Full-grown Portuguese Water Dogs (PWD) can be left on their own for only six hours. These dogs are active breeds which means they have to be preoccupied most of the time. Leaving them at home for too long can make them become destructive, especially those who have separation anxiety.
It’s best to think in advance about whether you have the time to take care of a puppy before actually bringing one home. These dogs need more than just a home. They also require constant attention from their parents.
Learn about how Portuguese Water Dogs feel when they’re on their own and find out how long puppies can be left alone. All that and more through this article.
What Do Portuguese Water Dogs Do When They’re Alone?
Some PWD dogs do well despite the absence of their masters at home. They spend the time napping on the sofa while waiting for their human companions. Meanwhile, the others might find this a perfect opportunity to be mischievous and climb up on the counter for food.
You can easily tell how your Portie does at home these days. There are pet cameras you can install that can conveniently do things in real-time such as:
- See your dog.
- Hear what’s going on.
- Find out what your dog is doing.
Meanwhile, untrained PWD dogs can be prone to separation anxiety. When your pooch develops this, ASPCA says they’ll exhibit these signs:
- Attempt to escape.
- Consumption of excrement.
- Marching around anxiously.
- Excessive barking and howling.
- Urinating and defecating in the wrong places.
- Destructive behavior like chewing on valuables.
If you suspect that your Portie has this condition, seeing an animal behaviorist is advised.
How Long Can You a Leave Portuguese Water Dog
PWD dogs have different personalities. That means they won’t have uniform reactions once they see their human companions leaving. This certainly is a concern for Portie parents like you, which is why you should have an idea regarding how long your dog can be on his own at home.
Puppies are at their vulnerable stage. They’re like babies with fur that would demand constant attention. Since they’re still very young, these little pooches can’t hold their bladder for too long. They have to urinate every hour or so, and your assistance is highly needed.
As a general guideline, the AKC suggests that the frequency that you should check your Portuguese Water puppies can be based according to their age:
- 10 weeks below: 1 hour.
- 10-12 weeks: 2 hours.
- 3 months: 3 hours.
- 4 months: 4 hours.
- 5 months: 5 hours.
- 6 months and older: 6 hours.
How Long Can Senior Portuguese Water Dogs Be Left Alone?
If you have a senior PWD companion, you have to know that the span of time that they’re alone should depend on their needs. And some of them need to be out frequently during the day.
Ideally, they have to be taken out during lunchtime for their exercise needs.. If they have certain medications that need to be administered on a schedule, then you have to also consider that.
It all depends on the situation of your frail four-legged friend. As much as possible, spend most of your time with them as they spend their last days.
7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Portuguese Water Dog Alone
You just can’t leave your dog on their own and be gone for long periods. Doing so and making it a habit can be detrimental to the well-being of your Portie, especially since they dislike being bored at home.
So, before you step out of the door of your house, contemplate first these 7 things:
1. Health and Other Issues
Understand your Portie’s behavior as they see you preparing to leave. This breed is a sensitive one and can get too attached to their human. If they have separation anxiety, make sure that this gets properly and professionally addressed.
Of course, include as well the health aspect of your dog. If he’s physically or medically in need of aid at home, hiring a pet-sitter would be a good idea. You can also ask your neighbor to check your Portie while you’re gone temporarily.
There are lots of alternatives to this, and you just have to decide which of them can be benefitted the most by your dog.
2. Age
Is your dog still a puppy? If they’re too young to be left alone, then you have to commit most of your time to take care of them. Although Portie puppies are incredibly cute, they come with serious responsibilities.
Check your schedule and see if it will allow you to have a puppy at home. It’s quite an advantage if you’re on a work-from-home set-up.
Meanwhile, you can opt to adopt an adult Portie. But, you have to get them assessed on whether they’re emotionally healthy or not. If it’s not an issue with you, you still have to be dedicated to giving them a healthy amount of time for bonding and other activities.
3. Feeding Schedule
Porties need to be fed at least 3 to 4 times daily. This is in order for them to grow and develop normally and healthily. That hints that you have to visit them more often than adult PWD dogs, who only have their meals twice daily.
Strictly stick to the feeding schedule. Adult Porties have to be given their next meal after 12 hours. Anything more than that can cause hyperacidity, which may lead to nausea, according to the VCA Hospitals.
4. Potty Breaks
Dogs have to go out and do their thing. They can’t hold their bladder forever. Generally, adult dogs need to urinate at least 3 to 5 times daily. How to know if they have to do their potties? Here are the signs:
- Sniffing.
- Barking at the door.
- Scratching at the door.
- Restlessness and circling around.
Read more: Why Does My Dog Pee on His Blanket
5. Training & Socialization
Don’t just suddenly leave your PWD dog alone without seeing to it first that they’re trained. Your obligation as a dog parent, in this case, is to associate your absence with something good. Before you depart, give them a yummy snack and just normally go out of the door.
After a few moments, come back as if nothing happened. I advise you as well not to be overly emotional every time you have to leave or whenever you arrive. Keep things normal.
Learn more: Are Portuguese Water Dogs Easy to Train? 4 Reasons and 7 Training Tips
6. Exercise
Consider exercise too. Porties need 40 minutes of exercise daily. They shouldn’t go on with their days without releasing their pent-up energy. Remember, this breed used to work vigorously with fishermen. Being active has been embedded in their blood.
Know more about the breed here: Portuguese Water Dog 101: The Essential Guide
7. Other Pets at Home
Fortunately, Porties have a low prey drive. It’s not much of a concern if you have other pets like:
Still, it’s important that you secure each of their safety before heading your way to work.
