The Ultimate Guide to Having a Dog and Working Full Time

Having a dog and working full time can be a challenge, but with the right mindset and planning, it's definitely possible. According to a study, 75% of dog owners who work full time consider their dog to be a member of the family.

You'll need to consider your work schedule and how it will impact your dog's daily routine. For example, if you have a long commute, you may need to hire a dog walker or ask a trusted neighbor to check in on your dog during the day.

Planning ahead is key to making this work. Research shows that dogs that receive regular exercise and mental stimulation are less likely to develop behavioral problems.

In fact, studies have shown that dogs that are left alone for extended periods of time can suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior.

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First, get the set up right by choosing a crate that's big enough for your puppy to stand up in and lie down with their legs outstretched. This will help them learn to hold their bladder.

A quiet corner is a good spot for the crate, but make sure it's in a room where your puppy can see what's going on. This will help them feel more secure and less anxious.

Give your puppy a comfortable space to rest and play by adding a soft bed and some toys to the crate.

Opt for a breed that is known to have lower maintenance in terms of grooming and health issues. Some breeds are less prone to health problems, which can reduce veterinary costs.

Leaving certain breeds alone for too long isn't ideal, as they need a lot of attention and playtime. Breeds like border collies and Labradors are very active and require regular interaction.

These breeds are your best choices in terms of low-maintenance grooming: BeagleChihuahuaBoxerDachshundWhippetBoston TerrierMiniature PinscherGreyhoundShiba InuBasenjiBasset HoundMalteseShar PeiBullmastiffFrench Bulldog

These breeds are known for being more independent and can cope better with your work schedule.

For another approach, see: Dog Grooming

First, choose a crate that's big enough for a puppy to stand up in and lie down with their legs outstretched. This is crucial for house training, as a pup won't learn to hold their bladder if they have too much room.

A good crate size can be determined by using a partition to get the size just right. This will help your puppy learn to hold their bladder and make the house training process much easier.

When setting up the crate, place it in a quiet corner of a room where your puppy can see what's going on. This will help them feel secure and comfortable.

Make the crate super comfy with a soft bed and some toys. A happy puppy is a well-rested puppy, and a well-rested puppy is easier to house train.

Here's a quick rundown of the must-haves for a puppy crate:

By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to setting up a happy and healthy home for your new furry friend.

Affording ownership costs can be a challenge, but understanding the expenses involved can help you prepare.

First, you need to create a detailed budget that includes all potential pet-related expenses. This can help you understand and prepare for the financial commitment. You might need to adjust your spending in other areas to accommodate pet costs.

The total estimated monthly cost of dog ownership can range from $240 to $480, depending on various factors such as location and the specific needs of your pet.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated monthly costs:

Some costs like grooming, training, and pet sitting may not be monthly but occasional. However, it’s useful to average these out over the year to understand the monthly commitment.

Having a dog and working full-time can be challenging, but with a little planning, you can make it work. Regular preventive care is essential to avoid costly treatments later, including regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and a healthy diet for your dog.

A tired dog is a better-behaved dog, so make sure to get your dog plenty of exercise. Depending on the breed and age of the dog, you'll need a plan for physical activity, such as taking your dog on a walk before and after work, and setting up a safe space with a doggie playpen.

To keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated while you're away, provide them with enrichment activities like stuffed puzzles or snuffle mats. If you can't be home during the day, consider hiring a dog walker or enlisting the help of a neighbor or family member to check in on your dog.

Regular preventive care is essential for your dog's overall health. It can help avoid more costly treatments later.

Regular vet check-ups are crucial to keep your dog healthy. This should be done at least once a year, or as recommended by your vet.

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Maintaining a healthy diet for your dog is also vital. This means feeding them a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Feeding your dog at the right time is also important. A puppy should eat more frequently than an adult dog, so make sure to set up a feeding schedule that matches your dog's age.

Here's a rough guide to help you plan your dog's feeding schedule:

Exercise is a must for dogs. It's essential to provide your dog with physical activity throughout the day.

A tired dog is a better-behaved dog. This is because dogs often chew things up and get into mischief when they're bored.

To get your dog moving, try taking them on a walk before you leave for work. Repeat this when you get home.

You can also set up a safe space with a doggie playpen. This can include your dog's crate and some water, giving them a little room to move around.

After about four hours in a crate, your dog will need a break. If possible, go home on your lunch break and take your dog outside for some fresh air and exercise.

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Housebreak Gently is a must for any dog owner. Bringing a puppy home requires time and patience, especially when it comes to potty training.

If possible, bring the puppy home when you have a few days off work to give her time to acclimate to your household and rules. This helps prevent accidents and sets a good foundation for a well-behaved dog.

The younger the puppy, the more frequently they need to go outside. You can either run home at lunch and on breaks or hire a dog walker to help with this.

Talk to work about bringing your dog with you. Some offices now allow dogs as long as they're well behaved.

Reward your dog like crazy. When you take your dog outside or to the training pad and she urinates or defecates, praise her and give her a treat. This positive reinforcement helps your dog learn quickly.

Old school tactics, such as rubbing a dog's nose in an accident, simply don't work. The dog may grow confused and simply potty inside in a location you can't see.

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Here are some tips to keep in mind when housebreaking your dog:

It's okay to leave your dog alone, but it depends on the individual dog's personality and habits. A dog used to being alone during the day will likely spend most of its time sleeping while you're at work and become more active when you're home.

If you bring home a dog that's used to having people around all the time, it might not handle being left alone for too long and could start causing trouble. But if a dog has always been alone during the day, they're likely more used to it and won't have as many issues.

Your dog's favorite spot is where they feel most comfortable in your home, so make sure to discover and respect that spot.

Leaving a puppy alone for too long can be problematic, especially for young puppies. A simple equation can help determine how long a puppy can hold their pee: take the puppy's age in months and add one.

Here's a rough guide to help you plan comfort breaks for your puppy:

This means you'll need to give the pup comfort breaks at the appropriate times to avoid confusion about potty training.

Having a dog and working full-time requires some creative problem-solving, especially when it comes to training and behavior.

The Puppy Pen Method can be a lifesaver if you can't rely on people popping in to check on your puppy.

Keeping your puppy safe within a playpen, but in an area that's large enough to hold their bed, toys, and a corner for puppy pads, is key to this method.

This setup encourages and praises the puppy to use the pads as a toilet, and when left alone, they'll head for the pads instead of soiling their bed.

Having a dog and working full-time requires some careful consideration. Many people think it's best for dog owners to stay at home or work from home, but it's possible to have a wonderful pet even with a 9–5 job.

You need to make sure your dog is okay while you're gone, which might mean finding someone to check on them and take them for a walk during the day.

Owning a pet can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the responsibilities involved. Many people think having a pet is best for those who don't have a 9–5 job, but it's possible to have a wonderful pet even with a full-time job.

Leaving a pet alone for too long can be seen as cruel, but with proper care, it's not a deal-breaker. Dogs might need someone to check on them and take them for a walk during the day.

Some people believe owning a pet is only feasible for those who are wealthy or work from home, but that's not necessarily true. Many people with full-time jobs have well-behaved, loved, and taken-care-of pets.

Having a dog while working a 9–5 job requires careful consideration, especially for those who may not have much money. Adopting a rescue dog can be a great option, but it's essential to think about the challenges of caring for a playful puppy.

It's possible to have a pet while working a full-time job, but it's crucial to ensure your pet is okay while you're gone.

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Dogs need adequate space to move and rest, and some breeds require more room than others. If you use a crate, it should be open so your dog can sleep in it, but never keep your dog crated all day.

Keeping a dog locked up in a tiny space is unkind. Always make sure your dog has access to water.

If your lifestyle or circumstances aren't right for dog ownership, there are still ways to experience the benefits of having a dog in your life.

You could sponsor one of our dogs, which can be a great way to make a difference in a dog's life.

Sponsoring a dog means you'll be providing them with the care and support they need until they find their forever home.

Volunteering at your local rehoming centre is another option, where you can help care for dogs and help them find their new homes.

Becoming a volunteer dog walker is also a great way to spend time with dogs and give them the exercise they need.

It's essential to ask yourself questions to ensure you're ready for a dog, including whether you have enough time for them.

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If your office isn't dog-friendly, crate training is a good strategy for when your dog needs to be home alone. Crate training can help keep your dog safe and calm.

You can also put up a dog gate to block off rooms you don't want your dog in, but never leave your dog home alone for too long. Generally, an adult dog is okay by themselves for 4 to 6 hours.

If you need to leave your dog for longer than 4 to 6 hours, consider finding a doggy daycare, a walker, or a pet sitter. Setting up these services ahead of time is the best way to ensure your dog's happiness and your peace of mind.

Setting up an indoor potty area can also help your dog stay comfortable and increase your peace of mind if you can't get help with your pet.

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Two dogs can provide each other with companionship, which may help when you leave the house.

However, all dogs are individuals and will have different social preferences and needs.

Some dogs may be happy with the company of another dog, but you'll still need to ensure they don't become bored.

You'll also need to make sure they can get out for toilet breaks.

It's possible that having two dogs won't make a difference in reducing separation anxiety, as it's you, their owner, that they miss.

You may end up with two unhappy dogs instead of one.

To make your life easier when working full time and having a dog, it's a good idea to learn some DIY grooming tasks at home, like bathing and nail trimming, to save on professional grooming costs.

Using puzzle feeders is also a great trick to try. You can fill a Kong with your dog's next meal and let them figure it out, keeping them occupied and preventing boredom. This is especially helpful when you're away and your dog is being cared for by a sitter.

Here are some specific ideas to get you started:

Learning to do some grooming tasks at home can save you money on professional grooming costs, like the one mentioned in DIY Grooming and Care.

You can start by learning to bathe your pet at home, it's a great way to get them clean and comfortable.

Bathing your pet regularly can also help prevent matting and tangling of their fur, which can be painful and difficult to deal with.

Nail trimming is another important grooming task that you can do at home, it's essential to trim your pet's nails regularly to prevent overgrowth.

Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and pain for your pet, and can even lead to health problems if left untreated.

Raising a puppy can be tough, especially when you're away from home. Petcube is a great solution to this problem, allowing you to monitor your pet remotely.

With Petcube, you can see what your furry friend is up to right away, which is super reassuring. You can even laugh at their antics and see that they're just chillin' in their bed.

You can use Petcube to establish good behaviors in your pet, even from a distance. This means you can praise them for resting peacefully.

Petcube also lets you play interactive games with your pet, like "hunt the red dot" and fling treats as a reward. This makes for a fun and engaging experience for your pet.

If you're looking for ways to keep your pup occupied while you're away, try using a puzzle feeder like a Kong. It's a great way to slow down mealtime and prevent boredom.

You can also freeze the puzzle feeder with food inside, which will keep your pup busy for hours. This is especially helpful on warm days when they might get hungry faster.

Sturdy chew toys are a must-have for teething puppies. Make sure to choose one that's safe and durable, and consider smearing it with peanut butter for an extra tasty treat.

The cardboard box trick is another fun way to keep your pup engaged. Simply seal a treat inside a box and let them figure out how to get it out.

For a more DIY approach, try rolling up a newspaper with some kibble or a treat inside. Secure it with tape to prevent the treats from falling out, and offer it as a chew toy.