Can a Havanese Be Left Alone? [+ Helpful Tips] (2024)

A black-and-white Havanese with a yellow bow in her hair lying in bed under a blue blanket.

Havanese are spunky, loyal dogs with long, silky hair and big personalities. They love spending time with their owners and do well with other pets as well.

These small pups do best with owners who can give them plenty of attention and affection.

Can Havanese be left alone? Havanese are companion dogs and should not be left alone for longer than four hours at a time. The breed is prone to separation anxiety and needs frequent social interaction and mental stimulation. Crate training and lots of exercise can make being alone easier for the dog.

Before you bring a Havanese into your home, you should be aware of their social and emotional needs.

As you read through the following, you’ll learn more about everything involved in leaving your Havanese home alone.

Leaving a Havanese Home Alone – What To Be Aware Of

Havanese prefer the company of humans or other pets and do not do well when left alone for long periods.

If you need to leave your Havanese home alone for more than an hour or two, you should be aware of some of the issues that may arise. 

Why Havanese Dogs Do Not Like Being Alone

Havanese are highly intelligent and need plenty of social stimulation to be happy. They were bred to be companions and lapdogs and developed to depend on their owners for happiness.

They are not very independent and crave a lot of attention and affection.

Potential Issues That May Arise

Every dog is different, and some may do better when left alone than others.

Just be aware that problems may develop over time, especially if your dog has never been away from you before for more than a few minutes at a time.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is more common in some dog breeds than others, and Havanese are known to be prone to it.

They become very attached to their owners, and when left alone, they can become nervous, sad, and scared. 

Depression

Havanese can suffer from depression if they spend too much time alone. They may become withdrawn, lethargic, or lose their appetites.

They thrive on human interaction and are much happier when they can be at their owner’s side.

Barking

While Havanese are only considered moderately vocal, they may bark excessively when left alone. This is a way for them to demand attention and express that they are unhappy.

Leaving a radio or TV on while you are away can help them feel less lonely and reduce barking.

Shyness

Havanese are bred to be companions and are natural extroverts. It is essential to introduce them to new people, places, and other animals at an early age.

Failing to provide your Havanese with enough social interaction could result in him becoming more introverted and shy.

Whenever possible, bring your dog along with you for short errands or when visiting friends.

This not only will help with socialization, but it also decreases the time your dog spends by himself – which is always a good thing.

Two young Havanese dogs snuggled up in bed with blue sheets and a pink blanket.

Maximum Time Havanese Can Be Left Alone

Seclusion can be stressful for Havanese and lead to behavioral problems.

The maximum time an adult Havanese should be left alone is four hours. Puppies should never be left alone for more than two hours.

Havanese adapt well to new routines, so after some time, adult dogs may get used to being left alone for short periods.

Having a friend or neighbor stop in once or twice each day can help if you work away from home.

They can take the dog for a short walk or spend some time playing with him to help pass the long, lonesome hours and provide some much-needed exercise.  

Doggy daycare is another option that will allow you to leave for the day without having to worry about your dog being alone.

Does Having Another Dog Help? 

Adding a second dog to your family does not mean your Havanese will be comfortable with your absence for long periods, but it may help make the time away from you more tolerable. 

Havanese are known to be friendly and accepting of other non-aggressive pets.

Adding a second dog (or even a cat) can provide your Havanese with the social stimulation he craves when you are not around to offer it.

Tips for When Leaving Your Havanese Home Alone

A cute Havanese puppy jogging across a lawn with an orange ball in his mouth.

Of course, it is inevitable that eventually you won’t be able to bring your dog with you and will be forced to leave him behind.

For times such as this, it’s only fair to your dog that you prepare him ahead of time and try to keep the experience as positive and painless as possible.

Crate Train

Crate training can help your Havanese adapt to being left alone more easily. Introduce your Havanese to the crate while you are home and make it a positive experience. 

Provide a soft blanket or pet bed to make him comfortable, and add toys (this multipack was a great help when I was training my dog) and treats to show the dog that their crate is a safe place.

Limit the amount of time you keep your Havanese in the crate, and build up to more extended periods gradually. 

Do not use the crate as a punishment, and always provide a lot of attention and cuddles when you return home and let your dog out of the crate.

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Get Another Dog

Adding another dog to your family can help your Havanese deal with separation anxiety and develop better social skills.

The second dog will keep your Havanese company and give him a companion to play and cuddle with.

A second dog is not a substitute for human interaction, and both dogs will need your time, love, and affection when you are home.

Provide Exercise & Affection Before Leaving And When Returning

Before you leave your dog, take him for a walk and spend some time providing some affection.

Do the same when you return so your Havanese adapts to their new routine and looks forward to your departure and return.

Just don’t make too big a deal out of leaving or returning, or your dog will pick up on your cues and become anxious.

Hire A Dog Walker

If you have to leave your Havanese at home for long periods, hiring a dog walker can be helpful.

The dog walker will be able to take your dog out of the house for potty breaks, exercise, and social interaction.

It will also help break up the amount of time the Havanese is home alone.

Build Up To Long Periods Of Absence

Havanese can adapt to being left alone, but you will need to be patient and build up to more extended periods away.

Start by leaving your dog alone while you run short errands. Let him get used to watching you leave and come back.

Always provide attention, petting, and cuddles when you return. Make each trip a little longer until you reach the maximum recommended time of four hours away. 

Keep in mind that even though your dog may appear unaffected by your absence, it can be stressful for this sensitive breed to be alone.

Even though your Havanese may tolerate long periods of time alone, it is not recommended to leave them often or for large portions of the day, day after day.

Related Questions:

Do All Havanese Suffer From Separation Anxiety?

Havanese are prone to separation anxiety, but not every Havanese will have this disorder. When you leave him alone in a room or walk out of his sight, observe him from a hidden area to see how he acts. 

If your dog seems nervous, frantic, or demonstrates any other signs of separation anxiety, you may not be able to leave him alone until you’ve taken the time to help with the adjustment. 

Can Havanese Be Left Alone for 8 Hours?

No,  Havanese should not be left alone for more than four hours at a time. If left alone for long periods, they can suffer from social anxiety, become depressed, and develop behavioral problems.

if you must be away for 8 hours, look into a doggy daycare center or consider hiring a dog walker or friend to help break up the isolation and monotony.

Wrapping It Up 

Havanese are adorable and affectionate dogs. They were bred to be companions and lapdogs and are happiest at their owner’s side (or in their laps!).

Havanese should not be left alone for long periods and never more than four hours. They thrive when they are given a lot of love, attention, and social interaction.

Last update on 2024-03-27 at 21:48 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API