13 Dog Breeds That Struggle with Being Home Alone

Written by Morten Lyhne Petersen

Mar.25 - 2025 11:19 AM CET

Pets
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Photo: Shutterstock.com
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.

  • Can become destructive when left alone too long.

  • Prone to separation anxiety, leading to chewing or excessive barking.

Border Collie

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  • Extremely intelligent and needs mental stimulation.

  • Can develop obsessive behaviors if left alone.

  • Requires plenty of exercise and engagement.

German Shepherd

  • Forms strong bonds with their owners.

  • Prone to anxiety when left alone for long periods.

  • May become destructive or exhibit excessive barking.

Australian Shepherd

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  • Very attached to their family.

  • Can become anxious and hyperactive when alone.

  • Needs consistent training to manage their energy.

Bichon Frise

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  • Loves human companionship and thrives on attention.

  • Prone to excessive barking or destructive chewing when left alone.

  • 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.

  • Easily stressed when left alone.

  • Can develop depression or destructive habits.

Italian Greyhound

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  • Very sensitive and easily distressed by solitude.

  • May refuse to eat or engage in destructive behavior when left alone.

  • Requires gradual training to cope with separation.

Pinscher

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  • Forms deep bonds with their owners.

  • Can become anxious, destructive, or aggressive if left alone too long.

  • Needs proper training to feel secure when separated.

Poodle (Toy & Standard)

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  • Intelligent and thrives on human interaction.

  • Prone to anxiety and compulsive behaviors when alone.

  • Needs consistent mental stimulation to prevent destructive habits.

Beagle

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  • Pack-oriented and dislikes solitude.

  • Can become excessively vocal or destructive when left alone.

  • Needs a companion or interactive toys to manage boredom.

Shih Tzu

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  • Bred for companionship, making them clingy.

  • Struggles with long periods of separation.

  • 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.

  • Prone to destructive chewing and barking due to stress.

  • Needs gradual training to adjust to alone time.

Vizsla

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  • Known as "Velcro dogs" because of their attachment to owners.

  • Suffers from separation anxiety more than most breeds.

  • 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.

  • Provide interactive toys to keep them engaged.

  • Use calming techniques, like leaving on soothing music or scent items.

  • Consider doggy daycare or a pet sitter if extended separation is unavoidable.

  • Train them with positive reinforcement to feel secure when alone.