Can a Chihuahua Stay Home Alone?

Richard Thomas
Over 15 years handling, testing, and restoring pocket, fixed-blade, and Damascus steel knives across hunting and everyday-carry disciplines.

We know there’s no harm in leaving our Chihuahuas home alone for a while, but how long is it really reasonable…?

…And what about separation anxiety in this dog breed?

Many Chihuahuas spend most of the day home alone and they do just fine!

But are we just telling ourselves they’re fine to ease our own guilt? 😜

The Effects of Leaving Your Chihuahua Home Alone

Let’s talk about the effect that being left home alone can have on a Chihuahua.

What are the negative effects? Does he start barking when alone? Can you minimize these negative effects and improve your dog’s well-being when he is on his own?

It is not uncommon, whether we admit it or not, to leave our dog alone when we have to go to work. Some people work 10 to 12 hours a day, with long commutes, and may even run errands after work.

Then, there may be evening activities where the little dog is – once again – left alone at home.

👉 How many times have you heard:

“What? You’re not coming because of your dog? That’s crazy! You’re letting your dog run your life!”

In reality, these people simply don’t understand dogs and haven’t been educated on what a pet needs for its well-being, health, and happiness. 😊

Do Dogs Adapt to Being Left Home Alone?

It can be stressful for a Chihuahua to stay home alone.

Indeed, it can cause stress, barking, anxiety, and fear.

For this small-sized dog, chronic and ongoing stress can also make them aggressive or lead to numerous health problems, especially in adulthood.

If we look at the Chihuahua’s origins, it is a social pack animal that truly needs human companionship.

It is true that most companion dogs have learned to adapt to our routines. After all, do they really have a choice?

Doggies are so adaptable and they learn to cope with all the situations we present them with. 🥰

But we all know that if our Chihuahuas had the choice, they certainly wouldn’t choose to spend all that time alone.

Solitude: separation anxiety and destructive behaviors

Then there are the dogs that don’t adapt as well to being left alone in an apartment or house and start whining regularly.

For dogs that struggle to adapt, they may develop behavioral issues such as barking, destructive chewing, anxiety, trembling, fear, and even aggression.

Just like people, every dog is different. Some adapt well to temporary solitude, others not at all. You are the one who knows your little life companion best.

How Long Can Your Small Dog Stay Separated From You?

There is no simple answer to this question.

You are the one who knows your dog best and is best placed to answer this question. 😇

However, even if your Chihuahua has learned to cope with the situation and has adapted to staying home alone for up to 12 hours, that doesn’t mean they should.

Take your Chihuahua’s basic needs into account

Let’s remember that any dog needs physical activity to relax and stretch their paws.

Chihuahuas are small dogs and therefore have a small bladder.

A healthy adult Chihuahua should be able to relieve themselves 4 to 6 times a day.

So do the math, a Chihuahua left home alone for 10 to 12 hours straight won’t have the opportunity to satisfy this basic need! 😕

If you leave your Chihuahua at home for more than 10 hours and you find accidents in the house, we are sorry, but you simply cannot blame your little love! You are responsible for them.

And let’s not talk about the dog being poorly trained or not knowing how to hold it… It’s not about training or discipline, but common sense!

😉 Can you manage to hold your bladder for 10-12 hours/day, 5 days a week…?

Outdoor access so your dog feels less alone and gets some air

It’s a good idea, but…

If you have a doggy door that allows your Chihuahua to go outside to relieve themselves at any time of the day, that’s great, but be vigilant.

Think about the birds and predatory animals that may be lurking in your neighborhood. A Chihuahua should never be left outside unsupervised.

They are the smallest dogs on the planet (weighing 1 to 3kg according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and they can look like a meal for predatory birds such as hawks and other raptors (great horned owls).

Also, make sure there is absolutely no way for them to escape if they smell or hear something irresistible.

Do Dogs Feel Lonely?

The dog is a social animal and it’s not for nothing that they are called man’s best friend. 💖

All doggies NEED interaction with humans and other dogs!

But just because they have a dog/cat brother or sister at home doesn’t mean they don’t feel lonely.

They need time and interaction with their owners (who can take the opportunity to train them with kindness).

Know that you are the most important thing in their life and they feel lonely for you, because they miss you.

Chihuahua Puppies

We talked about adult Chihuahuas above.

When it comes to puppies, it’s a whole different story. 😉

It is even more important not to leave a puppy home alone for long periods.

Puppies aged 14 weeks and under are in a sensitive socialization period. This is the time when they are least fearful and it is the moment to teach them socialization.

You must introduce them to all people, children, pets, different situations, and even the surfaces they will be in contact with at any time in their lives.

It is during this period that you must spend a lot of time training, socializing, and bonding with your beloved puppy.

Dog crates: to be used alone?

NEVER to confine a Chihuahua all day! 😵

A Chihuahua should never be left in a dog crate for more than two hours at a time, period! Whether it’s an adult or a puppy.

What Should a Working Person Do?

How can you minimize the negative effects of leaving your Chihuahua home alone while you work and how can you maximize their well-being at the same time?

There are more solutions than you think! And both you and your Chihuahua will be much happier.

✅ Doggy daycare

Yes, it can be expensive, but even if you can do it just one day a week, that’s one day less in a normal work week.

Just make sure to thoroughly check the facility and the daycare staff.

✅ Coming home for lunch

If possible, come home for lunch to let your dog out to relieve themselves and to spend some time together.

Take advantage of this moment to have fun with them using their favorite toy and enjoy being together. Don’t scold them or be negative at that moment. If the family has several members, try to take turns coming home for lunch.

✅ Hiring a dog walking service

Again, this costs money, but if you do it one or two days a week, that leaves fewer days in the week to find another solution.

There is a wide variety of dog walking services, ranging from a home visit to a walk in the neighborhood, and more. Once again, be sure to carefully check the company AND the person who will be walking your dog.

✅ Working from home occasionally

We know this isn’t possible for everyone, but it’s certainly something you can think about and talk to your boss about.

Telecommuting is becoming increasingly common, as technology makes it easier for workers to perform their tasks from home.

You will be able to take short walks with your little four-legged love!

✅ Bring your Chihuahua to work

Obviously, this isn’t possible for everyone either. But, before crossing it off your list of possible solutions, talk to a manager at your work.

It is possible they are more open to this idea than you think. Bringing your dog to work is also an increasingly common practice, as more and more people realize the importance of meeting their dog’s needs.

Final Paw

A Chihuahua can stay home alone but for short periods (and the same goes for all dog breeds).

They are living beings full of love and you must be aware that it is not optimal for your little dog’s well-being to isolate them from you regularly and for long periods.

Some solutions cost money, but consider that this is part of owning a dog.

When you calculate a budget for your dog’s care, you can already plan for expenses for food, supplies, and occasional vet visits. So, include training, daycare, boarding, and dog walking in your health budget.

But if you think about it, you can find a neighbor, a niece, a teenager, or a friend you trust to keep them company while waiting for your return. 🤗

– The DoxieLife team – We are fans of dachshunds but remain in love with all dog breeds 💚🐶