When it comes to cuteness, Papillons get a solid 10 out of 10 points. But underneath that cute facade lies a dark secret: leave your Papillon home alone, and you will live to regret it.
Papillons cannot be left alone for long periods of time without causing serious mayhem. They will destroy your belongings, make messes, and irritate anyone within earshot.
Continue reading to find out more about why this breed doesn’t tolerate your absence…
Why Papillons Can’t Be Left Alone
Papillons are an extremely social breed that form a deep bond with their owner and other members of the family. If you want a dog that literally follows you everywhere – I cannot emphasize that enough – then Papillons are a great choice; but if you’d prefer a dog that won’t have a complete meltdown if you step out of the room without them, look elsewhere.
The moment you walk out of your house without your Papillon, they will begin to experience anxiety and frustration. As those negative emotions mount, they will inevitably take it out on whatever’s around them.
Papillons will chew on your furniture and belongings, drag things around the house, and incessantly bark and whine until you return. Couple all of that with the fact that Papillons are notoriously difficult to housebreak, and you’ve got a real disaster on your hands.
What to Do if You Have to Leave Your Papillon Alone
If you absolutely have to leave your Papillon alone for an extended period of time, your best bet is to hire a pet sitter, or ask a friend, neighbor, or relative to check on them while you’re away.
Bear in mind, whoever the person is that checks on them will have to spend a decent amount of time with them. Simply popping in to fill the food and water dish won’t cut it. They will need to spend about an hour with the dog; show them lots of affection; and walk and play with them so they can get out some of their pent up energy.
Small Dogs That Can Be Left Alone
If you’re looking for a small dog that won’t lose their mind whenever you leave the house, try one of these other breeds known for their independence:
- Boston Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Basenji
- Peekapoo
References:
Dogtime.com. Papillon. Retrieved from https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/papillon#/
Furbo (Jun 30, 2017). Who’s a Good Dog! 9 Best “Home Alone” Dog Breeds. Retrieved from https://shopus.furbo.com/blogs/knowledge/whos-a-good-dog-9-best-home-alone-dog-breeds
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