It’s normal to want to spend all of your time with your Corgi, but it isn’t very practical to bring them to work every day or out on a shopping trip with friends. So, you might be wondering if you can leave your Corgi at home, and if so, for how long. The simple answer is yes; your Corgi can be left at home. But for how long depends on a few factors, and we’ll discuss them below.
How Long Can a Corgi Be Left Home Alone?
The length of time you can leave your Corgi home alone depends on factors like their health status, age, and any behavioral or emotional issues they might have.
Corgi Puppy
Puppies need more guidance than adults or seniors because everything is new to them. They need to pee more often than adults, and they might not be very far along in their training journey. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the length of time a puppy can be alone increases each month:
- Younger than 10 weeks: 1 hour
- 10–12 weeks: 2 hours
- 3 months: 3 hours
- 4 months: 4 hours
- 5 months: 5 hours
- 6 months: 6 hours
- Older than 6 months: 6–8 hours
Corgi Adult
A healthy adult Corgi shouldn’t be left alone for longer than 6–8 hours. If you think you’ll be away longer than that, you can ask a pet sitter, family member, neighbor, or friend to check on them. They could let them out or take them for a walk, which will give them the opportunity to go to the toilet as well as tire them out until you return.
Corgi Senior
Seniors, like puppies, might need to pee more often than adults and are also more prone to health conditions, so the length of time you can leave them alone depends on how healthy your Corgi is.
This means there’s no set time that you can leave them alone. A senior could be left alone for 6 hours or as little as 30 minutes. If you’re unsure, it’s better to have someone check on them when you’re out to ensure their needs are met.
How to Teach Your Corgi to Be Alone
Before you leave your Corgi alone, you’ll need to prepare them so they can cope on their own. The more you do this, the easier it will be for both of you! Here are a few things you can do:
- Teach your Corgi to settle and be calm when you’re busy; don’t give them attention or encourage them to follow you around
- Set up a comfortable space for them to relax in, like a nice bed or a den
- Use baby gates to give them a space away from you
- Get them a safe puzzle toy to keep them occupied
- Start to build up the time you leave them alone slowly
- Before leaving them on their own, make sure they are well exercised physically and stimulated mentally through a good play session
As you build up the time they’re alone, monitor how they respond. If you notice any signs of anxiety, shorten the time and repeat this process as often as needed. There are a few things you can then do when it comes time to leave to ensure your dog feels as relaxed as possible.
- Take your dog for a walk before you leave
- Make sure they have everything they’ll need (such as water and a puzzle toy)
- Don’t make a fuss when you leave
- Consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker
- Consider crate training since it creates a “safe space” for them that’s there whenever they may feel anxious
- Consider doggy daycare but don’t send them every day since it will not help them get used to being alone
Conclusion
Corgis can be left alone, but the amount of time they can be left will be determined by a few factors, like their age and health status. If your Corgi isn’t used to being left alone, there are things you can do to help them adapt to your absence, but some dogs may take a while before they get used to being alone. Look out for indicators that they are stressed or anxious, and remember, if you are ever unsure about what steps to take, contact your veterinarian or a dog behaviorist for advice.
See also:
- Can a Bernese Mountain Dog Be Left Home Alone?
- Can Dogs Eat Pirate’s Booty? Vet-Approved Health Facts & Risks
Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory
