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Can Boston Terriers be left alone
Yes, Boston Terrier can be left home alone as long as they are well trained and have everything they need. Even though they love human company they do tolerate being left alone better than many dog breeds.
Boston Terriers can be difficult to potty train so ensure they have access to a place they can toilet or they are fully potty trained before being left alone for the first time. Otherwise, you may come home to a mess and it can make it more difficult to potty train them in the future.
What to do with a Boston Terrier while at work
If you think your Boston Terrier can’t be left alone or isn’t really to be home alone while you are at work, there are many other options you can consider. Here are potential things you can do with your Boston Terrier while at work or out for extended periods of time.
Doggy Daycare
Taking your dog to doggie daycare may be a good option if your dog is creating problems being left home alone such as barking all day or destroying everything. They may also suit dogs that suffer from some form of separation stress or anxiety.
To learn more about doggie daycare as an option for your Boston Terrier see here.
Leave your Boston Terrier with friends or family
If you have any friends or family you can leave your dog or puppy with while you are at work it would be ideal.
Hire a pet minder
There are many good pet sitting services that can either visit or stay with your dog. Alternatively, some pet sitters will take your dog into their own homes.
Take your Boston Terrier to work
More and more workplaces and offices are becoming pet-friendly and will allow you to take your dog to work. Many employers are adopting this policy due to the many benefits having pets at work have shown to have.
If you are lucky enough to work in a company that has a pet-friendly policy it would be a good option.
Mix of options
Perhaps a mixture of several options would be best for your dog and you. You may choose to take your dog to doggie daycare a couple of days a week and leave them at home on the other days. Doggie daycare is fun for your dog but if some dogs going every day may become overwhelming.
Or you could leave your dog home alone and arrange for a pet minder or someone you know to pop in your a visit and spend time with them. If you work for a company with a pet-friendly policy doesn’t mean you have to take your dog every day. Maybe you can take your Boston Terrier to work some days and take them to doggie daycare or leave them at home on other days.
You can choose any combination of options that are best suited for your dog and yourself.
How long can you leave a Boston Terrier home alone
Ultimately, how long you can leave an adult Boston Terrier alone really depends upon the individual dog. For a confident, well-behaved Boston Terrier that it is used to being alone, all day while you are at work is no problem. The maximum length of time should not be more than 12 hours.
For a Boston Terrier that has anxiety about being left alone the shorter the time alone the better. If your Boston Terrier is a little misbehaved and you don’t want to come home to a bomb site confinement in a smaller space may be needed. See below for more on confining a Boston Terrier when home alone.
How long can you leave a Boston Terrier puppy alone
A Boston Terrier puppy does need more attention and care than an adult dog over 12 months old. Puppies need three or four meals a day and to go toilet more often. They also need more attention and social contact. This is crucial for them to form a bond and connection with you.
They have recently left their mother and siblings and everything is new to them. It is an important time in their development.
Ideally, a young Boston Terrier puppy should only be left home alone for short periods of time – no longer than 2 to 3 hours at a time.
Separation anxiety in Boston Terriers
Although most Boston Terriers can adapt to being home alone, some can suffer from anxiety and stress. Boston Terriers are very social and like the company of people. Separation anxiety is a general term used to describe this. However, true separation anxiety is a condition when the dog is in a state of extreme panic and anxiety. There is a high risk of them hurting themselves in this situation.
Although this is not that common it is a condition that needs to be dealt with by a professional dog behaviorist.
What most dogs that don’t want to be left alone suffer from is separation stress or isolation anxiety or stress. A separation issue is that the dog doesn’t want to be away from a certain person or group of people. An isolation issue is more a case of them not wanting to be alone. They will be happy with the company of any other person.
To learn more about anxiety in dogs left alone see here.
Confining a Boston Terrier while home alone
One of the first things to take into consideration when leaving your Boston terrier home alone is where they will be kept. If your Boston Terrier is well behaved and you truth them not to get up to no good you can give them the run of the house. Otherwise, you may want to restrict them to a small area. Options for confining your Boston Terrier include;
Crate confinement
Crating a dog is like a den for them and can make them feel safe. A crate is only really suitable for a short period of time. If you are going to be out for an hour or two putting your Boston Terrier in a crate is fine. I don’t recommend leaving them in a crate for more than four hours at the most.
Playpen
Using a playpen is a good way of keeping your dog confined while giving them more space to play. Ensure you use a crate that your Boston Terrier can’t escape from. You can even set up their crate in the playpen or attach to the outside of the puppy pen so they have a safe area if they are feeling anxious. For more information on confining a dog in a playpen see here.
Room confinement
You can confine your Boston Terrier to a small pet-safe room. The best places for a confinement area are the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, or an empty spare room. If the selected room doesn’t have a door that can be closed you can use a pet gate to keep your dog in.
Garage or basement
A garage or basement can be a good space to confine your dog when home alone, but ensure that you remove any potential hazards that may be toxic or cause harm to your dog.
Outside in yard
If you have a fully fenced secure backyard you can keep your Boston Terrier outside while at work. Leaving a Boston Terrier outside when you are not there is probably not the best idea. The main concerns would be the weather is too hot or cold, them escaping and the potential of your dog being stolen.
What your Boston Terrier needs while home alone
Before leaving your Boston Terrier home alone, ensure they have everything they need. Some of the items your Boston Terrier may need include;
- Food and water
- Bedding and blankets
- Safe Space (see confining a Boston Terrier above)
- Toilet area – potty pads or grass dog toilet
- Toys and other ways to occupy them.
For more about what a home alone dog needs check out Complete guide to leaving a dog home alone
Training a Boston terrier to be home alone
All dogs should be able to be alone some of the time. Ideally, it should be something you teach your dog from a puppy. However, you can teach an older dog to like being alone or at least tolerate it.
Start by leaving your dog or puppy in their confined area such as a playpen or selected room for between 30 minutes and an hour each day. They will gradually learn how to be alone and also come to the understanding that you always return.
Make this time alone pleasant for them by ensuring they have everything they need. This will include food, water, and toys. Toys that can occupy them such as a Kong for dogs or a puzzle toy are best. Alternatively, give them a chew toy.
Practice leaving your Boston Terrier alone when you are there. Even when you are home you can practice alone time for your dog. Put them if their confinement space such as a playpen or selected room and get on with doing your own thing without them around.
Keep leaving and returning low key. For your dog to be calm and comfortable about being home alone they must see that it is not a big deal. When leaving a simple “bye and be good” is sufficient. Making a big fuss with lots of kisses and cuddles will send your dog the wrong message. Dogs are masters at reading our energy and emotions.
Monitoring your Boston Terrier when home alone
If your Boston Terrier is going to be alone for an extended period of time it is a good idea to check up on them during the day. There are two ways you can do this.
Arrange visitors
Arrange to have a neighbor, friend or family member pop in for a visit to check how your Boston Terrier is going and to give them some company. Even if you are unable to have somebody check up on your dog it is often a good idea to speak to your neighbors and give them a contact number if there are any concerns.
If you are able to pop in yourself during your lunch break your Boston Terrier will be pleased to see you. Alternatively, there are many pet minding services that can provide this service for you.
Monitor them with a pet camera
With a pet camera, you can check in with your dog and even have direct interaction with them. Many pet cameras have two communication so you can speak to your dog. They also have a microphone and can send notifications to your phone if your dog is barking. Other dog cameras can provide even more interaction including giving your dog a treat. For the best pet camera for dogs see here.
How to entertain a Boston Terrier home alone
Provide ambient noise
Leave a radio on to provide background noise for your Boston Terrier. This not only provides them company but also helps to mask outside noises that may make them excited or scared such as car horns, noisy neighbors and even thunder.
You can even get music that is designed to be calming and soothing for dogs. Alternatively, leave the television on. Some dogs really do enjoy watching television especially if there are dogs for them to watch. If your dog is interested in watching a bit of TV consider leaving it on for them. Maybe a good dog movie or Animal Planet may make good viewing for them.
Puzzle toys
Boston Terriers are smart and need to have their mind challenged. Interactive puzzle toys are one of the best ways to provide mental stimulation and enrichment for your dog.
These generally involve your dog having to work out how to get a treat or food stuffed inside out and can keep your dog busy for a long time. For the best puzzle toys for dogs see here.
Dog enrichment box
To make an enrichment box you simply need a larger cardboard box, some smaller boxes, empty toilet rolls, and newspaper. Put treats the toilet rolls, smaller boxes or wrap in newspaper and fill the box up. You can also put in a chew toy or stuffed Kong so they have something to settle done with when they are finished.
You may have a mess of shredded paper to clean up. But what are a few minutes of tidying for hours of fun and enrichment for your dog?
Watch the video to see how to make an enrichment box for your Boston Terrier.
For more ways to occupy and entertain your dog when home alone see here.
A final tip for leaving a Boston Terrier home alone
Exercise, both physical and mental is essential for a dog to burn off pent-up energy and to prevent boredom. If your schedule allows take them for a walk before leaving.
This will also give them the opportunity to toilet before being shut up inside for the day. Alternatively, play a game of fetch or similar to help tire them a little before you leave.
Even if you don’t have time to exercise your dog before leaving for the day it is still important that they do get their required exercise. For a guide to exercise for a Boston see here.
Also, Boston Terriers love your attention and spending time together. If your Boston Terrier does spend time home alone, make sure you give them lots of love, cuddles and play when with them.
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