Australian Shepherds are a type of herding dog that was originally bred in Australia. They are an intelligent and active breed that requires plenty of exercise. Many people wonder if Australian Shepherds can be left alone, and the answer is yes – but only if they have been adequately trained and exercised. If you’re looking to learn more about leaving your Australian Shepherd alone, you’ve come to the right place. let’s dive into it.
Can Australian Shepherds Be Left Alone
Australian Shepherds are an extremely social breed of dog. This means that they generally do not like being left alone. In fact, Australian Shepherds are one of the most likely breeds of dog to experience separation anxiety (we will talk more about this later on). However, this does not mean that Australian Shepherds can never be left alone – it just means that their owners need to take some extra precautions and be aware of their furry friend.
The first thing you need to do if you’re thinking of leaving your Australian Shepherd alone is to make sure that they have been properly trained. Australian Shepherds are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained – but only if their owners put in the time and effort. If you have not adequately trained your Australian Shepherd, then it is not recommended that you leave them alone.
The General Rule
It’s important we take a moment to talk about the general rule with leaving your Australian Shepherd at home while you’re gone for extended periods of time. If you’ve ever asked yourself the question of How long I leave my Australian Shepherd alone, we have the answers. Depending on your Aussie’s age, you should consider the following generalized guidelines:
- For A Australian Shepherd Puppy: About 2 to 3 Hours alone
- For An Adult Australian Shepherd: About 3 to 6 Hours alone
- For A Senior Australian Shepherd: About 2 to 5 or 6 Hours Alone
What About For 8 Hours Or More?
Many working families have to leave their Australian Shepherds alone for eight hours or more while they are at work. This can be tough on both the dog and the owner – but it is doable.
The key to leaving your Australian Shepherd alone for extended periods of time is to make sure that they have plenty of exercises before you leave them. Additionally, get into a habit or routine so that your Australian Shepherd understands and expects this to happen.
What Do I Do With My Australian Shepherd While I Go To Work?
Its generally considered common practice to leave your dog at home while you head off to work for the day. Many Australian shepherds spend many of their weekdays at home relaxing, taking care of the house
Living In An Apartment
If you have an Aussie and are planning to start leaving them alone for long periods of time, consider speaking with your neighbors. Consider opening up a channel of dialogue such that if issues arise, they speak to you first and not go directly to the landlord.
Secondly, Consider getting a doggie camera for your home – Nowadays the cameras that are on the market offer extremely popular features like:
- Noise and/or Motion activated recording and notifications
- Night vision capabilities
- Communicate from your phone through the camera’s microphone
Finally, you may want to consider getting a sound-activated dog-training collar that vibrates and beeps (not zaps). A tool similar to this can be used to help train your Aussie against howling, whining, and being loud while you’re out of the apartment.
Combining a camera with notifications, a collar that beeps at your Australian Shepherd when they’re being too loud, and a communication channel with your neighbors are simply the best plan of attack.
What Happens If Your Aussie Gets Left Alone For Too Long?
If your Australian Shepherd is left alone for too long, they may begin to experience separation anxiety. This can cause a number of reactions including:
- Excessive barking and howling
- Destructive chewing
- Pacing
- Digging
- Escaping from crates or yards
- Attempting to run
You should do as much as you can to prevent your Aussie from experiencing separation anxiety. It’s not fun for anyone.
How to Make Your Australian Shepherd Less Lonely While You’re Gone For Extended Periods of Time
Hire a Dog Walking Company
If you are gone for more than eight hours at a time, it is recommended that you hire a dog walking company. A professional dog walker will come to your home once or twice a day to take your Australian Shepherd on a walk. This will help to burn off some of their energy and make them feel less lonely.
Doggy Daycare
Another option for Australian Shepherd owners who work long hours is to send their furry friend to doggy daycare. Doggy daycare is a place where dogs can go to socialize, play, and exercise.
Australian Shepherds are an extremely social breed of dog – so this is an ideal solution for them. The prices are not terrible, and your tired Australian shepherd will thank you for the fun they had throughout the day!
Get Your Aussie a Friend
Australian Shepherds are social creatures – which means that they do not like to be alone. If you find that your Australian Shepherd is lonely, consider getting them a furry friend. In fact, A second Australian shepherd is most likely the ideal solution – but any dog will do. This way, your Australian Shepherd will have someone to play with and cuddle up with while you’re out on the town or at work.
Just keep in mind that if you’re not spending a lot of time at home and you do opt for getting a second dog (or Australian Shepherd), you may still need to address the underlying issue. If you avoid this, you may end up with two dogs at home who are experiencing separation anxiety, instead of one.
Have Friends or Family Stop By Throughout The Day
If you have family or friends in the area, consider asking them to stop by your house throughout the day to check on your Australian Shepherd. This way, your Aussie will get some human interaction – even if it is just for a few minutes. Your Aussie will thank you.
Conclusion
Australian Shepherds are an extremely social breed of dog. This means that they do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time.
If you must leave your Australian Shepherd alone, there are some things that you can do to make sure that they are not too lonely. These include hiring a dog walker, sending them to doggy daycare, or getting them a furry friend. Australian Shepherds are an amazing breed of dog – and they deserve the best possible life that we can give them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australian Shepherds Considered Inside Dogs?
Yup! Australian Shepherds are considered to be inside dogs. This means that they should live inside the house with their family. Australian Shepherds who live outside by themselves often become bored and destructive.
Do Australian Shepherds Enjoy Alone Time?
Mostly No. Australian Shepherds are an extremely social breed of dog – which means that they do not enjoy being left alone. Although a dog’s personality plays a role in its interests, desires, and actions, Australian Shepherds generally are social. Thus, you may find an Australian shepherd here or there that prefers their own space but is generally considered an outlier. If they do not get adequate socialization they may become more standoffish and show aggressive actions to other dogs they encounter.
Can Australian Shepherds Develop Separation Anxiety?
Australian Shepherds who are left alone for long periods of time may start to experience separation anxiety. This is because Australian Shepherds are social creatures who thrive on human interaction. If your Australian Shepherd seems anxious or stressed when you leave them alone, it is important to seek professional help.
Should I get an Aussie if I work full time?
It Depends. Being gone for such a long time can have serious impacts on your social, furry friend. Australian Shepherds who are left alone for long periods of time often become anxious, stressed, or destructive. If you work full time, consider whether or not you have the ability to provide your Australian Shepherd with the socialization and attention they need. If not, it may be best to get a different breed of dog.
Another option you can take advantage of is trying to work from home more frequently. In today’s age we’re seeing more willingness to allow employees to work from their home.
