Caring For your Pomeranian

Can Pomeranians Be Left Alone? Here’s What You Should Know

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Last Updated on 09/09/2023 by Dochlaggie. Post first published on September 9, 2023.

Are you the proud owner of a Pomeranian? If so, then you know just how precious your pup is. But there are many important questions to consider when caring for such a small breed – and one of the most common questions is “How long can Pomeranians be left alone?”

The answer is simple, but with some knowledge and practical tips, you’ll feel more confident in ensuring your furry friend gets all they need.

In this post, we’ll discuss why leaving your Pomeranian alone for too long could negatively affect their well-being while also providing tips on what constitutes appropriate time away from home.

We can’t spend 100% of our time at home with our pet Pomeranians despite wanting to do so. It also isn’t possible to take them along wherever we go, including work and school, where the whole day is usually spent.

Therefore, it’s essential to ask, “Can Pomeranians be left alone?” Poms are social dogs, but you might be surprised how long they can handle being alone.

Can Pomeranians be left alone?
Can Pomeranians be left alone?

So, How Long Can A Pomeranian Be Left Alone For?

Adult Poms (1-year-old+) can be comfortable independently for 6-8 hours. If your Pomeranian suffers from anxiety disorders, particularly Pomeranian separation anxiety, he shouldn’t be on his own for longer than 5 hours before you give him extensive training so he can cope for 6-8 hours.

If your adult Pom can remain at home on his own and enjoy it, you don’t need to worry when leaving him home alone. However, if he’s not an adult and/or faces anxiety problems, you must take specific steps to train him to cope before leaving him home alone.

How Long Can Pomeranians Stay Home Alone?

Of all the dogs I have owned, the most social are Pomeranians, making it hard to assess how they will cope when left home alone for any time.

The age of your Pom and his state of health are the two main factors that will help you make this decision because it’s not black and white.

Depending on his age, you’ll have to consider not leaving him alone for long periods. A quick trip to the post office or store is generally fine, but spending all day at work could cause problems initially.

This table will help you to make decisions regarding how long you can safely leave your Pomeranian at home on his own, based on how old he is and assuming he doesn’t have any issues with anxiety.

Pomeranian’s Age 

Maximum Time Alone

8-10 weeksI hour
2-3 months2 hours
6-12 months4 hours
12-18+ months6 to 8 hours

How Long Can Puppies Be Left Alone?

When your Pomeranian puppy is still very young, you must never leave him alone for more than an hour at a maximum. He hasn’t yet learned how to control his bladder at this age. Lack of potty training can mean little messes if you don’t get him to his toilet spot in time.

However, there may also be other problems maneuvering this world, which is all very new to him, and it’s up to you to help him learn everything he needs to know.

You can try leaving him alone for two hours after your Pom moves past those first few weeks and becomes two months old. This should normally be plenty of time before he has the urge to visit the bathroom, but it will also give him time to explore his surroundings and gain a little independence.

Once your Pomeranian approaches adulthood, you may not have to deliberately leave him alone as he’ll slowly be gaining some independence. Four hours is the ideal number of hours to let him be alone, and if he has a good temperament and is well potty-trained, you can even consider stretching this out a little more.

Once your Pomeranian is a complete adult in every way, you should be able to leave him alone to enjoy his own company for 6-8 hours without any concerns. He’ll be very self-aware regarding when and where he should use the bathroom. He’ll also feel happy and independent whenever he’s left alone.

Regardless of how happy and content he may appear, even after the 8-hour point, never leave him alone for over eight hours. Even if your Pom doesn’t show any bladder issues or separation anxiety symptoms, he needs your guidance and social contact.

If you have given him exceptional training, NEVER leave him alone for over eight hours.

Can Pomeranians be left alone?
Can Pomeranians be left alone?

Caring For a Pomeranian While Working

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and there will be times when you have zero choice but to leave your  Pomeranian home alone for over eight hours. This creates a challenge for both you and your dog to face. The positive news is that Pomeranians are listed as among the world’s wisest and fastest-learning dogs. Even if he must be alone for over eight hours, he’ll cope because of the extra training you have given him.  Taking care of a puppy while working takes lots of planning.

When you teach your Pomeranian to stay home on his own for a longer period (a maximum of 10 hours), there are two vital considerations to bear in mind:

Does he have access to everything he needs?
Here are a few simple suggestions he should have:

• A comfortable bed.
• Plenty of water and food (depending on the weather).
• Make sure he has favorite toys to keep him amused.
• Plenty of space to walk around.
• Access his toilet using a pee pad, going out through the dog flap, and using his outdoor bathroom.
• Leave some lights on so he can see.
• Play background or soothing music in a low volume.

You can follow these guidelines when you have to leave your Pomeranian at home alone for any length of time (to an absolute maximum of 10 hours).

If your Pomeranian suffers from separation anxiety, you have more challenges when you ask the big question – “Can Pomeranians Be Left Alone During The Day?”

Can Pomeranians be left alone?
Can Pomeranians be left alone?

Challenges of Leaving a Pomeranian Home Alone

Leaving a Pomeranian unattended for long durations can lead to several issues. Understanding these potential problems can help you make informed decisions about your dog’s care:

  1. Separation Anxiety: Pomeranians, historically bred as companion animals, can be susceptible to separation anxiety. This distress can manifest as biting, nipping, chewing, or inappropriately relieving themselves. A Pomeranian may not fit your lifestyle best if you’re often away due to work or other commitments.
  2. Excessive Barking: Prolonged solitude can cause Pomeranians to bark incessantly out of boredom. While they might express their frustration through biting, barking is more common. If it’s their first time alone, it might be overwhelming. Excessive barking can become a nuisance for neighbors.
  3. Chewing Habits: Pomeranians might chew on objects more frequently than some larger breeds. This behavior is often a response to stress or boredom. To prevent the destruction of your belongings, monitor their stress and provide appropriate toys.
  4. Growling as Communication: If your typically cheerful Pomeranian starts barking frequently, it might be expressing discomfort, fear, or dissatisfaction with extended periods of loneliness.
  5. House Training Accidents: Prolonged periods alone can result in accidents around the house, particularly if the dog becomes anxious or frustrated.
  6. Potential for Damage: Without proper engagement, a Pomeranian might knock things over or create a mess at home.
Can Pomeranians Be Left Alone?
Can Pomeranians Be Left Alone?

Strategies to Support Your Pomeranian When Alone

Here are some measures to ensure your Pomeranian remains content during your absence:

  1. Exercise Before Leaving: A brief walk or play session can tire out your Pomeranian, making it more likely they’ll rest while you’re away.
  2. Designate a Comfortable Space: Create a dedicated, stress-free zone for your Pomeranian, stocked with its favorite toys.
  3. Crate Training: While not a solution for extended absences, crate training can provide a secure space for shorter durations.
  4. Hire Assistance: Consider hiring a dog sitter or walker to break up long periods of solitude.
  5. Enlist Trusted Friends or Family: A familiar face visiting can provide relief and a bathroom break for your pet.
  6. Interactive Toys: Provide toys that can engage your Pomeranian’s mind, helping to pass the time.
  7. Window Views: Allow your Pomeranian a clear view outside. This can serve as entertainment, though they must be socialized to avoid unnecessary barking.
  8. Ambient Noise: Leaving a radio or TV on can provide comforting background noise and a distraction.
  9. Pet Cameras: Invest in technology like pet cameras, allowing you to check in and interact with your Pomeranian from afar.

By understanding the potential challenges and implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your Pomeranian remains happy and healthy even when left alone for shorter periods.

Final Thoughts on How Long Can Pomeranians Stay Home Alone

Will he cope emotionally? You must slowly ease your Pom into being alone for longer by utilizing simple, consistent routines to create a calming, safe environment.

If your Pomeranian suffers from separation anxiety, you’ll find it harder to go out for lengthy time periods. As you prepare to leave, he’ll become overexcited…until he realizes that he’s not going with you.

Then, he’ll either become depressed or hyperactive. This isn’t a healthy way for any dog to leave, so he deserves extra kindness, attention, and training until he gets used to the idea that staying at home is normal. He also needs more training to cure him of separation anxiety.

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References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook”.
[2] Denise Leo “Training Your Pomeranian ”.

The Pomeranian Handbook

How Long Can Puppies Be Left Alone?
How Long Can Puppies Be Left Alone?

About

Denise Leo

Pomeranians are my passion, and I have shared my life with these darling little dogs for many decades. The creator and face behind this website is published author and Pomeranian breed authority Denise Leo of Dochlaggie Pomeranians.

Denise Leo
Denise Leo