Leaving Labradors Alone is a good idea? Well, Owning a Labrador is as big a responsibility as having a baby. Since Labs are extremely affectionate family dogs, they can’t handle their alone time for long. Wonder if can you leave your baby home alone? Let alone a day, even for a few hours? No, right. Similarly, dogs as well carry deep emotions to that of humans, and they feel it when ignored, not loved, or left alone.
Come, let’s shed some more light on it.
Most of us, even dog parents, live a crazy busy life. No matter how much we love our pets, we know spending every minute of the 24 hours with them isn’t actually possible. As a result, there are times when we unwillingly have to leave out dog alone for some time. And due to that, we develop guilt and get on the journey of self-blame.
Leaving your Labrador or any pet dog home alone is inevitable. But for how long can you leave your Labrador home alone?
Labradors can easily leave home alone for 3 to 4 hours a day. They are susceptible to developing separation anxiety, but if made a habit from a young age, Labs can handle alone time of up to 3 to 4 hours. However, those who haven’t been into such a routine can’t handle separation for as little as 1 or 2 hours. By staying alone on their own, Labs can become anxious, irritated, and even resentful.
How Long Can I Leave My Labrador Puppy Alone?
Puppies, be it Labrador or any other dog breed, are curious. Therefore, they need constant watch over for their safety (primarily) and for the things around them.
Puppies usually sleep 18 to 20 hours a day, but when they are awake, they are full of energy, curiosity, and oddity. Since they haven’t seen much of the world, they will constantly poke their nose into different businesses, bringing dangers closer with every minute.
Therefore, leave your Labrador puppy alone for only one hour every month. It is the longer they can hold their bladder or handle small life adventures.
If left alone with their mother, puppies can handle alone time quite well. Mom and littermates are great company anytime.
Labrador Puppies and (Safe) Alone Time
| Puppy’s Age | (Safe) Alone Time |
| 8 to 10 weeks | Maximum 1 hour |
| 2 to 3 months | Maximum 2 hours |
| 3 to 4 months | Maximum 3 hours |
| 4 to 6 months | Maximum 4 hours |
As your Labrador reaches the age of adolescence and adulthood, you can leave him alone for a long. However, never exceed the limit of 4 hours maximum. Labradors are highly social dogs; after being left alone for too long, they do not respond well.
Can Labradors Be Left Alone For 6 Hours Or More?
6 to 8 hours is way too much time for Labradors to stay alone without someone affectionate besides. Though after reaching adulthood, they have longer bladder tolerance hours, if you count emotionally, they can’t make it well alone for long.
Some Lab parents definitely follow such routines, but either their dog is habitual from a very young age, or their routine allows the individual dog to handle the same.
If leaving your Labrador alone for 6 to 8 hours or more is the only option, you should appoint some help. Professionals like dog sitters, dog walkers, and doggy daycare provide services for the given circumstances.
Can Labradors Be Left Alone All Day?
No, and never do that. Leaving Labradors or any other pet dogs home alone for an entire day is not advisable. It isn’t optimal but abusive and cruel as well.
Staying alone at home for such a long stretch can severely impact your Lab’s emotional and mental condition.
And if you will regularly follow such routines, the dog will lean towards stress which will eventually become difficult to overcome.
Loneliness is what leads a dog towards issues like anxiety, aggression, and even depression. Love, company, and companionship are important for maintaining emotional balance.
How Long Can You Leave A Dog Alone Legally?
No, until now, no laws specify the time (hours) you can leave your dog alone. However, there are Animal Neglect Laws that can put one under violation. If a dog owner or pet owner, for that matter, is leaving the pet home alone for too long, it will be counted as cruelty.
It is better not to leave your dog alone for more than 4 hours. If you are under some circumstance, you aren’t part of cruelty, but as a responsible owner, it is your duty to arrange a company for the dog during those extended hours.
Leaving your Labrador home alone- A Guilt-free Guide
There are times when you might have to unavoidably leave your Labrador home alone for a few hours. In such circumstances, this guilt-free guide will come in handy for you.
- Leave a generous amount of water so that your dog can stay hydrated all time long.
- Feed your Lab properly in accordance for 3 to 4 hours. If you sense he isn’t full, leave some food along with water.
- Make sure you leave bathroom access open for the dog.
- Make sure the house is airy and well-ventilated.
- Any doors and windows that can posses some kind of threat to the Labrador must be kept close.
- If you have to leave your dog alone for 3 to 4 hours, try tiring him before that.
- Mental and physical stimulation will help them stay asleep for the time you are away.
- Leave interactive or chew toys for him so that he won’t chew the sofa.
- Understand the possible dangers and make sure you cover them all.
- Avoid unnecessary fuss when you leave or come back. Do not stress the dog about the same. Things will work smoothly if he takes all of it as normal.
Wrapping up…
Labradors are one of the most playful and affectionate dogs to own. With the number of hours you will spend with them, you will know how beautiful your life will turn out. However, if you are planning to leave them alone for a long, you aren’t doing any good in their favor.
But if that’s the only thing left to do, make sure you hire a professional dog keeper or ask your friend or relative to stay back. Allow your dog to have some company until you come back home. And ensure that you are leaving them only in safe hands.