Goldendoodles are fun-loving, playful, intelligent, highly trainable loving dogs that make excellent pets.
As a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, these dogs offer the best of both worlds and possess the best qualities of both breeds.
Their numerous positive qualities make them good choices for therapy dogs, service dogs, companion dogs, and family pets.
Breeders originally created this dog with the purpose of getting a dog with the Golden Retriever’s temperament and the Poodle’s intelligence and allergy-friendly coat.
The result was a dog that became popular almost overnight and continues to win popularity contests wherever they are.
Getting a Goldendoodle puppy may seem like an easy choice, but many people work long hours, which leaves little time for caring for a dog.
Additionally, they’re concerned about leaving the dog home alone.
Can Goldendoodle puppies be left alone? If so, how soon and for how long? If you’ve been in search of dogs that can left alone, you’ve made a good choice with a Goldendoodle. With good preparation, Goldendoodle puppies can be left alone for a certain length of time. They’ll do better when you start them offer with short amounts of time and gradually increase the time they’re alone. The length of time the puppy can be left alone depends on the dog’s age. Although they probably will be a bit unsure when left alone, this gets better with time.
It’s normal for a puppy to be apprehensive at first when you leave them.
Like children though, it is important for them to adjust and adapt to these situations. It’s a sort of socialization growing pain they all must go through.
We’ll let you know the best ways to make this process easy for you and your Goldendoodle puppy!
There’s no doubt that raising a puppy has its challenges. With a dog as wonderful as a Goldendoodle, you want to be sure that you’re doing things the right way from the very beginning.
To save you time and frustration and to make sure that you aren’t left with a bunch of unanswered questions, we put together the most comprehensive Goldendoodle guidebook available, The Owner’s Guide to the Perfect Goldendoodle.
You’ll learn all about puppy proofing, training, grooming, Goldendoodle temperament and physical traits, generations, possible health issues, and so much more.
Everything you need to raise the dog of your dreams, all in one place. You’ll find yourself turning to it again and again as you navigate life with your new Goldendoodle.
How Long Can I Leave a Goldendoodle Home Alone?
Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are dogs that enjoy being around their people and tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.
(Learn more about the beautiful Golden Retriever here.)
Although Goldendoodles typically do better when there is someone home with them, they can be left home alone for several hours with proper preparation and training.
If your Goldendoodle is still a puppy, an hour or two is the maximum amount they should be left alone.
They’ll not only get very lonely but also have very small bladders and will need to relieve themselves every couple of hours.
My Dog Chachi, who is around 7 months old now, was really great at being alone. I think we were more stressed than he was!
I joked we would come home and he’d have ruined the house, and then just sat there like “Well you shouldn’t have left.”
Important to note we didn’t leave him alone much at all until he was settled in and comfortable in the house and with us.
Also, he was well on his way to being potty trained. Lots of comfort items around, like his bed, crate, chew toys (these are the best – such a bargain!), blanket, and the rest of it.
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If the dog is an adult dog, he can be left alone for several hours. Most dog owners with full-time jobs work are gone from 8 to 10 hours with commuting time added in.
If the Goldendoodle is new to your home, it’s best to prepare him and get him adjusted to being alone or in a crate before leaving him home alone for long stretches.
Not sure what to look for when selecting a crate? No worries. This article lays it all out for you.
Need one right away?
This double-door crate comes with a divider (allows the crate to grow with your pup), collapses easily for storage or transport, features a removable bottom tray, and is quite reasonably priced.
Try leaving him in the crate with a few toys or chew treats for a couple of hours while you’re home, When that works well, leave him home alone for a couple of hours.
Gradually increase the amount of time he’s in the crate until it equals the amount of time you’ll need to leave him crated when you work.
(Learn how to crate train a Doodle dog like a pro here.)
You can also ask a trusted friend or family member to come to your home and let the dog out for a bit. Be sure that it’s someone your dog knows and trusts.
How Many Hours is Too Many?
The maximum number of hours a dog should be left alone depends on the dog, the age of the dog, the environment, and if the dog is in a crate or given free rein of the home.
If the Goldendoodle is a puppy being left in a crate, avoid leaving him in more than two or three hours.
If the puppy is allowed to run free in your home, he can be left alone for longer periods, but you may come home to a mess because it’s a puppy.
An adult dog can be alone in a crate for up to 8 hours, but it shouldn’t be much longer than that if possible. If the dog is an adult left loose in the house, he can be left alone for up to 12 hours.
It’s important to realize that each dog is different and is going to respond differently.
The earlier in a dog’s life you get him adjusted to being home alone, the better and quicker he’ll adjust to the situation.
This 75+ page book is jam-packed with expert knowledge and real experiences from Goldendoodle owners and breeders alike. Consider this the ultimate owner’s guide for the breed with tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions – saving you time, money, and loads of frustration along the way.
What Services Can You Use to Help Out If You Are Working During the Day?
If you’ve tried leaving your Goldendoodle home alone and either it’s not working out or you’re not comfortable with the situation, there are other options.
One option is a family or friend that’s willing to come to your home and either sit with your dog, take him for a walk, or just let him out for a little bit.
There may be people in your neighborhood that provide dog walking services or dog-sitting services.
Many of these are very affordable services that will help your dog get through the day and help you relax more while you’re gone.
There are also professional services that will send someone to your home to take your dog out for a walk or spend some quality time with the dog.
While this may not be the ideal solution, you may want to consider getting a second dog.
Two dogs will generally get along better when they’re left home alone provided they normally get along well.
Your dog will not be as lonely if he has a companion with which to play or sleep. We examine the pros and cons of having two dogs in this article.
Things to Make Alone Time Easier for Your Goldendoodle
When you put your Goldendoodle in the crate, put in some chew toys or treats that you know he enjoys. Goldendoodles love and need mental stimulation.
Be sure to check with our Ultimate Guide to Mental Stimulation to learn the many benefits mental stimulation provides and for creative ideas for giving your dog a mental workout.
Leaving him with interactive puzzles or treat-stuffed toys will occupy his mind and keep his mind off being alone.
Coming up short on ideas?
This sliding tile puzzle features 28 hidden treat compartments and sliding tiles to keep your dog entertained for a long time. Best of all, there are no removable pieces that could be dangerous.
Just drop a few pieces of kibble in all the compartments and let your dog figure out how to move the tiles in order to get to the goodies.
As far as treat-stuffed toys go, you won’t find a better, more durable, dog-approved option than the ever-popular Kong.
Most dogs love Kongs for chewing, chasing across the floor, and playing fetch, but when you stuff one with peanut butter, yogurt, small dog bones, or whatever your dog enjoys, you have a guaranteed winner.
They last practically forever, serve multiple purposes, and are super affordable. This one’s a no-brainer.
As soon as you return and let him out of the crate, remove the toys or treats and put them away.
Once your Goldendoodle associates these treats and rewards with crate time or being home alone, he’ll adjust better to being home alone.
Some dogs don’t enjoy being alone in a quiet house because they’re more aware that they’re alone. Try leaving some music or the TV on so the dog won’t feel so alone.
If your dog is tired, he’s less likely to want to cry or bark because he’s alone.
For us, when we give Chachi either a Milk Bone or Greenie, he just naturally takes it away to his little bean bag and eats it there. This is our queue to leave the house. And he’s fine with it.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before he’s left alone. Goldendoodles are fairly active and need lots of daily exercise. Find out how much is recommended here.
Although it might be inconvenient to walk your dog early in the morning, it might be more than worth the time and effort because he’ll be more relaxed and ready to rest.
Do not make it a big deal when you leave your home or your dog will think it’s a big deal. Just walk out the door like it’s a normal day and your dog will become accustomed to the routine quicker.
If you leave your dog in the crate when he’s alone, don’t treat the crate as a punishment when the dog is naughty, or he will never want to spend time in the crate or may be confused as to why he’s in the crate.
Your dog’s crate should be a pleasant place that he associates with happy things and looks forward to spending time in.
Avoid giving your dog free rein of the house until he’s well accustomed to being home alone for several hours. A bored dog often becomes a destructive dog.
Adult dogs who are used to being left home alone generally do well with free rein but only when they’re used to being alone every day.
Don’t miss out on additional answers to common Goldendoodle questions. Visit our Goldendoodle page to access all of our 30+ articles on these awesome dogs.
Related Questions:
Can I Put Toys in My Goldendoodle’s Crate When I Am Gone?
It’s a great idea to put toys in the dog’s crate when you’re gone because it will occupy the dog’s time and make him less aware that you’re gone.
It’s a good idea to remove the toys when you get home and don’t put them in there again until you leave again and have to put him in the crate.
When the dog can associate the crate with happy things, he’ll enjoy it more.
Do Goldendoodles Like to Be in a Crate?
If your Goldendoodle could talk, he would probably tell you he doesn’t like to be in a crate. At least that’s what he would say the first couple of times.
However, the more time they spend in their crates, the more they enjoy having their own “safe zone” or happy time.
The more you know about your dog, the better pet parent you’ll be!
Be sure to pick up your copy of The Owner’s Guide to the Perfect Goldendoodle today to give your dog the best possible start in life.
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 02:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
