Can you leave a dog alone for 10 hours a day?

As a general rule, you should gradually work up to a maximum time of two hours alone for puppies. For a dog that is just over 18 months old, you should not leave them alone for more than 4-6 hours, and for adult dogs, around 10 hours is the top limit, especially as dogs should have the opportunity to relieve themselves every 6 hours. Elderly and more senior dogs can be left for between 2-6 hours alone, depending on their individual health issues and stress levels. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to always be at home for your dog, especially if you work. In fact, as too much alone time might make your pawsome pal feel lonely or distressed, it's best to avoid leaving your dog alone for too long. Spending time away from your pet can be challenging for both of you and there are some general guidelines you can follow. Keep in mind that these can vary; all dogs are individuals - so your dog's past experiences, age and personality can affect their needs.