Because Golden Retrievers are gentle, affectionate, and friendly, they can be very attached to their families. You can leave your Golden Retriever at home without worrying about him as long as you do not let him go too long or don’t make mistakes. How long can Golden Retrievers be left to their own devices?
Depending on their training, socialization, and health, Golden Retrievers may be left alone for as long as 4 hours. However, puppies should be left alone for no more than 1 hour per month. If you leave your Golden Retriever home alone, make sure they are well-trained and have access to water and food.
This article will teach you:
- Age determines how long you can leave your Golden Retriever alone.
- How to let your Golden Retriever go.
- There are consequences to leaving your Golden unattended for too long.
- There are other options to leave your Golden Retriever home alone.
Can Golden Retrievers Be Left Alone?
As long as Golden Retrievers are well-cared for, they can be left alone. Golden Retrievers older than 8 years old can be left alone for as long as 4 hours. It is cruel to leave a puppy alone for too long. They need stimulation, pee breaks, food, water, and pee breaks.
Golden Retriever puppies can be very curious and get into trouble if left alone. However, this is not the case with well-trained, older dogs.
Let’s look at how long you can leave your Golden Retriever unattended, based on their age.
Golden Retriever Puppies
Golden Retriever puppies need constant supervision because they are curious and inquisitive. They can sleep up to 18 hours a night, but they have endless energy and hunger when they are awake.
Pups shouldn’t be left alone for too long. This table shows how long Golden Retriever puppies can be left alone for the first six months.
| Puppy Golden Retriever Puppy | Time Left Alone |
|---|---|
| 8-10 weeks | Maximum 1 hour |
| 2 – 3 Months | Maximum 2 hours |
| 3-4 months | Maximum 3 hours |
| 4 – 6 Months | Maximum 4 hours |
How long can Golden Retriever puppies keep their bladders?
Golden Retriever puppies need to urinate frequently because they cannot hold their bladder for long.
The average Golden Retriever can hold their bladder for around one hour each month. At two months of age, your puppy can hold their bladder for approximately two hours. However, at this point, you should allow him to go potty every hour. At six months, he should be able to control his bladder completely.
Adolescent Golden Retrievers
After your Golden Retriever puppy reaches adolescence (around 6-8 months old) and his bladder is developed, you can leave him for longer, but allow him to build up slowly.
The limit should not exceed four hours. Because goldens are social animals, they cannot be left alone for extended periods of time. They need stimulation and communication.
Adult Golden Retrievers
Between 18 and 24 months, Golden Retrievers become adults. They can be independent when needed, but they love being around other dogs. They enjoy having a job and are eager to be part of the family.
You may find some dogs more accepting than others, but you should not leave your doggo longer than is recommended to avoid guilt and anxiety.
Senior Golden Retrievers
Older Golden Retrievers over 8 and 9 years old should not be left alone as they may require more toilet breaks. They need to be accompanied if they become ill, as serious problems can quickly develop.
Senior dogs who have been diagnosed with health issues should not be left alone. Senior dogs with hip dysplasia or other joint problems such as goldens can experience pain and discomfort. They may require additional care.
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What is the legal limit on how long you can leave a golden retriever alone?
There is no federal law that specifies how long dogs may be left alone. There are many state laws that govern neglect and cruelty to animals. North America’s general rule is to not leave dogs alone for longer than four hours at one time.
The Animal Welfare Act, a federal law, regulates animal treatment. This applies only to dogs that were bred for sale or dogs that are imported or transported.
Similar guidelines are also available in the UK. Veterinarians recommend that dogs be left alone for no more than four hours. The UK’s Animal Welfare Act Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs guide document outlines how animals should be cared for.
Ten Tips to Leave a Golden Retriever Alone
Be calm and confident when leaving your Golden Retriever behind. Don’t let him know that you are sorry.
Researchers discovered that dogs are capable of recognizing emotions from humans. Researchers demonstrated that dogs can distinguish between positive and negative emotions in humans.
Relax and be calm. Once you have dog-proofed your area, my top tips are:
- To get your dog tired, exercise him first.
- Also, cognitive stimulation is vital. So play games.
- Let him take a bathroom break.
- You must make sure that he is well-fed and not hungry.
- Always have fresh water on hand
- Keep lots of puzzle toys and chew toys.
- To keep your dog safe, you can use a crate or playpen.
- If he’s anxious or stressed, play calming music or turn off the TV.
- Begin slowly, taking a few moments here and there. Gradually increase your speed.
- Reduce the volume of departures and arrivals.
How to keep your Golden Retriever entertained when you are away
There are many ways that you can keep your Golden Retriever happy while you are away. These are just a few of the many options:
- Have a variety of toys. A few toys may not be enough if your Golden Retriever is bored quickly or easily distracted. Four to five of your Golden Retriever’s favorite toys should always be available.
- Listen to soothing music. This has been shown to decrease stress in kennel dogs. The type of music that can help reduce stress levels in kennelled dogs was even discovered by this study. In this instance, soft rock and reggae were used. Another option is to turn off the TV and tune into a dog radio station. You can keep your dog’s attention with many of these stations.
- Find another puppy! This might sound extreme but it might help your Golden feel less lonely and stressed. Adopting a second dog can be a big commitment so you need to think carefully. You should ensure that your Golden Retriever has completed puppyhood training before you make the decision to adopt. Experts recommend that you get a dog with opposite sexual orientation, as they are more likely to do well together.
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Do Golden Retrievers Get Lonely?
Golden Retrievers do get lonely. Golden Retrievers are affectionate, social dogs who have been raised to love their owners and share a strong work ethic. They can become anxious if they are left alone and without companions.
As they can be vulnerable to emotional and physical harm, Golden Retrievers should not be left alone. This energetic, friendly breed needs regular stimulation and exercise.
Many dog owners are not experienced enough to understand the commitment required to properly care for their dogs. This is one reason why many dogs end up abandoned or re-homed. Or worse, put to death.
Keep in mind that domesticated dogs are derived from gray wolves Wolves live in packs and are able to survive together. Dogs view us as part of a pack. Dogs feel many emotions, and if they aren’t surrounded by other dogs, they can feel alone.
Let’s look at the following critical questions to see what happens if you leave your Golden Retriever unattended for too long.
Do Golden Retrievers Get Separation Anxiety?
Golden Retrievers get separation anxiety. Because of their friendly and gentle temperament, Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop separation anxiety. They want to have an intense relationship with their owners, which can be difficult when that “bond” is broken.
Separation Anxiety is a condition in which a dog exhibits destructive behavior and signs of stress when left alone for too long. Uncontrollable barking, whining and pacing may be signs of separation anxiety.
This study was done by Lincoln University in the United Kingdom. Separation anxiety in dogs should not be considered a diagnosis, but a sign of deeper frustrations.
Can Golden Retrievers Be Destructive?
Dog breeds can chew through your possessions and shoes, destroy wooden table legs with their teeth or tear apart your couch! Can Golden Retrievers be destructive?
If a Golden Retriever has separation anxiety or an outlet for excess energy due to boredom or insufficient exercise, it can be destructive. Attention-seeking, fear, and injury are all possible causes. Dogs are simply trying to cope with feeling unstimulated or relieve their frustration.
Neglecting to care for your Golden Retriever well, and keeping him happy and engaged can lead to many negative outcomes. Neglecting your Golden Retriever for too long can lead to other health issues.
- Blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stomach problems
- Bladder infections
- Depression
Don’t punish your Golden Retriever if he or she exhibits distressing signs of anxiety, aggression, or other destructive behaviors.
How much exercise do golden retrievers need?
Dog behaviorists are convinced that you can reduce up to 90% of your dog’s behavior problems by exercising them properly. Because of their strength, stamina, and work ethic, Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve game birds and ducks for hunters. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?
A Golden Retriever’s exercise needs depend on their age, general health, and other factors. From the time they turn one, puppies need to be active for five minutes per month. They should also exercise twice daily until they reach full maturity. Adults should get at least two hours of exercise per day. Senior dogs may only be capable of managing 10-15 minutes.
Do not overexert yourself with large breed puppies as it can cause bone and joint problems during growth. But don’t worry! You will soon learn to get to know your dog well and be able to recognize when he is tired.
Your Golden Retriever may need more exercise than others, and some days he might just want to be a little bit more active. If your Golden Retriever doesn’t jump excited when you grab his lead, it’s probably because he’s tired or not well. Pay attention to what your dog is trying to tell us!
If she is tired, my dog will pull the brakes and sit down. She does this to let me know she is tired and ready to go home.
Fun activities should be part of your exercise routine, not just walking on a leash. Retrievers are fond of agility, fetch, tug-o’-war, frisbee, fetch, and tug-o’ war.
Are Golden Retrievers inside or outside dogs?
You have the option to leave your Golden Retriever outside if you are leaving. This will give him plenty of space and calmness. But, is it okay for them to be outside?
Because they are social and people-loving Golden Retrievers, they prefer to be indoor dogs. They can live outside in certain climates, however, due to their double-coated coat. However, you must train them from a young age to be outside and provide shelter such as a doghouse.
Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of both inside and outside if you are unsure about where to put your Golden.
The Pros and Cons of Letting Your Golden Retriever Outside
| Inside | Contexts of Inside |
|---|---|
| You are less likely to bark at people, dogs, or other animals. | If you are suffering from separation anxiety, you may engage in destructive chewing. |
| If you live with wild animals, it is important to prevent your dog being hurt. | Excessive barking due to separation anxiety can lead to complaints from neighbors, especially if you live alone. |
| If your dog is an escape artist, he can’t dig up your garden. | Toilet training is essential for your puppy. |
The pros and cons of leaving your golden retriever outside
| Outside | Cons Outside |
|---|---|
| Goldens shed profusely. You will need to clean up less if they spend more time outdoors. | Your dog needs to feel at home in a big space. It is not enough to have a large yard. |
| To keep strangers away, a barking dog is a great way to get out of your yard. | Dogs may chew on roots from trees or damage flowers. Make sure your dog is not exposed to toxic substances such as wild mushrooms or rotting fruits. |
| You can help your dog get rid of all that energy by making a dog agility or dog training course. | You may notice that your dog is unhappy or less connected to the family. Fleas and ticks are also more likely in this situation. |
Places to leave your Golden Retriever at Home
You can keep your Golden Retriever safe and happy by keeping him inside if you don’t want to take him out.
These are some suggestions for keeping your dog safe inside.
- Use a dog crate. A dog crate should not be smaller than 42 inches for Golden Retrievers. To protect his joints, make sure you get an orthopedic crate pad. My dog loved her crate so much that he would often go to it to chew or relax.
- Use baby or dog gates to separate an area in your home. You can create no-go zones and allow your dog to roam freely. These are great options if you don’t want to use a crate. There are many options to match your furniture. The Carlson Extra Tall Gate is a great option for Retrievers.
- Have a playpen. Your puppy will have plenty of room to run around in. Playpens can be attached to a crate for a comfortable place to rest and plenty of room to roam.
You will eventually have to let your Golden Retriever run the house. This is what most owners eventually do. You’ll be able to tell when your dog’s ready, but don’t worry! Before my dog was two years old, she was not allowed to roam the house.
Can Golden Retrievers Be Left for 8 Hours?
I get asked often by potential dog owners if they are able to leave their Golden Retrievers for eight hours while they work. You might not be able to answer this question if you have never owned a dog.
The Golden Retrievers cannot be left alone for more than 8 hours. These dogs are very social and can suffer from separation anxiety. They require constant care, including physical exercise, mental stimulation, food, and water.
While you can have a Golden Retriever while working full-time, it is not possible to make alternate arrangements for the care of your dog. You can hire a dog sitter, or dog walker, invite family and friends, take your dog to doggie daycare or return to work on your lunch break.
There are many options if you worry about leaving your best friend alone while you go to work. Mixing and matching them is a good idea to make sure that each day is unique and less stressful for you. You should teach your dog from an early age to be left alone.
Let’s talk about guilt-free alternatives for leaving your Golden Retriever at home.
- You can hire a dog walker or dog sitter. Dog sitters don’t have to be expensive and can stay for just a few hours instead of the whole day. They will provide your Golden with some much-needed playtime and company. A reliable dog walker could be hired.
- Invite family and friends to visit. Call family and friends throughout the day. Your dog will enjoy even short periods of time for 15-30 minutes. While it would be great if they could take their dog on a walk, a quick game or two of fetch or frisbee will suffice to keep them busy and distracted.
- Come visit your Golden Retriever during your lunch break. Play fetch with your Golden Retriever to get some exercise. Flexible working is a great solution. You can also schedule help when you need it.
- Register your dog at a doggie-daycare center. They are usually located in most areas. Your Golden Retriever will have a lot of fun playing with other dogs while you are at work. You should take your puppy to daycare so that he can quickly adjust to the routine.
- You can work from home. There are thousands of jobs that have moved to mobile workstations. It’s a smart idea to work from home during the week. You can spend your time with your dog all day, even during breaks. You won’t have to pay a dog sitter.
Let’s wrap this up
Golden Retrievers make wonderful pets. Everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting them knows how gratifying they are.
These are some of the key takeaways from this article:
- The maximum time that Golden Retrievers can be left alone is four hours.
- Do not leave your puppy alone for longer than an hour each month.
- Before you leave your Golden Retriever, make sure he is well-trained and exercised.
- If you leave your dog alone for too long, separation anxiety can result.
- Hire a dog-sitter or dog-walker. Doggy daycare, working remotely, and asking for help from family and friends are all options.
This article should have given you an honest look at how long your Golden Retriever can stay alone. You won’t feel guilty or sad about leaving your Golden Retriever behind if you use the suggested alternatives. He will also be less anxious and fearful.