How Long Can Aussies Be Left Alone? Tips to Prevent Separation Anxiety (2024)

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Whether for minutes or hours, leaving your loyal Aussie elicits worries. Will they cope with the isolation? Take comfort knowing this breed withstands time apart through preparation and understanding their needs.

Providing puzzles, walks beforehand, Aussie-proofing your home curbs restlessness. Though eager for togetherness, consistency and meeting their energetic nature arms them to patiently await your return.

Should I Leave My Aussie Alone?

For up to 4 hours at a time, you should feel comfortable leaving your properly trained and exercised Aussie alone.

Ensure your Aussie is crate trained, well-socialized, and introduced to alone time gradually from a young age to set them up for success.

Leave them with interactive toys, background noise from the TV or radio to dampen outside sounds, and access to views outside to prevent them feeling isolated.

Occasionally change the toys available to keep things interesting.

Never make a fuss when leaving or returning.

Maintain normal energy levels.

With adequate physical and mental stimulation beforehand and preventative steps taken, your Aussie can handle time alone without stress or destructive behaviors arising.

Recommended Time Apart

You’re fine leaving your Aussie alone for up to 4 hours at a time.

As herding dogs, Aussies crave near-constant companionship, so leaving them for longer stretches can lead to separation anxiety.

To prevent this, establish a routine with adequate outdoor exercise beforehand.

Adolescent Aussies should have at least 1-2 hours of rigorous physical activity daily, split into multiple sessions. This allows them to expend pent-up mental and physical energy before alone time.

Additionally, incorporate mental exercises using interactive toys.

For pups under 6 months, limit alone time to an hour per month of age. Crate train them initially, and gradually increase independence.

With proper preparation, your loyal companion will feel comfortable resting while you’re apart, eagerly awaiting your return.

Consequences of Excessive Time Alone

If your Aussie is left by itself for too long, it may start to show signs of separation anxiety such as:

• Excessive barking
• Destructive chewing
• Pacing
• Attempting to escape

This anxious state stems from a deep-seated need for security and belonging.

These behaviors can become ingrained if the underlying separation anxiety isn’t addressed.

Your Aussie needs plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and quality time with you.

• Ease any transitions when you leave.
• Provide interactive toys for enrichment.
• Set up cameras to check in.
• Consider alternative care if you’ll be gone longer than 4 hours.

Meeting their social and psychological needs is key.

Preventing Destructive Behaviors

When left alone too long, your Aussie may start displaying destructive chewing, barking, digging, or escaping behaviors to cope with anxiety and boredom.

Crate training utilizing positive reinforcement establishes a safe space. Pair with puzzle toys like food-dispensing balls to occupy your dog mentally.

Should destructive tendencies persist, consult a certified trainer for a tailored desensitization program.

Securing doors/windows and providing a personalized space with familiar scents and bedding further prevents acting out.

Consider hiring a dog walker or using doggy daycare to supplement quality time when you must be away for long work hours.

Providing Exercise Beforehand

One should ensure their Aussie gets plenty of exercise before leaving them alone for an extended period.

A long walk or high energy play session is ideal to tire out an Aussie before you go.

Alternatively, provide mental stimulation through training games.

Consider crate training so your pup has a safe, comfortable space while you’re gone.

Aim for at least an hour of vigorous activity to wear out your high-energy Aussie.

Asking a friend or dog sitter to check in can also give your pup comfort if left over 4 hours.

Keeping your Aussie exercised will ease the transition when you must be away for long stretches.

Establishing a Routine

As your Aussie tires from playtime and training, it’s time to consider their routine when home alone.

A predictable schedule creates security. Implement planned crating, walks, feeding, and potty breaks. Adhere consistently, even varying only by 30 minutes on weekends. This steadiness eases anxiety triggered by prolonged isolation.

Routines grant comfort. By minding cues preceding your exit, your Aussie learns your pattern, expects the subsequent alone time, and accepts that you’ll return.

Aussie Proofing Your Home

Before you leave your Aussie alone for extended periods, dog-proof your home by putting away anything they could get into or destroy.

• Use baby gates to block off rooms with furniture or hazards.
• Tuck electrical cords out of reach and put plastic covers over outlets.
• Make sure trash cans have tight lids.
• Close interior doors and latch exterior doors and gates.
• Consider window screens or other barriers if your Aussie is prone to jumping at windows.
• Provide appropriate chew toys only and put away anything that could pose a choking risk, like children’s toys.
• Make their crate comfy with a bed and safe chew toy.
• And never leave food or counter surfing temptations unattended.

Taking some time to Aussie-proof creates a safer environment that prevents destructive behaviors when you can’t supervise.

Alternative Care Options

You can also consider alternative care options for your Aussie while you’re away, such as hiring a dog walker or taking them to doggy daycare. Both are great ways to provide your Aussie with exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization during the day.

Doggy daycares offer playgroups and walks for dogs to interact, play, and burn energy. Pet sitters can come by the house to walk your dog, feed them, and provide companionship.

If you’ll be gone for multiple days, trusted boarding kennels are an option so your Aussie isn’t alone overnight. Another idea is having a friend or neighbor check in on your dog – taking them out, playing fetch, or just petting them provides comfort too.

Whichever option you choose, make sure you find someone experienced with the sensitive nature of Aussies to care for all their physical and emotional needs.

Meeting Your Aussie’s Needs

Meeting your Aussie’s needs while you’re away is crucial to preventing separation anxiety.

Mental stimulation is key – provide puzzle toys and activities that engage their bright minds.

Continue training and socialization even when apart to build confidence.

Crate training with positive reinforcement creates a safe space.

Schedule play dates or dog walkers to ease loneliness.

Most importantly, quality time together strengthens your bond, fulfilling your Aussie’s core need for belonging.

Spend your reunions showing affection.

By meeting their physical and emotional needs, your Aussie learns that this routine meets their needs for safety and understanding too.

Maintaining the Relationship

Keep interacting positively with your Aussie when you’re together to cement your bond.

Make the most of your time together through activities like play, training, cuddling, and simply hanging out, which all build trust.

Give your pup focused attention, affection, and companionship so they feel secure with you.

Incorporate both physical and mental exercise into your routines to meet their needs for activity.

Play games, go on adventures outdoors, teach new commands – your dog will relish the stimulation.

By dedicating quality time to nurturing your relationship, your Aussie will be more independent and relaxed when left alone for reasonable periods, knowing that you reliably return.

Meeting their social and enrichment needs cements the human-canine bond that Aussies crave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)