Home - First Time Dog Owner Tips

If you have a job then most of the time that your dog's day will take place on their own. A logical step is to find a breed that is naturally better at being alone. We have researched several breeds looking for dogs with independent tendencies and a reputation to do well on their own. Of course none of these dogs are meant to be left alone for more than a day, but rather for your work day or even if you just prefer a dog that does their own thing. Some people love dogs, but don't want a dog that is constantly by their side. These dogs have a reputation to do their own activities and give you space. Obviously, these dogs will still need you to exercise them, feed them, take them to the vet, and all other essential activities. Now that is all out of the way, lets get onto the best dogs that can be left alone. What Are Best Dogs That Can Be Left Alone? Miniature Schnauzer These dogs need something to do throughout the day, which means they’re going to need plenty of toys. Yet, they don’t mind being left to their own devices. However, if you don’t have enough time to play with them you might come back to find they’ve chewed on things they weren’t supposed to. Also, you might get a few complaints from your neighbors because they tend to be pretty loud and vibrant guard dogs. Barking usually happens when they think someone’s getting too close to their space. Still, they are extremely smart and affectionate. Boston Terrier You might be surprised to see a terrier on a list for the best dogs that can be left alone, especially if you’ve done any kind of research into different dog breeds. That’s because most terriers are absolutely prone to separation anxiety. The Boston Terrier, on the other hand, is super independent and very smart. They’ll be really hyper when you come home (and any other time) but they’re not going to tear up your house because they’ve been left on their own. Shiba Inu Here we have a dog that fits kind of in the middle as far as size goes. But they’re beautiful and very smart dogs. They tend to be pretty stubborn and a little bit overbearing at times, but they have plenty of spirit to go around. Not only that but they do great when they’ve been left home alone for extended periods of time. By an extended period of time I mean hours, don't leave your Shiba Inu alone for longer than 8 hours. And if you do have to leave them alone for longer consider dog boarding. That may be partly because of how easy they are to train (if you’re careful about how you do it) and definitely how independent they are. It won’t bother them if you’re gone at work all day. Lhasa Apso This fluffy dog is small and independent, which comes about in a few different ways. The positive side of things is that they’re going to be just fine left alone for longer periods of time. The downside is that they can be quite stubborn when they don’t want to do something. And that’s despite the fact that they actually learn commands quite easily. If you want a dog that’s super fun and playful for the little ones (and the young at heart), as well as one that’s not going to take up a whole lot of space in your home, this is a great dog for you. These dogs are also on our list of hypoallergenic dogs. Chow Chow These dogs actually tend to like being left alone because they tend to be a little more aloof than most dogs. Instead, they’re a little bit more like a cat. They may look cute and fluffy, but they really don’t prefer to be cuddled or held. Instead, they like to be independent. That means you shouldn’t have any problems leaving them alone for extended periods and don’t expect them to be too affectionate or to care too much when you do come home either. They’ll probably stay a little distant. Bullmastiff If you’re looking for a larger dog but you don’t want to be tied to your house all the time this is the way to go. These dogs actually don’t like to get all that much exercise (which would make them a great dog for my family) and they love to sleep. That means if you just take them for short walks throughout the day they’re going to be just fine. All you need to do is make sure to give them plenty of things that they can play with while you’re gone and definitely give them lots of love when you get back. Chinese Shar-Pei This one is a slightly unusual looking dog for some, but it’s definitely adorable and very sweet. They tend to be quite stubborn and independent, which means you’re going to have your work cut out for you when it comes to training. But once they are trained you won’t have any problems with them. Not only that but you’re not going to have a problem leaving them alone because they’re less affectionate than most dogs and seem quite aloof and uncaring if you’re there or not. Still, they’re extremely devoted to their owners and their families, so once you bring them into your household, they may not show it in the same way, but they love you just as much as any other dog would. Akita This is a dog that fits somewhat into the category of the best dogs that can be left alone. It will tolerate you being gone for extended periods of time and it won’t destroy your house while you are. On the other hand, it definitely wants plenty of attention. So that means you absolutely need to give it a lot of attention when you get back into the house. This bold and fearless dog is definitely going to worm its way into your heart and serve as a great watchdog for your home. Goldador Another breed that’s larger (in case you’re looking for a bigger dog for the household), this one is going to need a lot of exercise and activity, but that can happen around your normal work schedule. They’re quick to learn anything, they love plenty of toys (and that keeps them from getting into things when you’re not home) and they are super easy going. As a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever they have some of the best characteristics of both and make a sweet and loving companion for the whole family. Labradoodle This is another hypoallergenic breed, however, this is also a mixed breed. Meaning it is the result of two breeds, the Poodle and the Labrador. This combination not only makes a breed with a reputation to shed less, but also a very intelligent dog. They are also great playful family dogs that display much love towards children if you have them. You do need to be cautious though as they can get a little excited and might knock small children over. You should always supervise playtime between your dog and your children. Unfortunately, they aren’t great dogs for apartments due to their very energetic nature. So if you want a Labradoodle I would only get one if you have a house with a backyard. The good news is that if you are a new dog owner, this breed is known to be a good breed for first-time dog owners because of their kind, smart, and ability to be alone. Basset Hound These dogs are notoriously calm and gentle dogs with HUGE EARS! They are stubborn dogs and training them will not be an easy thing. Also, make sure they are always on a leash when outside because they will chase a scent without any regard for what is going on around them. You should also make sure that you have a fenced-in yard so your dog doesn’t scurry off chasing a scent. They are highly affectionate with all members of the family though. Children, cats, people, and other dogs will all be treated with love by the Basset Hound. This calm nature, small size, and low energy levels makes them great for apartments. The only negative in this environment is that they can howl very loudly which could be disruptive to others. One last thing to be wary of if you are looking to get a Basset Hound is that they are prone to overeat and obesity is a huge health problem for them. So giving them proper portions and getting them a decent amount of exercise can help keep them from becoming overweight. Basenji This kind and adorable dog is another great breed that can be left alone. However, they can be left alone they should not live outside and should be treated as part of the family. They are also quite energetic dogs with high exercise needs. A Basenji without the proper amount of exercise can cause trouble around the house. They also have a high prey drive and are prone to wander so a fenced-in yard, as well as always being on a leash is a must with this breed. Their high prey drive and energy makes them not great for homes with small dogs and other animals. They can get along with cats, but this is usually only if they are raised with one present. Training this breed isn’t easy though, as they have a stubborn tendency that could turn to aggression if you don’t handle their stubbornness in the right way. Therefore, they won’t be great for first-time dog owners. As an additional bonus, these dogs are also hypoallergenic meaning they are low shedding dogs that are said to be less likely to cause allergies. This is very interesting to see as these dogs also have a short-haired coat which is much easier to groom than a Poodle’s coat. Otterhound Otterhounds are one of the large independent dog breeds on our list. They are also big fans of the outdoors and will require plenty of outdoor time to stay happy. It is also the key to avoiding obesity and ensuring they are independent. If your Otterhound has their needs satisfied they will spend some time playing with you but quickly returning to their favorite sleeping spot. They also can jump quite high and are prone to explore, so again I will say keep your dog on a leash when outdoors and have a tall fenced in yard they cannot jump over. Your fence should be at least 6 feet tall. They are affectionate though and should feel like a part of the family. They have lots of love to go around and will be friendly with dogs, kids, and adults. They might not be the best choice for young children as they are quite large and energetic which may not be great when living with young children. Of course, it is very important that you get these dogs as much socialization as you can at a young age. This can help them learn how to act around different people and animals as they get older. As we touched on earlier, obesity is an issue with Otterhounds. They are prone to overeat and you should give them the right portions coupled with their required exercise to prevent obesity. English Foxhound If you are looking for independence then look no further than this hound. They can be independent to the point of stubbornness which isn’t always good for training. Training isn’t going to be easy with this breed so expect to take a lot of time and patience. Don’t act with anger in your training or else the training will most definitely go wrong. However, they are affectionate dogs and do great around people and other dogs. They don’t do great around other small animals because they have a high prey drive. You should also avoid getting this dog if you have small children as this breed is quite energetic. This high energy and tendency to bark make them less than ideal for people living in apartments. However, if you live in a house they can make a great watchdog. Wrap Up When it comes down to it there are all kinds of dogs that can be left alone out there with all different personalities. Of course, some of these dogs are better suited to be left alone than others, the breeds on our list have been said to be more independent and better suited to be left alone than other dogs. But take your time deciding on the right dog for you or your family as they will be with you for a long time. If your family needs a more resilient and less dependent dog, these are the ones you should be looking at. Once you do pick a breed, take plenty of time finding a reputable breeder that can assure you that you will get a healthy puppy that comes from good parents. There are many more questions you will have to ask, and who better to tell you what to ask then the AKC! Good luck on your wonderful journey and once you choose the right breed for you stop by our Dog Names section.

Recent Posts