Is it bad to leave my dog alone all day?

The honest answer: it's not great, but it's manageable for most dogs with the right setup.

Adult dogs can typically hold their bladder for 6–8 hours; some can do longer but it's not a target you should aim for. Puppies under 6 months: roughly one hour per month of age (a 4-month-old puppy = 4 hours max, give or take).

What really matters more than the hours is what surrounds those hours:
- Long walk in the morning (45+ min)
- Mental stimulation toys or puzzle feeders during the day
- A walker or daycare 1–2 days a week if you're 9+ hours away
- Real exercise + downtime when you're home — not just the same routine

Signs your dog is struggling with the schedule: destruction (more than puppy chewing), excessive barking (neighbours mention it), accidents (without medical cause), severe greeting behaviour (frantic for 10+ minutes when you return). These are all separation-anxiety adjacent — worth talking to a behaviourist before they entrench.

If the schedule is non-negotiable, factor in a dog walker for the middle of the day. It's the single highest-impact change you can make.