Printable Alone Time Checklist for Dogs
Being alone is a skill, not a default setting. Build it in seconds and minutes, and never test a full workday to "see how it goes".
Which alone time approach fits your dog?
Three quick questions and you'll get the method, reward strategy and session shape that fit your breed and what's actually driving the behaviour.
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What breed is your dog?
Alone time checklist
Rest and separation both have to be trained. Dogs that never learn an off switch stay in a low-grade state of arousal, and arousal is what turns an empty house into chewing, barking and pacing.
Set up before day one
- Create one comfortable settle spot away from the front door and windows
- Set up a camera or phone so you can watch what actually happens when you leave
- Decide the departure routine and keep it identical and boring — no emotional goodbyes
- Prepare a licking or chewing outlet to give at the moment you leave
Every day
- 3 x settle reps: reward relaxed lying on the mat between activities
- Practise 5-10 "fake" departures — pick up keys, open the door, come back, no fuss
- Give the dog at least one nap window in a quiet room, undisturbed
- Front-load a problem-solving session before any real departure
- Return calmly: greet only once the dog has four feet on the floor
Graded absence plan
- Week 1: absences of 5-30 seconds, always returning before any whining starts
- Week 2: 1-5 minutes, in random order (short, long, short) so length stays unpredictable
- Week 3: 5-20 minutes; review camera footage before extending
- Week 4: 20-60 minutes; only extend after 3 calm sessions at the current length
- Never extend after a session with whining, pacing, drooling or barking — repeat that length instead
Troubleshooting checks
- Distress in the first 3 minutes every time? That's separation-related distress — stop full-day absences and get professional help
- Dog won't eat the departure chew? The absence is already too long or too sudden
- Barking starts only after 30 minutes? Add a mid-day break or dog walker
- Escaping the crate or injuring themselves? Stop crating immediately and use a safe room while you get help
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