Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Dobermans Be Left Alone at Home? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Tips

doberman pinscher dog sleeping beside the bed

We love our pets, but we also need to go to work to pay the bills, so we often need to leave them home alone. Since it’s common to employ the Doberman Pinscher as a watchdog or guard dog, many people wonder if they like to be alone at home. While every dog, even those in the same species, will have a different tolerance to being alone, most Dobermans don’t like being left alone and will usually start to get upset after about 8 hours. However, keep reading as we discuss exceptions, how to tell if your dog tolerates being left alone, and what you can do to help them feel more comfortable.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Can I Leave My Doberman Home Alone?

Knowing if you can leave your Doberman home alone will be based on several factors, like age, training, health, and personality. Here are some of them:

Age

The age of your Doberman is a critical factor when determining whether they can stay home alone. For instance, puppies need to use the bathroom more frequently than adult dogs, and they will also need to eat more often, so it’s not a good idea to leave them alone any longer than 4 hours. It’s also important to spend as much time with the dog as possible when they’re still a puppy because that’s when they form the strongest bonds. If all conditions are ideal, an adult Doberman can usually stay home for about 8–10 hours.

Purebred small black and tan doberman puppy
Image Credit: Michsa, Shutterstock

Training

Training can make a big difference when leaving your dog home alone. Without training, your Doberman can quickly suffer from separation anxiety when you leave because they don’t know what to do, so they will often start misbehaving and chew pillows or cushions or even relieve themselves on the floor. Some dogs can even hurt themselves, so you should be mindful of how upset your dog gets when you leave. Proper training can help give the dog a sense of purpose and help them feel more stable when you leave, so they can remain alone longer. If you need guidance on training your Doberman, we suggest you speak to a vet.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


Personality

You know how different an animal’s personality can be if you have had a few dogs or cats over the years. Some dogs will hardly notice that you’re there, while others will constantly need to sit on your lap or under your chair. The more your dog hangs on you while you are home, the more upset they will be when you leave.

girl and brown doberman dog
Image Credit: Primorac91, Shutterstock

Health

As your dog ages, they will not be able to spend as much time at home alone. They will need to use the bathroom more frequently and will be less able to control natural functions. They may also suffer from a health condition that requires timed medication or more frequent eating. If their eyesight or hearing begins to fail, they may also become frightened or lonely more quickly.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Considerations on Confinement

One thing that can dramatically impact the amount of time that your dog can spend at home alone is whether they’re confined or not.

Crate

While many people use a crate as a sleeping area for their dog, you shouldn’t confine an adult Doberman inside for long periods. That said, it works well as a space that helps a puppy feel safe, so it’s usually okay to confine them inside for an hour or two while you run to the store or go out for dinner.

Doberman in the cage with sad eye
Image by: Cha Ch, Shutterstock

Playpen

A playpen is only suitable for puppies, as an adult Doberman will likely have no problem getting out. It usually has much more space than a crate for a puppy to run around and play but still provides the safety that the puppy will enjoy, so you can leave them in for several hours. However, don’t miss the chance to bond with your pet during this important time.


Single Room Confinement

If you have a large spare room, you can usually use it to confine an adult Doberman for a few hours while you run to the store or for dinner, but they will usually get anxious sooner than if they had more space.


Garage/Basement

The garage or basement usually have the most open space, which can help your pet feel less confined and more likely to endure longer alone times. Just remove any hazards that they can get into while you’re away.


Outside

The outdoors is likely your pet’s favorite spot, as it provides the most space for them to run and play. However, there are many problems with confining your dog to the yard when you are away. Weather can change quickly, leaving your dog in extreme heat or cold, and it might even rain or snow. Visitors like the mail person can stress out the dog, making them more anxious and less likely to want to be alone. The dog might also dig under or jump over the fence while you’re gone, and there is a danger that someone might even try to steal or harm your pets in your absence.

Doberman sitting aside a little girl on a park
Image Credit: Lena Ogurtsova, Shutterstock

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

How Can I Help My Doberman Feel More Comfortable When I Go Out?

  • Create a comfort zone for your dog with their favorite blankets and pillows. This area will provide a place to relax and nap where they can experience familiar scents.
  • If your dog needs to be outdoors when you leave home, make sure there’s an area where they can retreat to for shelter, so they can get out of the sun or rain if needed. If you notice that your pet gets frightened when you leave, a shelter that’s just large enough for them to stand and turn around in comfortably will help them feel more secure.
  • Use an automatic feeder to feed your dog when you’re not home to keep them following a routine. Leaving food out so they can eat while you’re gone can cause them to eat too much, leading to obesity. They may also become more persistent about begging you for food whenever they want it.
  • Ensure that there is plenty of water for your dog to drink at all times, which means you also need to take steps to make sure your dog doesn’t spill the water. Automatic self-filling water bowls work great because they help keep the water clean and plentiful.
  • Place puppy pads on the floor to help protect your floors if the dog needs to use the bathroom. Many dogs will learn to use the puppy pad in an emergency, which helps make cleanup quick and easy.
  • Some dogs find music or nature sounds quite soothing, so you can try leaving the radio on or even invest in a sound machine to help them feel more settled when you’re gone. This can also help drown out a lot of background noise from outside that might distract or stress your dog out.
short-coated black and brown doberman on brown grass field
Image Credit: DSD, Pexels

How Do I Train My Doberman to Stay Home Alone?

You can start getting your Doberman used to being left alone from a relatively young age, provided they have a safe and secure area to stay in, and you’re not leaving them for more than 30-60 minutes at a time. Confine your pet in a large room or basement for about 30 minutes daily, gradually increasing the time to about an hour. Make sure the dog has plenty of food, water, and toys, but don’t pay attention to them until the time is up. Then, give them plenty of treats and praise to let them know that they did a good job, and they will eventually learn how to cope with being alone.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

Unfortunately, Dobermans usually do not like to be home alone for long and will struggle to deal with your 8-hour workday, especially if you will be adding commute time. Puppies are the toughest because they can only be alone for about 4 hours, so you will need to run home during your lunch break or get someone to check in on them. The training technique presented here will help your dog become more accustomed to being alone. Providing a comfortable space, shelter, and plenty of food and water will help make their time alone more manageable.


Featured Image Credit: Best dog photo, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

2 Responses

    1. Hi Rebecca, thank you for your comment. Leaving talk radio on for a Doberman (or any dog) when they’re home alone can be a helpful way to provide some background noise and comfort. It may make them feel less isolated, as the sound can mimic the presence of humans. However, it’s important to note that dogs are sensitive to sounds, and some might find constant talking or noise to be more stressful than comforting.

      If your dog seems calm and relaxed with it on, that's a good sign it’s working for them. But if you notice signs of anxiety, like barking, pacing, or destructive behavior, you might want to try calming music or white noise instead. It really depends on your individual dog's personality! I hope this helps. 🙂

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Can Dogs Eat Tahini? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Tahini is delicious, rich, and wholesome! You can find sesame seed paste in many cuisines worldwide, like those in the Middle East, Israel,...

Breeding Rights for Dogs: What They Are, Paperwork & Warnings

When buying a dog from a breeder, you may hear about breeding rights. You may also be expected to sign some paperwork and...

Mountain Feist Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

Although its exact origins are unknown, the Mountain Feist was first bred in the 17th century in the Ozark Mountain regions of Arkansas,...

5 Best Cranberry Supplements for Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Have you been hunting for the ideal cranberry supplement for your furry companion? You have several options, but we have reviews of the...

More related

Belgian Malinois vs Rottweiler: Differences Explained (With Pictures)

If you’re looking for a protective and loyal dog to guard your home and family, you’ve probably encountered the Belgian Malinois and Rottweiler...

South Russian Ovcharka Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, Traits & More

South Russian Ovcharkas are gorgeous large dogs with herding and guarding heritage. The lean and muscular dogs have stunning, thick, shaggy double coats...

How Much Does Dog Tooth Extraction Cost? 2025 Price Guide

A dog’s dental health plays a huge factor in its overall well-being. Just like humans, dogs need a clean bill of dental health,...

150 Dog Names Starting With S: Spectacular Ideas for Your Pup

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to naming pets. Some think human names are funny, some try to match the name...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Jelly Beans? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If you have kids, I’m sure you’ve encountered your fair share of jelly beans. Maybe you’ve even eaten a handful or two (or more) in your lifetime. These colorful, small candies are practically a right of passage for childhood. But...

Can Dogs Eat Jelly Beans

KOHA Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary KOHA Pet Food manufactures premium food for dogs with allergies and food sensitivities. Several things set KOHA apart from most premium dog food brands. First, KOHA doesn’t sell dog food through retail stores like PetSmart or online retailers...

Dogster_KOHA Dog Food Review

Are Greenies Good for Dogs? Vet-Approved Nutrition Guide

Dental disease is one of the most common canine health problems. Dental problems can be painful and make it difficult for dogs to eat. Severe periodontal disease can make dogs more vulnerable to tooth root abscesses and organ disease. That’s...

Greenies bites out of package

Can Dogs Eat Whipped Cream? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Info

Our dogs can eat all sorts of things we can. After all, they are omnivores just like us! However, that doesn’t mean everything we stuff in our gullet belongs in our dog’s belly—or ours, if we’re being honest. So, how...

10 Essential Rules for Raw Dog Food: Vet-Verified Nutrition Considerations

Raw feeding is a controversial subject among dog owners, with some advocating for and some against it. There are clear guidelines from regulating bodies such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the...

pet bowl with raw food in between dog's paws

How Many Times a Day Should a Dog Eat? 6 Reasons a Schedule Works

As a pet parent, you worry about everything from getting your dog’s vaccines on time to how much you should be feeding him to keep him healthy and happy. Regarding feeding, there’s truly no clear-cut answer as to how much...

close up of a dog eating from the bowl

Can Dogs Taste Spice? Vet-Verified Facts & Risks

Dogs find many human foods tasty. However, due to differences in our anatomy, dogs experience taste differently from humans. When it comes to spiciness, dogs are capable of tasting spice and can even feel the heat, but their taste for...

a variety of spices on wooden table

How Much Food to Feed a Lab: Feeding Guide & Nutritional Tips

Wouldn’t you love to feed your Labrador dog the best, high-quality food in the exact quantities it needs to thrive? Every dog owner wants this more than anything, yet they can never figure it out. We don’t blame them! Thousands...

labrador retriever eating dog food