As a proud owner of a Springer spaniel, you may be wondering if it’s ever okay to leave your dog at home alone.
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – it depends on your individual dog and their unique temperament.
Some Springer spaniels may be perfectly content to lounge around the house alone for a few hours, while others may start to experience separation anxiety if they’re left alone for too long. The best way to determine whether or not your Springer spaniel can be left alone is to gradually increase the amount of time they’re left alone, starting with short increments of just a few minutes.
How do you prepare a Springer spaniel to be left alone at home?
It’s important to remember that Springer spaniels are active dogs with high energy levels that need to be fulfilled.
Also, Springers enjoy company and mental stimulation and a bored Springer can quickly become frustrated and potentially destructive.
A dog that is tired and that has been out for a good walk and sniff around will be more likely to settle down when you leave him than one that has not had any exercise.
Before you go out always take the time to walk your Springer and let him have a good run around to burn off calories and to sniff and explore.
Training exercises, even a few basic ones will help to mentally challenge your dog sufficiently to enable him to get to sleep when you leave him.
So, try to fit a few of these into your walks too.
Provide your Springer with his own space
If you can make an area that your dog can have as his own space then he is much more likely to be comfortable and to recognise this spot as being his.
You can use an indoor kennel with a small run attached or maybe put his bed into a small room or the kitchen – rather than allowing him to have the run of the house.
Make his space comfortable and warm.
Add some toys and perhaps some chew toys such as Kongs to help to keep him occupied.
Provide plenty of fresh water for him and, maybe, leave a radio or TV on so that he has the benefit of some background noise which will help him to settle down.
Can Springers be left alone outside?
Springer spaniels can live outdoors providing that they have a safe, secure kennel that is dry and free from draughts.
Never just allow your dog to roam around the garden while you are out. He will eventually find a way to escape.
There are lots of commercially available kennels available but these come at a cost.
In the past, I’ve used garden sheds with a wire run attached for Springers – saving a significant amount of money in the process.
It’s important to situate the kennel in an area that is free from extremes of weather and that you keep it well maintained.
How long can you leave a Springer alone at home?
As a general rule, Springer spaniels can be left alone for up to four hours at a time.
However, this will vary depending on the individual dog, their age, health and how well they deal with being on their own.
Puppies, older dogs and dogs that are unwell should only be left for short periods of time and, ideally not at all.
Some Springers may be able to handle being left alone for eight hours or more, while others may start to experience separation anxiety after just an hour or two.
If your Springer is prone to becoming anxious when left alone then try to arrange for a friend to drop in on him after a few hours, to take him out for some fresh air and a run around.
Or consider one of the many ‘doggy day care’ services or a dog walker that can spend some time with your pet.
Should you leave your Springer spaniel at home alone?
In an ideal world you would never have to leave your dog alone but, the reality is that with work and other commitments, there are times when it simply isn’t possible to take your dog with you.
For a family this can be easier to manage, particularly if family members are in and out of the house at different times of day.
Family commitments can often be juggled around and schedules altered to prevent the dog from being left alone for too long.
As a dog owner it’s important to cater for your dog’s needs and altering commitments to care for your pet should be a consideration.
Final Words
There are a number of things that you can do to help your Springer spaniel cope with being left alone.
The key is to provide him with plenty of exercise, both mental and physical, so that he sleeps well when you’re not there.
It’s also important to make sure that he has his own space that is comfortable and cosy.
And, finally, try not to leave him alone for more than four hours at a time.
