Why You Should Not Leave A Dog Alone All Day, According To Expert

While many pet owners assume they can leave their dogs alone for a full working day, an expert Adem Fehmi has explained why you should not leave a dog alone all day.

Fehmi, a canine behaviourist working with natural dog food brand Barking Heads, said dogs are social mammals and need company as well as mental and physical stimulation throughout the day.

Fehmi said: “Ideally, we should look to leave our adult dogs alone no more than four hours at a time.”

“For younger dogs, they might only manage between an hour and two hours.”

The expert explained what you should do if you're going to be out for a while.

“If you don't have any trusted family members or friends to help care for and keep your dog company in your absence, using a dog walker or pet sitter can be a good option,” Fehmi said.

“If your dog has separation anxiety, a home sitter can be a good option.”

“Some individual care providers might also be able to take your dog on a 1-2-1 basis at their own home if this is something your dog is able to cope with”

“Doggy day care is of course another option, which might suit some dogs over others.”

“When deciding on a dog sitter, walker or day care facility, it is important to consider your dog's individual character, temperament and needs.”

The canine behaviourist also shared ways to keep your dog occupied while they are at home alone. Mr Fehmi added: “For me, food dispensing toys are a must.”

“Even though my own dogs are happy to be left alone, either together or individually, when I go out I always leave them with a food dispensing toy each with something tasty to work at inside. It is useful to ensure that the food you are offering in a food dispensing toy is valued by your dog.”

“If your dog is a fussier eater, it can be helpful to save special 'high value scent' treats such as fish, meat or wet food to use.”

“It is also key to choose the right food dispensing toy for your age and breed of dog.”

“There are lots on the market and a behaviourist or a good pet shop should be able to point you in the right direction if you are unsure.”

Comments

The 10 Best Pet Sitting Apps of 2025: Compare Costs and Book Instantly

Trying to be a responsible dog owner is rewarding, but it’s also a huge commitment. Finding a last-minute dog walker for a late meeting, a trusted sitter for a vacation, or an affordable trainer can feel overwhelming. You need help that’s reliable, vetted, and available now. That’s where pet sitting apps come in. They connect you with a community of professional dog walkers, sitters, and trainers at the tap of a button. But which app is the right fit for your needs and budget? We’ve broken down the top ten platforms that are leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technology to provide exceptional care for your pets. We also analyzed hundreds of user reviews, compared features, and tested platforms to bring you the most current information on finding reliable, tech-enhanced pet care. Whether you need occasional dog walking, overnight sitting, or specialized medical care, these apps combine human expertise with technological innovation to ensure your pet receives the best p...

The Best Fish Feed in Nigeria for Catfish: Why Quality Matters

A few months ago, I visited a fish farm run by an ambitious aquapreneur who had high hopes for his homemade fish feed. His pond was large, his vision clear: this feed would cut costs, boost growth, and drive profitability. But within a week, disaster struck. Fish floated belly-up. Growth stalled. The numbers didn’t add up. The problem wasn’t the fish. It was the feed. The catfish were growing exactly as they were fed: poorly. Just as fish can’t flourish on empty calories, a farm can’t succeed on subpar feed. The right nutrition makes the difference between a thriving business and a sinking investment. In Nigeria’s competitive catfish farming industry, choosing the best feed isn’t just about cost, it’s about protein content, digestibility, floatability, and growth performance. The wrong feed leads to stunted growth, higher mortality, and lost profits. The right one maximizes yield, health, and market value. In this article, we’ll explore:...

Is Royal Canin Good for Your Dog? An Honest Review of Pros, Cons and Cost

Royal Canin is one of the most recognized and debated names in pet food. Recommended by veterinarians but often questioned by price-conscious pet parents, it’s surrounded by a cloud of "is it worth it?" As a pet blog that has tested dozens of brands, we’re cutting through the marketing to give you a clear, unbiased Royal Canin review. We’ll analyze the ingredients, the science, the cost, and the real-world results to help you decide. At a Glance: Royal Canin Pros and Cons Who Makes Royal Canin? A Legacy of Science Founded in France in 1968, Royal Canin was acquired by Mars Petcare in 2001. Unlike brands focused on "human-grade" or "ancestral" diets, Royal Canin’s philosophy is "precision nutrition." This means they focus on delivering specific nutrients rather than just focusing on premium ingredients. Their diets are developed through extensive research at their own specialized facilities to address the unique needs of different breeds , sizes, ...

Trojanpost