As much as every pet owner would love to spend 24 hours of the day with their favourite furry friend, it's simply impossible to always be by their side.
But that doesn't mean you can leave your pooch home alone all day while you go to work, with just a bowl of water and plush bed to keep them occupied.
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation, as well as food and regular toilet breaks. Plus, they'd simply get lonely without any company or interaction.
To clear up how long you can actually let your pup roam unoccupied, canine behaviourist Adem Fehmi, who works with Barking Heads, is sharing his advice.
How long can I leave my dog home alone?
"Ideally, we should look to leave our adult dogs alone no more than four hours at a time," Adem told the Mirror.
"For younger dogs, they might only manage between an hour and two hours.
"Not only will your dog likely need to go to the toilet after this length of time, dogs are social mammals and need company as well as mental and physical stimulation throughout the day."
What should I do if I'm 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," Adem said.
"The team at Barking Heads have created a useful downloadable guide which you can fill out, then hand over to your pet sitter so they know all the necessary info about your pup.
"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."
How can I keep my dog occupied at home?
"For me, food dispensing toys are a must," Adem said.
"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."
Do you have dog advice to share? Get in touch. Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
