Can A Golden Retriever Be Left Alone?

A common question asked is, can a Golden Retriever be left alone. In this article we will dive into the details so you know just how long to leave your Golden and also some potential risks to look out for when away from home.

Can A Golden Retriever Be Left Alone?

Yes, a golden retriever can be left alone.  A golden retriever can be left alone for anywhere from two to eight hours a day, depending on their age, health, and training.   When golden retrievers are left alone for a few hours, they should have access to food, water, and a comfortable place to rest.  Golden retrievers left alone should be in a safe area so they are not likely to injure themselves and have toys to play with to entertain.  

A golden retriever can be left alone in a place where there isn’t a likelihood of them getting into or destroying things while the pet parents are gone.  If a golden retriever is left alone for more than a couple of hours, they should have someone who can come and let them out for a bathroom break and offer attention and check on their food and water.  This time is dependent on their age.

Puppies and seniors can be left alone without a bathroom break for a shorter period than healthy adult dogs.   With proper training, a well-equipped house, and a routine, any golden retriever can be left home alone.

A golden retriever is a gentle and loving dog that enjoys being by its pet parents’ side.  That being said, there will be moments when their pet parent will have to be away from home and leave them behind.

Depending on their age, a golden retriever can be left home alone for anywhere from two to eight hours.  If the golden retriever is a puppy or a senior dog, they can only be left home alone for a short period.  If the golden retriever is a healthy, trained adult, they can be left home alone longer.

When a golden retriever is left home alone for any amount of time, they should always have access to clean and fresh water as well as some food and a comfortable place to rest.

A golden retriever should also have a safe place when they are left alone.  There shouldn’t be things that can injure them if they get curious or into trouble, but they should also have some toys that can keep them entertained and amused in their pet parents’ absence.

The area where a golden retriever is left alone shouldn’t have things that they can destroy if they decide to act out their emotions and displeasure at being left alone.

If a golden retriever is to be left home alone for more than a couple of hours, it is essential to have someone that can come into the house and let them out while ensuring they are still safe, happy, and comfortable.

This timetable will depend on the golden retrievers’ age and overall health.  Healthy dogs can be left for longer periods, while younger or senior dogs should only be left home alone for a shorter period.

Proper training, a well-equipped house, and a solid routine can make time spent apart and a golden retriever’s time home alone more comfortable and secure.

What if I need to leave my golden retriever home alone for more than eight hours?

If you need to leave your golden retriever home alone for more than eight hours, it is always best to have someone who can come in to check on them.   The longer the separation, the higher the likelihood of getting into trouble, becoming injured, or getting bored and acting up.  They may also run out of food or clean water or have an accident if left alone too long.

It is always better to have someone as a backup that can check on the golden retriever, even if it is just for a few minutes after a couple of hours.

Other alternatives in our modern world include having cameras installed in the house so the pet parent can check up on the golden retriever while away from their phone.  Sometimes they can even talk to the golden retriever through the device.

These are a great alternative to nothing, but they can still never replace the loving touch of a human hand or the care received by this hand versus the camera or television.

If I am away from the house and my golden retriever for an extended period, how can I ensure they are safe?

When you are away from home and your golden retriever for an extended time, you can ensure that they are safe by having a well-thought-out and planned home environment.

Before leaving your home and golden retriever, it should be decided where they will be staying when you are away and what they will have access to.

Dangerous items that they can get into or cause to break or come crashing down should be removed. That isn’t possible another room or area should be selected.

Having a crate and the golden retriever crate trained is a great option, but not everyone likes this idea.  If that is the case, a comfortable bed in a safe area where they can chew on some toys, move around, and have a snack or two and some water is best. A lovely window with a view can be great for entertainment, depending on the golden retriever’s age and temperament.

It can even be beneficial to remove their collar, so there isn’t the chance to get caught on anything while you are away.  This can be placed in a safe area, so they don’t chew on it.

Aside from this, having a friend, neighbor, or family member check in on them while you are away is handy to keep them not only healthy but emotionally happy too.

Another great option is the above-listed camera and app installed on any mobile device to keep an eye on them while away.  There are many options available that can give caring pet parents a bit of peace while they are gone away from their fur baby.  They can also bring comfort to the golden retriever as well.

When this is all combined, the likelihood of a golden retriever being unsafe is significantly reduced.  This can give the pet parent peace of mind in those moments that they must be away from the fur baby that they love so much.

How should I treat any incidents or accidents that happen while I am away from my golden retriever, who is left home alone?

The way that you should treat any incidents or accidents that happen while you are away from your golden retriever who is left home alone is with a gentle but loving hand but a firm reminder of their training.

Accidents and incidents happen to us all, some of our own doing, some through no fault of our own.  Whatever the cause, the golden retriever needs to be reminded of the training and house rules through gentle love and care.

Golden retrievers are very gentle and loving dogs and should be treated with the same care and compassion that all dogs should be.  They have feelings just as we do, and while they may need to be reminded not to chew on something or that they shouldn’t pee in the house while you are away, it must be understood that they likely didn’t do it intentionally.

It can be challenging for any dog to be away from the people they share a close bond with.  And this can not easily be remedied with any amount of toys, snacks, or other things.  The simple fact is while you are away, they can miss you desperately, and it is often beyond their control that they act the way they do.

They might get scared while you are away or fear that you are never coming back.  They may get bored without time spent with you or just plain lonely because they miss you so much.  Whatever the cause, the golden retriever left home alone should continue to be treated with love and respect.

Can A Golden Retriever Be Left Alone?
Can A Golden Retriever Be Left Alone?

Final Thoughts

Any dog can be left home alone. The golden retriever is no different.  While each age group and dog will be diverse, the golden retriever can usually be left home alone for anywhere from two to eight hours.

This can go smoothly for both the pet parent and golden retriever with proper planning, making the time spent apart easier for everyone.

If, however, the golden retriever hasn’t behaved at the end of the day or there have been problems, gentle, loving care is sometimes needed to restore balance and happiness to everyone’s life after such a separation.  So get ready to sit down and be loved by the amazingly wonderful golden retriever!

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