Can You Leave a Dog in the Backyard While at Work? An In-Depth Look

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘m often asked by clients whether it‘s okay to leave their dog in the backyard while they‘re away at work for the day. It‘s an understandable question – we all want to do what‘s best for our beloved canine companions, but the demands of earning a living don‘t always make it easy.

With over 63 million U.S. households owning dogs according to the 2019-2020 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, and at least 40% of those dogs spending 4+ hours alone at home per day based on a 2019 SpotOn Survey, it‘s an issue that affects millions of pets and families.

The short answer is that routinely leaving a dog alone in the backyard for the entire workday is not ideal – and can even be problematic or dangerous in some cases. Dogs are highly social, intelligent, energetic creatures that crave and deserve companionship, enrichment and variety in their daily lives. A backyard, while it may seem like a convenient solution, rarely provides enough stimulation or interaction to keep a dog healthy and happy long-term.

As a dog lover myself, I understand the appeal of the backyard. We want our dogs to have plenty of space to run, play, sniff and enjoy the outdoors. But I also know firsthand how even the most independent, laid-back dog can suffer when left alone too often for too long.

My goal with this in-depth article is to take an objective, well-researched look at the physical, mental and behavioral impacts of leaving a dog in the backyard while at work – and to provide some alternatives to help dog owners better meet their pup‘s needs. I‘ll draw upon scientific studies, veterinary expertise, professional recommendations, legal considerations, and my own insights as a certified dog lover to explore this complex issue.

Yard Time and Canine Welfare

According to the Humane Society, signs that a dog is suffering from too much isolation and not enough enrichment and exercise include:

• Destructive chewing or digging
• Excessive barking, whining or howling
• Attempts to escape the yard
• Inappropriate elimination (peeing/pooping where they shouldn‘t)
• Pacing, circling or other repetitive behaviors
• Extreme excitement upon owner‘s return
• Lethargy and inactivity

In a 2015 study published in PLOS One, researchers found that dogs left home alone for long periods showed significantly higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than dogs who spent more time with their owners. Chronic stress has been linked to weakened immunity, digestive issues, and even premature aging in dogs.

Veterinary behaviorists emphasize that dogs are not solitary creatures by nature. In the wild, canines live in social groups and spend much of their time actively hunting, exploring, and playing together. Domesticated dogs are no different – they are hardwired to crave companionship, activity and purpose.

As certified applied animal behaviorist Dr. Patricia McConnell explains in her book For the Love of a Dog, "Leaving a dog alone in the backyard all day is a little like putting a toddler in a room full of toys and expecting him to entertain himself for hours without getting into trouble…Dogs are not suited to spending so much time alone without the social and mental stimulation they need."

Health and Safety Concerns

In addition to the potential for behavior problems, veterinarians warn that dogs left unsupervised in yards are at higher risk for a variety of health and safety issues:

According to Pet Poison Helpline, the top 10 plants most frequently associated with pet poisoning include many common ornamental landscape plants and weeds – like lilies, tulips, sago palms, clematis and castor beans. Cocoa bean mulch, slug bait, compost bins, and many lawn/garden products also pose significant toxicity risks to curious canines.

Escaping the yard in search of adventure is another leading cause of injury and death for dogs. The American Humane Association estimates that over 1 million dogs are hit by cars and killed each year in the U.S., and being loose or unattended is a major risk factor. Dogs that roam are also more likely to be picked up by animal control, stolen, or exposed to infectious diseases from other animals.

Even dog-on-dog aggression is more common when pups are not actively supervised. A University of Bristol study found that more than 20% of surveyed dog owners reported their pet had been involved in at least one aggressive incident with another dog while outdoors.

Legal Responsibilities

It‘s important for dog owners to be aware that many municipalities have laws dictating how dogs must be housed and cared for – and leaving them unattended in the yard all day may not be compliant.

For example, the Los Angeles Municipal Code requires that dogs be provided with adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care. It prohibits tethering a dog to a stationary object for more than 3 hours per day, and specifies that dogs must have enough space to comfortably sit, stand, lie down, and turn around freely.

Michigan state law/mileg.aspx?page=GetMCLDocument&objectname=mcl-Act-339-of-1919) mandates that dogs kept outdoors full-time must have proper shelter. The shelter must be well-constructed, moisture-proof, windproof, of suitable size, and provide the dog with adequate protection from the weather. It also requires a dog to be given reasonable access to the house if extreme heat/cold or severe weather poses a health risk.

However, specific regulations and enforcement vary widely. Only 22 states have laws regarding dogs being left unattended in vehicles, and just 31 have statutes that allow law enforcement or animal control to rescue dogs in distress. Nonetheless, owners should know that if a dog is found suffering in a yard due to neglect, confinement without proper care, or exposure to adverse conditions, they could potentially face charges of animal cruelty.

As a veterinarian, my focus is always on what‘s best for the health and wellbeing of the animal. While specific laws may permit certain conditions, I believe we have an ethical duty to provide our companion animals with more than just the bare minimum required to avoid legal trouble. Our dogs deserve to have their social, mental and physical needs met – not just relegated to the backyard for our convenience.

Alternatives to Leaving Your Dog in the Yard

I understand the challenges of being a responsible pet owner while also juggling the demands of work, family, and modern life. But with a little creativity and commitment, there are ways to better enrich your dog‘s life so they‘re not spending so much time alone in the yard:

• Doggy daycare: Enrolling your dog in a reputable doggy daycare program even just a few times a week can provide them with tons of exercise, socialization and human interaction while you‘re at work. According to the 2021 IBISWorld Industry Report, the U.S. dog daycare services market has grown to $8.2 billion as more owners seek high-quality pet care options.

• Dog walkers/pet sitters: Hiring a trusted dog walker for a midday walk or pet sitter to stop by for playtime and a potty break is another great way to break up your dog‘s alone time. Apps like Rover and Wag have made it easier than ever to find and schedule these services. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters saw a 12% increase in pet-sitting and dog-walking business for its members from 2019-2022.

• Work-from-home flexibility: The pandemic has made remote work options more prevalent and acceptable. Stanford University found that 42% of the U.S. labor force was working from home full-time in 2022. If your job allows, working from home even one or two days a week means your dog doesn‘t need to stay in the yard all day.

• Come home for lunch: If your workplace is close to home, consider coming home midday to let your dog out for some exercise and a bathroom break before heading back to the office. Even a quick 20-30 minute visit can make a huge difference in breaking up your dog‘s day.

• Take your dog to work: More and more companies are allowing well-behaved dogs in the office as an employee perk. A 2016 Banfield Pet Hospital survey found that 65% of U.S. workplaces allow pets in the office, up nearly 10% from 2022. Of course, not every dog is suited for the workplace environment, but it‘s worth exploring if your employer is open to it.

• Get creative with schedules: Could you adjust your work schedule to be home more during the day? Can a neighbor, friend or family member let your dog out once or twice while you‘re gone? Even a responsible teenager or college student may be willing to spend time with your pup for some extra cash. Think beyond the default of just leaving the dog in the yard all day.

The key is to find ways for your dog to get more interaction, exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. Yes, it may require some extra effort and planning. But our dogs give us so much unconditional love, joy and loyalty – don‘t they deserve the same care and consideration in return?

Enhancing Yard Time

While no backyard can replace the enrichment of quality time spent with you, if your dog will be spending extended periods in the yard, there are steps you can take to make it a safer and more engaging experience:

1. Secure the area with proper fencing that your dog can‘t jump over or dig under. Check regularly for holes, gaps or damage.

2. Provide a weatherproof, insulated shelter where your dog can retreat from the elements. It should be elevated off the ground, sized properly for your dog to stand and turn around, and have a wind flap over the entrance.

3. Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water in a weighted bowl that can‘t be tipped over.

4. Offer a variety of high-value toys and long-lasting food puzzles to prevent boredom and provide mental stimulation. Rotate them regularly to maintain interest.

5. Create designated digging pits and marking posts to redirect your dog‘s natural behavior in a non-destructive way.

6. Remove potential hazards like poisonous plants, pesticides, sharp objects, small holes, and escape routes.

7. Arrange for a trusted friend, neighbor or pet sitter to stop by periodically to give your dog a potty break, quick walk, treat and some affection.

A Final Word

When it comes to leaving a dog in the backyard while at work, my professional recommendation as a veterinarian is that it‘s not an ideal situation for the dog‘s overall quality of life. While a yard can provide a dog with some space to eliminate, play and experience the outdoors, it is not a substitute for the social interaction, mental stimulation and physical exercise they need to truly thrive.

Dogs are man‘s best friend for a reason – they have evolved to be our companions, not yard ornaments. When we bring these loving, sensitive creatures into our homes and our hearts, we owe it to them to provide more than just the bare necessities of survival.

My advice to fellow dog lovers is this: get creative, reach out for help, and make your dog‘s wellbeing a priority. Sign up for a doggy daycare package, hire that dog walker, take your pup to work, or negotiate a schedule that lets you be home more often. Your dog will thank you for it with a lifetime of love, devotion and happier, healthier days.

Remember, to your dog, you are their whole world. They would do anything for you. Aren‘t they worth doing everything we can for them in return?