u/throwawaypoophole

New Chihuahua owner here (3 weeks), I’ve been wondering how many hours you guys are comfortable leaving your pups home alone for? Mine is 11 months and still has a habit of getting into things he shouldn’t, so when I leave the house he’s in a spacious play pen, with his bed, fresh water, a pee pad (we are still in the process of house training), and some toys that he won’t rip up or choke on. I always make sure to give him lots of cuddles and attention when I get back, but I’m also scared of him developing separation anxiety so I’ve been leaving the house more often lately. I usually only leave him for around 4-5 hours at the very most but more often quicker errands of around an hour, but I’m wondering what the norm is? I also go back to work soon, but luckily a good friend of mine is willing to stop by at lunch time and see him - as I work too far to drop by and she works from home.