Can Chihuahuas Be Left Home Alone?

We know there is no harm in leaving our Chihuahuas alone at home for a certain amount of time, but how long is it truly feasible...?

... And then, what about separation anxiety in this dog breed?

Many Chihuahuas spend most of the day alone at home and they are fine!

But are we just telling ourselves they are fine to soothe our guilt? 😜

The Effects of Leaving Your Chihuahua Alone at Home

Let's talk about the effect that being left alone at home can have on a Chihuahua.

What are the negative effects? Does he start barking when alone? Can you minimize these negative effects and improve your dog's well-being when he is alone?

It is not rare, whether we admit it or not, to leave our dog alone when we have to go to work. Some people work 10 to 12 hours a day, with long commutes, and may even run errands after work.

Then, there may be evening activities where the little dog is—once again—left alone at home.

👉 How many times have you heard:

"What? You're not coming because of your dog? That's crazy! You're letting your dog run your life!"

In fact, these people simply do not understand dogs and have not been educated on what a pet needs for its well-being, health, and happiness. 😊

Do Dogs Adapt to Being Left Alone at Home?

It can be stressful for a Chihuahua to be left alone at home.

Indeed, it can cause stress, barking, anxiety, and fear.

For this small-sized dog, chronic and ongoing stress can also make him aggressive or lead to numerous health problems, especially in adulthood.

If we look at the origins of the Chihuahua, it is a social pack animal that truly needs human companionship.

It is true that most companion dogs have learned to adapt to our routines. After all, do they really have a choice?

Doggy friends are so adaptable and they learn to cope with all the situations we present them with. 🥰

But we all know that if our Chihuahuas had a choice, they certainly wouldn't choose to spend all that time alone.

Solitude: separation anxiety and destructive behaviors

Then there are the dogs that don't adapt as well to being left alone in an apartment or house and start whining regularly.

For dogs that struggle to adapt, they may develop behavioral issues such as barking, destructive chewing, anxiety, shaking, fear, and even aggression.

Just like people, every dog is different. Some adapt well to temporary solitude, others not at all. You know your little life companion best.

How Long Can Your Small Dog Be Separated from You?

 

There is no simple answer to this question.

You know your dog best and are the best person to answer this question. 😇

However, even if your Chihuahua has learned to cope with the situation and adapted to being left alone at home for up to 12 hours, that does not mean he should.

Take into account the fundamental needs of your Chihuahua

Let's remember that any dog needs physical activity to relax and stretch its legs.

Chihuahuas are small dogs and therefore have small bladders.

A healthy adult Chihuahua should be able to relieve itself 4 to 6 times a day.

So do the math: a Chihuahua left alone at home for 10 to 12 hours straight will not have the opportunity to satisfy this basic need! 😕

If you leave your Chihuahua home for more than 10 hours and find their mess in the house, we are sorry, but you simply cannot blame your little love! You are responsible for him/her.

And let's not talk about your dog being poorly trained or not knowing how to hold it... This is not about education or training, but common sense!

😉 Can you manage to hold your bladder for 10-12 hours/day, 5 days a week...?

Outdoor access so your dog feels less alone and gets fresh air

It's a good idea but...

If you have a doggy door that allows your Chihuahua to go out to relieve itself at any time of the day, that's great, but be vigilant.

Think about the birds and predatory animals that may roam your neighborhood. A Chihuahua should never be left outside unattended.

They are the smallest dogs on the planet (weighing 1 to 3kg according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and they can look like a meal to predatory birds such as hawks and other raptors (eagle owls).

Also, ensure there is absolutely no way for him to escape if he smells or hears something irresistible.

Do Dogs Feel Alone?

The dog is a social animal and it's not for nothing that he is called man's best friend. 💖

All dogs NEED interaction with humans and other dogs!

But just because they have a dog or cat brother or sister at home doesn't mean they don't feel lonely.

They need time and interaction with their owners (who can take the opportunity to train them with kindness).

Know that you are the most important thing in their life and they feel alone for you, because they miss you.

Chihuahua Puppies

We spoke above about adult Chihuahuas.

When it comes to puppies, it's a completely different story. 😉

It is even more important not to leave a puppy alone at home for long periods.

Puppies aged 14 weeks and younger are in a sensitive socialization period. This is the period when they are the least fearful, and it is the time to teach them about socialization.

They must be introduced to all the people, children, pets, different situations, and even surfaces they will be in contact with throughout their lives.

It is during this time that you must spend a lot of time training, socializing, and bonding with your puppy love.

Dog crates: to be used while alone?

NEVER to confine a Chihuahua all day! 😵

A Chihuahua should never be left in a dog crate for more than two hours at a time, period! Whether it's an adult or a puppy.

What Should a Working Person Do?

 

How can you minimize the negative effects of leaving your Chihuahua alone at home while you work and how can you maximize their well-being at the same time?

There are more solutions than you think! And you and your Chihuahua will be much happier.

✅ Dog daycare

Yes, it can be expensive, but even if you can do it just one day a week, that's one less day in a normal work week.

Just make sure to carefully check the facility and the daycare staff.

 

✅ Come home for lunch

If possible, come home for lunch to let your dog out to relieve itself and to spend some time together.

Take this moment to have fun with him using his favorite toy and enjoy being back together. Do not scold him and avoid being negative at that moment. If there are several family members, try to take turns coming home for lunch.

✅ Hire a dog walking service

Again, this costs money, but if you do it one or two days a week, that leaves fewer days in the week to find another solution.

There is a wide variety of dog walking services, ranging from home visits to neighborhood walks, and more. Once again, be sure to carefully check both the company AND the person who will be walking your dog.

 

✅ Work from home occasionally

We know this isn't possible for everyone, but it is certainly something you can think about and discuss with your boss.

Telecommuting is becoming increasingly common, as technology makes it easier for workers to carry out their tasks from home.

This way, you will be able to take short walks with your little four-legged love!

 

✅ Bring your Chihuahua to work

Obviously, this is also not possible for everyone. But, before you cross it off your list of possible solutions, talk to a manager at your workplace.

They might be more open to this idea than you think. Bringing your dog to work is also an increasingly common practice, as more and more people realize the importance of meeting their dog's needs.

Final Paw

The Chihuahua can be left alone at home, but only for short periods (and the same goes for all dog breeds).

He is a living being full of love, and you must be aware that it is not optimal for your little dog's well-being to isolate him from you regularly and for long periods.

Some solutions cost money, but consider that this is part of owning a dog.

When calculating a budget for your dog's care, you can already plan for expenses for food, supplies, and occasional vet visits. Therefore, include training, pet sitting, boarding, and dog walking in your health budget.

But if you think about it, you might find a neighbor, a niece, a teenager, or a friend you trust to keep him company while waiting for your return. 🤗

- The Teckelshop team - We are Dachshund fans but remain in love with all dog breeds 💚🐶