Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Stay Home Alone?

Bernese Mountain Dogs can stay home alone, but there are several considerations and limitations to keep in mind to ensure their comfort and prevent potential issues like separation anxiety. This blog post will explore the optimal duration, strategies to manage separation anxiety, and arrangements for extended periods when leaving a Bernese Mountain Dog home alone.

How Long Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Stay Home Alone?

Bernese Mountain Dogs can generally stay home alone for about 3 to 5 hours without significant issues. This duration is optimal because they tend to miss their owners quickly and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for longer periods. As large dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs usually do not have significant potty-training issues and can hold their bladder until their owner returns.

Separation Anxiety in Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to form strong attachments to their families and can easily develop separation anxiety. This anxiety can manifest in destructive behaviors such as tearing apart furniture, scratching walls, or frequent barking. To mitigate separation anxiety, it is crucial to train your dog gradually to be comfortable with alone time. This can involve starting with short periods of separation within the home and gradually increasing the duration. Establishing a consistent routine helps your dog anticipate when you will leave and return, reducing anxiety.

Arrangements for Extended Periods

If you need to be away for more than 5 hours, it is advisable to use dog care services such as doggy daycare, dog sitters, or dog walkers to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog engaged and comforted. Training your dog to stay home alone, including crate training, can also help them feel safe and calm. This process should be incremental, starting with short periods of separation within the home and gradually increasing the time.

Additional Tips

To help your Bernese Mountain Dog feel comfortable and calm when left home alone, consider the following tips:

1. Create a Routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine helps your dog understand when you will leave and return, reducing anxiety.
2. Provide Activities: Leave your dog with engaging activities such as chew toys filled with treats to keep them occupied while you are away.
3. Monitor Behavior: Start by leaving the house for short intervals and observe your dog’s behavior upon your return. Look for signs of distress or destructive behavior to adjust your leave times accordingly.
4. Seek Professional Help: If your dog experiences severe separation anxiety, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer.

By understanding the guidelines and implementing appropriate strategies, you can help ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog remains comfortable and calm when left home alone.

References

1. Fenrir Bernese Mountain Dog Show. “Can My BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG Be Left Alone.” YouTube, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt-Ks4Ks-Ks.
2. Hepper. “Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Be Left Alone? Time Limits and Tips.” Hepper, 2022, https://www.hepper.com/can-bernese-mountain-dogs-be-left-alone/.
3. Dogster. “Can a Bernese Mountain Dog Be Left Home Alone? Facts and Tips.” Dogster, 2021, https://www.dogster.com/dogs/can-a-bernese-mountain-dog-be-left-home-alone-facts-and-tips.