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For many people, coming home to an excited, energetic dog that showers you with love and affection is one of the best parts of being a pet owner. However, this excitement at your return can turn into anxiety and stress when you leave if your dog struggles with separation issues. Some small dog breeds tend to become more distressed when left alone than others. If you work long hours or travel frequently, consider these small dogs that deal with time apart more easily.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly and eager-to-please companion that enjoys plenty of human interaction yet also manages alone time remarkably well for such an affectionate little dog. They can relax and entertain themselves for hours while chewing toys while waiting patiently for your return.
Their gentle, calm nature and moderate activity needs make them an excellent apartment dog as well. With enough daily walks, playtime and attention when you are home to meet their needs for stimulation and interaction, Cavs handle periodic solitude quite comfortably.
French Bulldog
French bulldogs, with their amusing personalities and unique appearance, have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. While their clingy nature and attachment to their owners can lead some to develop separation anxiety, most adjust very well to alone time as long as they receive enough attention.
Their lower activity needs make the Frenchie a great choice for city living. A daily walk plus some active play and training sessions typically provides enough exercise. Make sure to give them something engaging to pass time when you leave like a puzzle toy stuffed with treats.
Pug
Pugs live to be with their family, but this loving loyalty typically doesn't extend into panic and anxious behaviors when left on their own for reasonable periods. Their motivation for food and resting tendency means they have no problem settling in for a nap while you're gone rather than fretting over your disappearance.
To keep your pug relaxed, provide a few long-lasting chew treats or toys before heading out to keep him happily occupied. With enough daily attention and interaction when you are home to satisfy their craving for togetherness, pugs adjust well when left to their own devices now and then.
Shih Tzu
Once accustomed to infrequent periods alone, the sweet-natured Shih Tzu handles time by himself with aplomb. In fact, the intelligent yet playful Shih Tzu makes a very adaptable small companion – content with long adventurous walks or short potty breaks around your apartment complex.
This versatility extends to dealing with solitude as long as his needs for activity, attention and training are met when you are home. Make sure he has had some exercise beforehand and always give your Shih Tzu something engaging like a food puzzle toy when you leave.
Bichon Frise
The cheerful and easy-going Bichon Frise forms strong bonds with his family, which leads some to experience separation distress, but most adjust easily to being solo for reasonable periods with the right training and precautionary measures. For instance, avoid prolonged isolation as much as possible – the longer you are gone, the harder it tends to be on your Bichon.
Additionally, keep departures and arrivals low-key by remaining matter of fact and avoiding emotional hellos and goodbyes which can trigger anxiety. With enough mental and physical exercise when you are home, the intelligent Bichon can relax or entertain himself comfortably while you work or run errands.
With the perfect small dog for your lifestyle, you can work, travel and stay out late enjoying time with friends without enduring long-term isolation or guilt over leaving your canine companion at home. By choosing one of these diminutive dogs that handle periodic solitude in stride, you can minimize separation distress while still benefiting from all the joy and companionship a pet brings to your life.
