First of all, I applaud you for doing your research! The fact that you landed here on this site shows that you are a responsible pet owner who wants what’s best for your dog. If you work outside of your home and own a Saint Bernard dog (or are contemplating acquiring one) it’s important that you address the question…
“Can a Saint Bernard be Left Alone?” Yes, but not for a full day! Learn how to safely leave him or her alone.
Let’s dig a little deeper because we love our four-legged companions, and want them to have the best life possible.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- The History of Saint Bernards as Companions
- Why Your Saint Bernard is Susceptible to Boredom and Loneliness
- How Long You Can Leave Your Saint Bernard Alone Safely
- What You Should Know About Leaving Your Dog in a Crate.
- How you Can Help Make Being Alone Less Stressful for Your Saint Bernard
- …Plus So Much More!
The information you’re about to receive isn’t opinion and speculation. Rather, I’ve done the research and compiled it all right here, in an easy to follow format. My information comes from the experts in canine health and behavior like the American Kennel Club (AKC) the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) The saint Bernard Club of America (SBCA) and Dog Behavior Specialist, Cesar Milan.
What you’re about to discover is the most accurate and up-to-date information available. So, let’s get started, and separate fact from fiction regarding how long your Saint Bernard dog can reasonably and safely be left alone.
Have Saint Bernards Always Been Social?
The Saint Bernard breed was developed for rescue in a monastery in the mid-1600s. Perhaps being raised and trained by gentle human beings has something to do with the breed being known as gentle giants, its hard to say for sure, but it makes sense, doesn’t it? Back in those days, Saint Bernards rescued humans trapped in the mountains and the parent dogs taught their young to do the same.
It’s interesting to note that the paintings and media we see almost always depict Saint Bernards with a wooden keg tied around there neck, but none of the original paintings or photographs did. Chances are, the keg appeared when media began featuring Saint Bernards in films to illustrate their propensity for rescue.
Do Saint Bernards Get Bored or Lonely?
Your Saint Bernard is an intelligent breed! Because of this, your dog is susceptible to both boredom and loneliness. Either condition is detrimental to your dog’s overall well-being, and each could lead to disruptive (or even destructive!) behavior. Take heart, though! There are ways to combat boredom AND loneliness for your Saint Bernard.
The intelligence I just mentioned is inherent, but honing our dog’s intelligence level is on us. The number one way to utilize a Saint Bernard’s intelligence level is through early and life-long training. This training should begin when the dog is a puppy, although sometimes that is impossible. The next best thing to begin training your Saint Bernard (regardless of age) is the day after he (or she) arrives in your home. The first day is for introductions and finding the food and water bowls, and the sleeping area.
Training does more than making a dog who could potentially weigh up to 200 pounds in adulthood manageable. Training also stimulates your Saint Bernard’s mind. This is as vital to his (or her) overall good health as physical exercise. Mental stimulation also staves off boredom and loneliness.
You can absolutely train your dog to do well at being alone! You start with short increments of time and increase your time away gradually.
How Long Can a St Bernard be Left Alone?
An adolescent Saint Bernard should not be left alone for more than four hours a day. A well-adjusted adult Saint Bernard can be trained to be alone for up to six hours, but not in a crate. This can be problematic for those of us who work eight hours a day with travel time added to that.
If this describes you, and no one will be with your Saint Bernard for over six hours a day on a consistent basis, you will want to make alternate arrangements to meet your dog’s needs.
Ideally, you could pop home on your lunch hour to let the dog our, and lavish him (or her) with some attention. Usually, though, the most ideal situation isn’t a likely situation. In that case, there are a couple of other options to consider.
One great solution is Doggie Daycare. Ask for a recommendation on your community’s social media page, and carefully review all comments. Most facilities will offer a “meet and greet” for free, so you can observe your Saint Bernard’s reaction to the facility, the caregiver, and any other animals that might be there.
Costs vary from state to state, and even from city to city. Shop around, but please pay heed to any reviews and/or warnings! Nothing is more important than your Saint Bernard’s safety and well-being when you’re leaving him (or her) in a stranger’s care. Doggie Daycare offers the added benefit of providing your dog with the opportunity to socialize, an important factor in healthy development.
Another option is hiring a dog walker to come by your house daily. Most visits last about half an hour, and the dog walker will interact with your Saint Bernard, providing both mental and physical stimulation. Again, costs vary greatly, so you’ll have to do some research.
You’ll want to arrange a “meet and greet” with a potential walker, and actually walk the path your dog is used to taking, explaining any pertinent details the walker should be aware of.
Additionally, be sure the dog walker is easily able to put your dog’s harness and muzzle (if used when walking) in place. Provide emergency phone numbers, and be very concise in any special instructions.
If dog-walking services aren’t readily available in your area, often a college student or local teen-ager or retiree may be interested in earning a little extra cash. Your primary concern is that the dog walker is able to safely and efficiently walk a dog who may weigh as much (or more!) than they do.
If full-time Doggie Daycare isn’t an option and having the dog walker come by every day isn’t an option for you, try to arrange either at least two days a week. Without this stimulation and socialization, a dog that’s left alone for too long every day is more prone to experiencing boredom, loneliness, and even anxiety! Any of these issues alone could manifest as behavioral problems and could promote disruptive (or even destructive) habits.
There is no way around it. The only solution for your dog’s need for companionship is exactly that: companionship.
How Long Can You Leave a Saint Bernard in a Crate?
PLEASE NOTE: Remove your Saint Bernard’s collar or harness before crating him (or her). The clasps can get caught on a cage, and too many dog owners have come home to a crated dog strangled or injured by their own collar or harness.
Whether or not you use a dog crate for your dog is a personal decision, neither right nor wrong. Opinions vary greatly. There is a safe and proper way to use them. If you do, be sure your dog has enough space in the crate to stand completely up and turn completely around with ease.
The AKC and the SBCA agree. If you’ve decided to incorporate crate training into your Saint Bernard’s life, here are the guidelines for the maximum time limits for closing your dog in a crate, according to age:
Puppies & Adolescent Saint Bernards: Begin with one hour at a time (other than at night) and gradually increase the time until you hit the maximum time limit: three hours.
Adult and Senior Saint Bernards: You can safely leave your adult or senior dog in a crate for up to the maximum time limit: four hours.
In light of the fact that Saint Bernards are massive in size, you may want to consider a “playpen” designed for dogs instead of a crate if you have space. The choice is completely yours!
Never use your Saint Bernard’s crate as a punishment! Your dog should feel safe, comfortable, and “at home” in his (or her) crate.
5 Great Tips for Leaving Your Saint Bernard Alone
- Begin leaving your Saint Bernard alone for short periods in the beginning, and gradually increase the time.
- Make sure your dog has adequate daily exercise. Adolescent Saint Bernards need about 90 minutes of exercise daily, and adults need about 60 minutes. Of course, these times are just guidelines, your dog may need more or less. You’ll know your dog is getting enough exercise when he (or she) settles into sleep easily at the end of the day and sleeps well throughout the night.
- Give your Saint Bernard a special treat that is only given for “alone time”. A big (raw) knuckle-y bone, a plush toy, an old bathrobe that smells like you… something along those lines.
- Have a leaving and returning home routine, your Saint Bernard likes routines and is comforted by them. Before I leave, I show my dog some affection and say “I’ll be back”. When I return, I say “I’m back!” I want my dog to associate the word “back” with my comings and goings, connecting them in his mind.
- If your Saint Bernard shows signs of separation anxiety on your return (usually excessive barking or jumping), neither punish nor coddle him (or her). Punishment is NEVER an effective training tool, and coddling encourages the display of separation anxiety.
Physically turning your body away from your dog when he (or she) is jumping on you or barking excessively is an effective tool in discouraging such behavior. Your dog covets nothing more than your attention, and he’ll quickly discover the behaviors that get that attention, and the ones that do not. Of course, this takes repetition and consistency, but may not take much time at all for your dog to catch on!
I hope today’s article has been helpful for you and that it answered all the questions you had regarding leaving your Saint Bernard dog home alone. It seems as though the companionship we seek from our dog is exactly what they are seeking from us! If you work mad crazy hours and travel often, a dog is quite simply not the pet for you. If you have a “regular” schedule, you can certainly find a way to balance work, a family life, AND responsible pet ownership.
The number one thing a dog needs to live a healthy and well-rounded life is our time and attention.
I’ll “see” you next time right here in the Big Dog Den.
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
