Today I’m giving my unbiased Furbo 360 dog camera review, but first, a personal story.
Ihave a Great Dane with a bit of separation anxiety, and was kind of at my wits end. Everytime I left the house, he was howling. How did I know about this? My NEIGHBORS had to tell me. How embarrassing.
In a state of panic (after hearing that a petsitter had left him alone for 8 hours and he cried the whole time) I purchased the Furbo 360 Dog Camera on Amazon.
Having now used it for 2 months, I feel that I can create an honest Furbo review for you! There are some pros and cons to the Furbo, but overall, YES this is a great product. Let’s dig into the specifics.
Furbo 360 Dog Camera Review Summary
Here is a short list of the pros and cons of the Furbo 360 camera for separation anxiety.
PROS
360 rotation. This camera spins all the way around and WILL track your pets movement for you!
Robust app; the app tracks movement, provides you with alerts, and allows you to see your pet anytime you want
Cloud: view activity from the whole day
Activity labels: the app knows what your pet is doing (barking, chewing, running, crying, etc.) and labels the activity
Pet selfies! If your pet approaches the camera, it sends you adorable photos.
Treat tossing; you can use the app to throw treats at your pet anytime you want, even if you are miles away!
Good camera quality; I never feel that the resolution is poor
Remember how I told you about my howling Great Dane? I know my neighbors were not appreciative at all…and I hated knowing that he was in distress.
I can say that the Furbo 360 DOES help with separation anxiety for two reasons:
The treat tossing function is pretty helpful for redirecting a dog that may be in distress (it whistles before it chucks the treat, so the dog learns to make that association). Pro tip be careful not to reward distressed behavior with treats! Instead, wait for the moment your pup settles then trigger the treat release.
Being able to see my dog on the Furbo gives me valuable insight into not only his triggers, but how our habits affected him when we were away.
Separation anxiety is a complex behavior that is rooted in insecurity. Even the most confident dogs can whine, cry, pace, and chew when their owner isn’t home.
So while the Furbo dog camera does help with separation anxiety, it’s just one (VERY helpful) piece of the puzzle.
Can I use the Furbo Dog Camera without the App?
Even if you could, I have to tell you that the app is WELL worth it.
Here are some of my favorite features of the Furbo Camera App:
Real time notifications of behaviors, which are labelled and include crying, barking, continuous barking, chewing, running, and more
Live monitoring at any time, with full control of camera rotation so you can find your dog in the room
Did I mention pet selfies? These are automatically sent to you anytime your dog approaches the camera
Treat tossing (you cannot do this without the app, and it’s a big thing that sets the Furbo apart from other dog monitoring cameras
Home emergency alert; the camera will notify you if there appears to be an emergency of any kind, including smoke
Human alert; the app lets you know if a human is in the room. This can be helpful for monitoring petsitter activity, or activity of bad people who don’t belong in your home!
To be honest, I have no clue if you can even try to use the Furbo without the app subscription. From what I’ve seen online, it’s actually cheaper to buy the camera if you commit to the app anyways. That’s a win-win in my book!
Does Furbo Treat Tossing Work?
I love watching my dogs on camera when I use the treat tossing function. It’s HILARIOUS. The dogs hear the whistle and come running. I can trigger the Furbo to throw a treat anytime, anywhere I am in the world that my cell phone has internet, too!
It takes a few seconds from the time the Furbo makes a whistle sound until the treat actually launches from the device. The dogs have learned that’s how it works and they often sit with their head tilted staring at it.
To say I’ve had many, MANY laughs watching my dogs on this camera is an understatement! Sometimes if they want a treat they walk up and stare at it with hope. The camera tracks this movement and sends me a selfie, which is always adorable.
The treat tosser can get jammed if you use the wrong kind of treats! I made this mistake at first and used a softer, larger treat. It did not damage the machine but I had to do some creative work to get them out.
The Furbo is always ready to pick up on activity, but it is not always recording.
If you are home, you can turn off the tracking. You can even set a schedule (for example, the Furbo will automatically turn on and start tracking when you leave for work).
I’m usually too lazy to go into the app to turn off tracking and motion sensing when we are home, so ours is on all of the time. It regularly lets me know if my dogs are barking, which is funny because I’m often in the same room.
The app only stores videos for 24 hours. After that, they are removed from both the app AND the cloud, which gives me peace of mind when it comes to data security of videos in my home.
Is Furbo Worth It?
There are a million pet camera options out there, and to be honest the only two that I have experience with are the Ring Camera System and the Furbo.
The Ring doesn’t rotate, doesn’t track movement, and doesn’t toss treats.
So in my book, the Furbo wins hands down.
As to the other treat chucking dog cameras on the market? I have no idea. Amazon is overloaded with choices, many of them cheaper. To that, I say this: app development and security (of videos taken in the home and stored on the cloud) are not cheap. Bad apps ruin good products all the time, and I personally would not take my chances on a budget knockoff version of something like this.
We know the Furbo app is secure and it works beautifully. Having now used the Furbo 360 in my home for a few months, I can say with confidence that it is a well made product that just…WORKS.
I’ve never had problems with the connection, the camera, or the treat tossing function (ok, except when I was an idiot and put soft treats in there). The wooden lid is a nice feature that helps the device blend in with home decor.
Where Should You Buy a Furbo Dog Camera
Amazon! It will come to you fast and returns are easy.
How long can a dog stay home alone? Even though dog owners may never want to leave their furry friends, at times, it is absolutely necessary to leave a dog at home for a few hours.
So, as a pet parent, it’s important to know just how long you can leave your dog home alone.
After all, there will be times when you need to run errands or go to work and can’t take them with you. But don’t worry, there are ways to make sure your pup is happy and safe while you’re away.
HOW LONG CAN A DOG STAY HOME ALONE?
Dogs can have alone time for different periods of time, depending on several factors:
ALL DOGS ARE DIFFERENT AND AS A DOG OWNER YOU SHOULD TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION
For example, a senior dog with separation anxiety may only be able to stay home alone for a couple of hours while a young puppy with no prior history of being left alone may be able to stay home for a longer period of time.
It’s important to note that all dogs are different and some may not do well being left home alone at all while others may thrive in it.
The best way to find out is by slowly leaving your dog home alone for short periods of time and gradually increasing the amount of time they’re alone as they get more comfortable with it.
DO DOGS HATE BEING HOME ALONE?
Dogs are social animals who value quality time and human interaction.
However, that does NOT mean that dogs or other animals ‘hate’ being left home alone.
Most dogs value alone time and ‘quiet time’, just like humans do.
In fact, some dogs may actually prefer being left home alone as they can have the entire house to themselves without having to share their space with anyone as it serves as a nice break for them.
HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS HAPPY WHILE YOU’RE GONE
There are a few things you can do to make sure your dog is happy while you are away.
Dogs LOVE to eat Kongs or frozen bones while their dog owners are away
Leave your dog alone after a good long session of exercise
Give your dog a puzzle or toy to play with while you are gone
Provide CBD for your furry friend to keep them calm while they are left alone
Bathroom breaks are an absolute must for any dog before you leave them alone for short OR long periods
KONGS
Kongs are a fantastic way to keep your dog happy during their alone time.
Kongs are a safe and durable toy that can be filled with your dog’s favorite treats.
This will give your furry friend something to do while you’re away and will prevent them from getting bored or anxious.
A good long walk or run before you leave will tire your dog out and make sure they are calm when you’re gone. Foundational skills in training both off leash and on leash are crucial for being able to get your dog the proper exercise that it needs!
Puzzle toys such as the Pet Zone IQ ball can help your pup stay entertained for quite awhile while they are left alone. And it is always a great idea to keep your pet busy while you are out of the house.
Many dog toys on the market are designed to help with a dog’s separation anxiety.
CBD
CBD is an all-natural way to help your pet relax while you’re away.
An empty bladder will help your dog feel more comfortable while you’re gone. Make sure to prioritize a long enough bathroom break that your dog can have some time to sniff, pee or poo. (Treats to Help Your Dog Love Potty Training)
Remember, all dogs are different and it’s important to take that into consideration when determining how long to leave your puppy or dog home alone.
If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with your veterinarian.
It is this deep connection that dog people value so much.
Human companionship is important to dogs, but so is alone time. Just like humans, dogs need some time to themselves every now and then. And that’s perfectly normal.
So, how long can a dog stay home alone? It really depends on the individual dog.
Even though both puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs all value the quality time and human companionship that they have with their human family members, it does not mean that they resent being left alone or get ‘mad’ at you when you leave the house for a few hours.
DOES MY DOG FEEL SAD WHEN I LEAVE THEM HOME ALONE?
Some dogs experience severe separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety happens when a dog becomes agitated and stressed when their human companion leaves them alone.
This can manifest itself in a number of ways, including barking, howling, chewing on furniture or clothing, pacing back and forth, or going to the bathroom inside the house.
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your veterinarian or a trainer to get your dog confident enough that you can leave your dog without them experiencing angst or anxiety.
GET YOUR YOUNG PUPPIES USED TO BEING LEFT ALONE
A dog’s age truly matters in preparing them to be left alone. This does not mean that an adult dog or a senior dog cannot be trained or taught independence, but starting to leave a dog home alone when they are a puppy is best.
Puppies have shorter attention spans and are more likely to forget that you are gone after a few minutes. They are also less likely to be anxious about your leaving if it is something that they are used to from a young age.
A good rule of thumb for puppies younger than 8 weeks old is that they can hold it for one hour per month of age.
For example, a two-month-old puppy can stay home alone for no more than two hours. When your puppy is four months old, it should be able to be left alone for no more than four hours.
As your puppy gets older, you can gradually increase the amount of time they are left alone until they are able to handle being by themselves for longer periods of time.
IS IT BAD TO LEAVE A DOG ALONE?
Leaving your dog home is not bad, as long as you have set up your dog for success!
Crate training, providing social engagement and mental enrichment, physical exercise and quality diet are all ways to help leave a dog home with success.
Dogs are pack animals and social animals, but they also love quiet, down time if they are trained adequately to not have separation anxiety.
As a dog owner, you should not feel ‘guilty’ leaving your dog home.
Just make sure to give your dog both human company and time with other animals and dogs to fulfil their social needs, as well as time to be alone to fulfil their need for independence.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I LEAVE AN ADULT DOG ALONE PER DAY?
The amount of time that a dog or puppy can be left alone will change throughout a dog’s life.
PUPPIES
As a puppy, most owners will work to be around their puppy for as long as possible.
A small pup is unable to go for very long without having a need of their owners attention, whether it be food or a potty break.
If an owner is required to work full time and brings home a puppy, it is necessary to look into professional dog walkers, neighbors, friends or family to help with the puppy.
A general rule for a puppy to be left in the house by itself is one hour per month of age, up to a maximum of eight hours.
This means that if you have an eight-week-old puppy, they can be left alone for no longer than two hours at a time.
As the puppy grows and becomes more independent, this time can gradually be increased until they are able to stay home by themselves for more than two hours.
ADULT DOGS AND SENIOR DOGS
If you have an adult dog or senior dog that does not have any health conditions, they should be able to be left at home for much longer than a puppy.
With a healthy adult dog, they should be independent to remain at home for at least six hours without needing a potty break or to be fed.
This number will change based on individual dogs, as some may need to relieve themselves more frequently than others.
As always, consult with your veterinarian to see what is best for your individual dog. age, health and breeds all play a role in how long you can leave your dog home alone.
PUPPIES AND CRATE TRAINING
Crating your pup is one of the most important things you can do when working on leaving them home alone.
This way, the pup won’t feel isolated from the family while they are away.
Puppies should only be left in the crate for short periods of time at first, such as 30 minutes to an hour.
The length of time should gradually be increased as the pup gets more comfortable with being in the crate.
It is important to make sure that the puppy has been exercised before being crated, as they will need to relieve themselves.
Puppies should not be crated for more than four hours at a time.
Crated dogs tend to have less anxiety and well crated dogs are able to relax at home for longer periods of time as their owners don’t have to worry about them eating things they shouldn’t, getting into anything dangerous, or hurting themselves.
As you can see, the question of how long can you leave your dog at home varies depending on many factors, one being whether your dog is comfortable using a crate.
PUPPIES AND POTTY BREAKS
Potty training young puppies and dogs can be difficult but is one of the most foundational and important things you can do for your dog.
Potty training also will help determine whether you can leave a dog alone or not.
If your dog is not potty trained, you will have difficulty leaving a dog alone for risk that your dog will potty in the house.
The process of potty training generally starts with taking your dog out frequently, every 30 minutes to an hour, so they can get used to going outside to relieve themselves. (Create a Potty Schedule)
As your dog gets older, bigger, and better at holding their bladder, you will be able to increase the time between potty breaks.
A general rule of thumb is that a dog who is not potty trained should go potty every time they eat, wake up, or after they play.
When you are about to leave your dog alone, make sure to make time for them to take a potty outside. If you do not make time for going potty, it will majorly impact how long you can leave a dog alone.
SENIOR DOGS AND BATHROOM BREAKS
Senior dogs need additional bathroom breaks, more so than most dogs.
If you have an older dog, you will want to be cognizant of the fact that they likely need additional bathroom breaks.
A great idea is to encourage your senior pup to use the restroom as often as possible.
Frequent bathroom visits for your dog can help prevent urinary tract infections, incontinence issues, or accidents in the house.
Your senior pets do not want to have accidents in the house, but sometimes as dogs age they cannot help it.
If your senior dog has issues with accidents in the house, you may want to look into doggy diapers or belly bands.
These products can help absorb any accidents and make cleanup a breeze.
There are many things to consider when wondering how long you can leave your dog home alone.
The best way to determine an appropriate amount of time is to consider your dog’s age, bathroom habits, and comfort level with being left home alone.
By taking all of these things into account, you can make the best decision for you and your furry friend.
GETTING DOG WALKERS FOR DOGS
One option that works well for most dogs is hiring a dog walker.
You can find a dog walker on dog walker specific apps like ‘Rover’, or by asking your neighbor or friends if they would like to frequently walk your dog.
Hiring someone to walk your dog will alleviate the pressure and stress that it might bring when you leave a dog alone.
Knowing that your dog will have a break throughout their day leaves pet parents with a better feeling and gives the dog a break in their day.
DOGGY DAYCARE FOR A DOG WHO WORKS A FULL TIME JOB
Doggy daycare CAN be a good thing, but depending on the dog, it can also be a complete mistake.
Some daycares for dogs are a total mistake in regards to that dogs training, habits, and temperament.
Before enrolling your dog in daycare, make sure to do your research on the different types of daycares and see if it is a good fit for your pup.
The best way to do this is by asking around for recommendations or reading online reviews and asking a TON OF QUESTIONS!
Questions to ask the dog daycare facility prior to signing your dog up for daycare:
What is the humans to dog ratio?
Are all dogs required to be vaccinated?
Where do the dogs rest or take breaks if they are over stimulated or need a break?
What is the process for a new dog that joins the daycare?
Do you have any liability insurance in case my dog gets injured while at daycare?
What is the emergency plan for your dog in the event that the facility has an emergency?
By asking all of these questions, you can get a better understanding of whether or not doggy daycare is right for your dog.
MENTAL ENGAGEMENT AND HOW IT HELPS WHEN YOU HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE
Mental stimulation helps in tremendous ways when owners have to leave a dog alone.
Mental stimulation is the act of providing activities that challenge a dog’s problem-solving skills.
This can be done in many different ways, such as through food puzzles, Kongs stuffed with treats, or even interactive dog toys. Our favorite treats:
By providing your dog with something mental enriching, you are giving them something to do while you are away that will tire them out both mentally and physically.
This is a great way to help your dog stay calm and relaxed while you are away from home.
There are many different ways that you can provide mental stimulation for your dog.
The best way to figure out which method works best for your dog is by trial and error.
What works for one dog may not work for another, so it is important to find what works best for your furry friend.
INTERACTIVE DOG TOYS
One of the best ways to provide mental stimulation for your dog is through interactive dog toys.
Interactive dog toys are designed to keep your dog engaged and challenged while you are away from home.
For example, the PetDroid Interactive Toy helps keep your pets busy while you are gone by providing them with a variety of activities to do.
The PetDroid is an interactive dog toy that gets them moving and active even when you are gone.
They come in a variety of different styles, so you are sure to find one that your dog will love.
Some of the most popular interactive dog toys on the market include the Kong Classic Dog Toy, the StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy, and the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Puzzle Game.
The best part about using a Furbo with your dogs is that not only is it a food dispensing toy that will keep your dog entertained and challenged, but it also has a camera inside of it, so you can watch your dogs while you are at work or the store.
It is a great way to provide mental stimulation for your dog while you are away from home.
These are just a few of the many different ways you can help your dog get its brain active and working.
HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT MIGHT IMPACT A DOG BEING LEFT ALONE
Sometimes, sick animals are unable to be left alone for as long as a healthy pet.
Sick animals can demonstrate their pain in unusual ways, like peeing in the house or demonstrating anxiety when their owners leave.
Some illnesses that might need additional attentiveness from owners include:
Gastrointestinal issueIf your dog is suffering from any of these conditions, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to see how best to care for your pet. They will be able to give you specific instructions on what you can do to help your dog succeed and help you be able to leave your dog alone for longer periods of time. (Gut health)
Put your dog on a quality probiotic to prevent many illnesses related to whole body health.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO SUCCESSFULLY LEAVE A DOG ALONE?
Yes! You can leave a dog alone at home and still find success in their behavior. When you leave a dog alone, you equip them to be independent dogs!
Just make sure that you are setting up your dogs for success when you leave them, leave them for the right amount of time for their age and energy level, and make sure to give them something to do while you’re gone if necessary.
By following these simple steps, you can leave your dog alone with no problem!
Do you have any tips to leave a dog alone successfully? How long can you leave your dog alone? Share them in the comments below!
