of physical exercise. Mental fatigue helps dogs relax and reduces problem behaviors during alone time.

Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, and snuffle mats engage your dog’s problem-solving skills while providing entertainment. These toys encourage natural foraging behaviors and can keep your pup occupied for extended periods.

Try freezing a Kong toy filled with dog-safe peanut butter or wet food—this creates a longer-lasting challenge. Rotating toys keeps them novel and interesting. Remember that different breeds have varying intelligence levels and may need different types of mental stimulation.

8. Turning Off All Lights

Leaving your home completely dark can be disorienting and stressful for dogs, especially those with vision issues or anxiety. Complete darkness removes visual cues that help dogs navigate their environment and can amplify strange sounds, increasing nervousness.

Consider leaving a few strategic lights on or using nightlights in hallways and main living areas. Natural light through windows works well during daytime, but for cloudy days or evening absences, some artificial lighting helps.

Light timers offer an excellent solution for longer absences, mimicking normal household patterns. This not only comforts your dog but also creates the impression someone is home, adding a security benefit. Your pup will feel more secure with some visual orientation.

9. Leaving Windows Open Or Unsecured

Unsecured windows pose dual dangers: escape routes for adventurous dogs and potential fall hazards, especially in multi-story homes. Even normally well-behaved dogs might chase after a squirrel or respond to outside stimuli when nobody’s watching.

Screens aren’t strong enough to contain a determined dog. They can tear through them easily if motivated, leading to dangerous situations like traffic encounters or getting lost. Window falls are surprisingly common and can cause serious injuries.

Before leaving, ensure windows are either completely closed or have secure, pet-specific window guards installed. For ground floor windows, consider leaving blinds partially closed to reduce visual triggers while still allowing some natural light in.

10. Ignoring Background Noise

Silent homes amplify every creak, car horn, and passing conversation, potentially triggering anxiety or excessive barking in dogs left alone. Background noise helps mask these startling sounds and provides comforting familiarity.

Many dogs respond well to leaving a television on with nature shows or programs featuring other animals. The changing visuals combined with human voices create a sense that someone is present. Alternatively, radios tuned to talk stations rather than music offer consistent human vocal patterns.

White noise machines work wonders for particularly sound-sensitive dogs by creating a consistent audio backdrop. There are even specially designed audio programs created specifically for home-alone dogs that gradually introduce calming sounds throughout the day.

11. Failing To Practice Alone Time Gradually

Suddenly leaving a dog alone for eight hours when they’ve never experienced solitude is a recipe for anxiety. Dogs need to build their “alone muscles” gradually, just like any other skill. Abrupt changes to routine can trigger panic or destructive behaviors.

Start with very brief absences—just a few minutes of stepping outside—then gradually increase duration as your dog shows comfort. Pay attention to how they respond when you return; panting, excessive drooling, or destroyed items signal distress.

Practice departure cues without actually leaving sometimes. Pick up keys or put on shoes, then just sit down again. This helps break the anxiety association with these actions. Building confidence takes patience but prevents major behavior problems down the road.

12. Crating Them For Too Long

Crates can be wonderful training tools and safe spaces, but they’re not designed for extended confinement. Adult dogs shouldn’t be crated longer than 6-8 hours maximum, while puppies need breaks every 2-4 hours depending on age. Extended crating can lead to muscle stiffness, anxiety, and elimination problems.

Dogs are social creatures who need movement and environmental interaction. Forcing them to hold their bladder beyond their physical capacity isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to urinary tract infections and other health issues.

If your schedule requires longer absences, consider alternatives like dog-proofing a room or using exercise pens that provide more space. Better yet, arrange for a mid-day visit from a dog walker or neighbor to provide a potty break.

13. Ignoring Temperature Control

Dogs can’t regulate home temperatures themselves, making them vulnerable to extreme heat or cold when left alone. Unlike humans, they can’t simply add or remove layers when uncomfortable. Their fur coats offer limited protection against temperature fluctuations.

During summer, homes can quickly become dangerously hot, especially in upper floors or apartments without air conditioning. Winter presents the opposite problem, with temperatures potentially dropping below comfort levels. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs are particularly sensitive to heat.

Set your thermostat to maintain safe temperatures—generally between 68-78°F depending on your dog’s breed and coat type. Consider a smart thermostat you can monitor remotely to ensure your home stays comfortable throughout your absence.

14. Using Negative Reinforcement Before Leaving

Scolding your dog right before departure creates a negative association with your leaving. Dogs don’t understand complex explanations like “behave while I’m gone”—they only register your displeasure, which increases their anxiety about your absence.

Yelling about previous mistakes or showing frustration as you rush out the door can trigger stress behaviors like destructive chewing or inappropriate elimination. Your dog might interpret your anger as punishment for something they don’t understand.

Instead, keep departures calm and positive. Offer a special treat or toy only available during alone time, creating something to look forward to rather than dread. This positive association helps your dog view your departures as normal, non-threatening events rather than something to fear.

15. Leaving Trash Cans Unsecured

Unsecured garbage bins are treasure troves of fascinating smells and potential “treats” for curious canines. The kitchen trash especially contains food remnants that prove irresistible to dogs with time on their paws and nobody watching.

Beyond creating a messy cleanup job, garbage raids expose your dog to dangerous items like chicken bones, moldy foods, coffee grounds, and packaging materials. These can cause choking, intestinal blockages, or toxic reactions requiring emergency veterinary care.

Invest in dog-proof trash cans with secure lids, or place bins inside latched cabinets or pantries. For particularly determined dogs, consider taking out especially tempting food waste before leaving or using childproof locks on cabinet doors containing trash receptacles.

16. Allowing Free Reign Too Soon

Giving a new dog or puppy immediate access to your entire home invites trouble. Without established boundaries and house training, they’ll likely make mistakes that create bad habits. Freedom should be earned gradually as they demonstrate reliability.

Young puppies and newly adopted dogs haven’t learned house rules yet. They don’t instinctively know which items are toys versus valuable possessions, or where elimination is appropriate. Overwhelming them with too many choices and spaces creates confusion.

Start with a single dog-proofed room or section containing essentials—bed, water, toys, and puppy pads if needed. Gradually expand their territory as they show trustworthiness. This progressive approach builds confidence while protecting both your belongings and your dog’s safety.

17. Leaving Collars With Tags That Can Snag

Standard collars with dangling tags pose surprising hazards for unsupervised dogs. Tags can catch on furniture slats, heating vents, or crate wires, potentially causing choking or injury if your dog panics while trying to free themselves.

Even the collar itself can become dangerous if caught on something while your dog is home alone. Many dogs have injured themselves or worse when their collars became entangled with furniture or other household items.

Consider removing collars entirely during alone time, especially for crated dogs. If identification concerns you, microchipping provides permanent ID that can’t snag. Alternatively, use breakaway collars designed to release under pressure or flat tags that attach flush against the collar without dangling.

18. Forgetting To Check Doors And Gates

A moment of distraction while rushing out the door can lead to disaster if gates or doors aren’t properly secured. Dogs are opportunistic and can push through partially closed doors or nudge open unlocked gates, potentially escaping into dangerous situations.

Take an extra moment before leaving to physically check that all exit points are secure. This includes interior doors to restricted areas, exterior doors, garage doors, and yard gates. Remember that some dogs can jump surprisingly high or dig under fences when motivated.

For especially clever escape artists, consider additional security measures like childproof doorknob covers, hook-and-eye latches placed high on doors, or locks on gates. These simple precautions prevent heartbreaking lost pet scenarios.

19. Ignoring Signs Of Separation Anxiety

Excessive drooling, destructive behavior, and non-stop barking aren’t just bad behavior—they’re often symptoms of genuine distress. Separation anxiety affects many dogs and worsens when owners misinterpret these signs as disobedience rather than panic.

Watch for warning signals like following you from room to room, becoming agitated when you prepare to leave, or showing extreme excitement upon your return. Destruction focused around exit points (doors/windows) particularly indicates anxiety rather than mischief.

Addressing separation anxiety requires patience and sometimes professional help. Counterconditioning techniques, anxiety wraps, calming pheromones, and in severe cases, medication prescribed by your veterinarian can help. Ignoring these signs only allows the condition to worsen, causing suffering for your dog and damage to your home.

20. Assuming One Toy Is Enough

Dogs get bored with toys just like children do. A single chew toy won’t keep your furry friend entertained for hours on end. Boredom leads to destructive behaviors as dogs seek stimulation through whatever means available—often your furniture or shoes.

Different toys serve different purposes. Some are for chewing, others for mental stimulation, and some for comfort. Rotating toys keeps them novel and interesting, preventing your dog from becoming desensitized to their appeal.

Create a special “alone time” toy box with items only available when you’re gone. Include a variety of textures and types—puzzle toys, stuffed Kongs, chew toys, and perhaps a comfort item with your scent. This strategy creates positive associations with your departure rather than anxiety.

21. Leaving Them With A Full Bladder

Rushing out without a proper potty break sets your dog up for discomfort and potential accidents. Even well-trained dogs have physical limits to how long they can hold their bladder. Expecting them to wait causes unnecessary stress and discomfort.

Always allow sufficient time for a complete bathroom break before departure. Some dogs need multiple opportunities to fully empty their bladders, especially if they’re excited or distracted by your imminent departure.

For longer absences, consider timing meals appropriately. Feeding several hours before you leave gives your dog time to digest and eliminate before alone time begins. Removing water an hour before longer absences (if veterinarian-approved) can help, though fresh water should always be available during their alone time.

22. Skipping Using A Pet Monitor Or Camera

Modern technology offers peace of mind that previous generations of pet owners couldn’t imagine. Pet cameras allow you to check on your furry friend remotely, helping you identify problems before they become serious. Some advanced models even dispense treats or allow two-way communication.

Without monitoring, you might miss signs of distress, illness, or dangerous situations. A dog who seems fine at departure might develop anxiety or find trouble later. Camera footage also helps distinguish between occasional mischief and genuine behavioral problems.

Even basic models provide valuable insights into what your dog actually does while alone. Many owners are surprised to discover their dogs sleep most of the day or exhibit stress behaviors they never witnessed. This information helps you make better decisions about their care.

23. Forgetting To Puppy-Proof

Dogs explore their world mouth-first, making unattended homes potential danger zones. Small items like coins, paper clips, rubber bands, and children’s toys can cause intestinal blockages requiring emergency surgery. Toxic houseplants, accessible medications, and cleaning supplies pose poisoning risks.

Get down on your dog’s level—literally on hands and knees—to spot hazards you might miss from human height. Look under furniture and in corners where small objects might hide. Secure cabinets containing chemicals, and place medications in high, closed containers.

Remember that some dogs are climbers or jumpers who can access countertops and tables. Others might nudge open cabinet doors or learn to operate lever-style handles. Think like your dog and anticipate their natural curiosity to create truly safe spaces.

24. Not Letting Neighbors Know You’ll Be Away

Trusted neighbors can be valuable allies in keeping your dog safe. Without informing anyone of your absence, potential problems might go unnoticed until you return. A barking dog could indicate distress, escape attempts, or even medical emergencies.

Share your schedule with reliable neighbors, providing your contact information and your veterinarian’s details for emergencies. Many pet emergencies occur when owners are away, and minutes can make a critical difference in outcomes.

Neighbors can also alert you to unexpected situations affecting your pet’s safety—power outages affecting climate control, severe weather events, or even attempted break-ins. This community support network provides an additional safety layer for your furry family member when you can’t be physically present.

25. Leaving Without A Goodbye Routine

Consistent departure routines help dogs understand what’s happening and reduce anxiety about being left alone. Abruptly disappearing creates confusion and can trigger separation issues. Dogs thrive on predictability and clear communication.

Develop a simple, calm goodbye sequence you use every time. This might include a specific phrase, a brief pat, or offering a special toy. Keep it low-key—overly emotional goodbyes actually increase anxiety by signaling to your dog that something concerning is happening.

Your routine helps your dog understand that you’re leaving temporarily, not permanently. They learn to recognize the pattern and understand that you always return after this sequence. This predictability builds confidence and security, making alone time less stressful for your four-legged friend.