These aren’t the most independent dogs out there.
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Many dog breeds are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, but some have a particularly hard time being left alone. Whether it’s due to separation anxiety, a strong pack mentality, or a tendency to become destructive when bored, these breeds often need extra attention and training to handle solitude.
Labrador Retriever

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Highly social and people-oriented.
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Can become destructive when left alone too long.
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Prone to separation anxiety, leading to chewing or excessive barking.
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Border Collie

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Extremely intelligent and needs mental stimulation.
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Can develop obsessive behaviors if left alone.
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Requires plenty of exercise and engagement.
German Shepherd

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Forms strong bonds with their owners.
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Prone to anxiety when left alone for long periods.
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May become destructive or exhibit excessive barking.
Australian Shepherd

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Very attached to their family.
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Can become anxious and hyperactive when alone.
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Needs consistent training to manage their energy.
Bichon Frise

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Loves human companionship and thrives on attention.
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Prone to excessive barking or destructive chewing when left alone.
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Can develop severe separation anxiety.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Bred to be a companion dog, making them highly dependent on humans.
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Easily stressed when left alone.
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Can develop depression or destructive habits.
Italian Greyhound

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Very sensitive and easily distressed by solitude.
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May refuse to eat or engage in destructive behavior when left alone.
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Requires gradual training to cope with separation.
Pinscher

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Forms deep bonds with their owners.
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Can become anxious, destructive, or aggressive if left alone too long.
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Needs proper training to feel secure when separated.
Poodle (Toy & Standard)

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Intelligent and thrives on human interaction.
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Prone to anxiety and compulsive behaviors when alone.
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Needs consistent mental stimulation to prevent destructive habits.
Beagle

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Pack-oriented and dislikes solitude.
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Can become excessively vocal or destructive when left alone.
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Needs a companion or interactive toys to manage boredom.
Shih Tzu

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Bred for companionship, making them clingy.
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Struggles with long periods of separation.
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May bark excessively or refuse to eat when anxious.
French Bulldog

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Craves human affection and can’t handle being left alone for long.
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Prone to destructive chewing and barking due to stress.
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Needs gradual training to adjust to alone time.
Vizsla

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Known as “Velcro dogs” because of their attachment to owners.
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Suffers from separation anxiety more than most breeds.
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Needs consistent mental and physical activity to stay content.
How to Help Dogs That Struggle with Alone Time

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Start with short absences and gradually increase the duration.
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Provide interactive toys to keep them engaged.
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Use calming techniques, like leaving on soothing music or scent items.
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Consider doggy daycare or a pet sitter if extended separation is unavoidable.
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Train them with positive reinforcement to feel secure when alone.