Should I Get a Dog If I Work Full Time and What to Consider

Getting a dog can be a wonderful idea, but it's essential to consider your lifestyle, especially if you work full-time. Many people assume they can't have a dog if they have a busy schedule, but with some planning, it's definitely possible.

According to a study, dogs can form strong bonds with their owners, even if they're away from home for long periods. This means your dog will still love and appreciate you, even if you're not around all day.

Having a dog can actually be beneficial for your mental health and stress levels. Research shows that interacting with dogs can reduce cortisol levels and improve mood. However, this doesn't mean you can neglect your dog's needs - they still require regular exercise, training, and attention.

Getting a dog while working full-time can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Every dog needs some daily exercise and enrichment, regardless of breed or size. Sporting dogs, herding breeds, and high-energy dogs require more mental and physical stimulation, so make sure you can fit in time for them.

Explore further: Best Time to Breed Dog in Heat

Heavy-coated dogs need regular grooming, which is a time and financial commitment. You'll also want to consider your daily schedule and availability. If you work long hours, travel extensively, or have an unpredictable schedule, it may not be fair to your pet. Before bringing a dog home, prepare to care for them for their lifetime, which could be over 15 years for some breeds.

Here are some general guidelines for leaving a puppy alone:

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and every puppy is different. It's essential to have a support system in place, such as a friend or relative who can step in if your arrangements are interrupted.

Having a pet is a big responsibility, and one of the most important things to consider is the time commitment involved. Every dog needs some amount of daily exercise and enrichment, regardless of breed, size, or age.

A dog's energy level is a key factor in determining how much time they need. For example, sporting dogs, herding breeds, terriers, and working dogs require more mental and physical enrichment daily than some other breeds.

For puppies, the time commitment is even more significant. At 8 weeks old, puppies need a lot of attention and companionship, and it's recommended to either take time off work or arrange for someone else to look after them while you're at work. As they grow older, their needs change, and by 6 months old, they may be able to last three to four hours without a pee.

Here are some general guidelines for the time commitment required for pets:

* AgeTime Commitment8 weeks oldFull-time attention and companionship3-6 months old3-4 hours without a pee

It's also essential to consider your daily schedule and overall availability. If you regularly work long hours, having a dog at home may not be fair to your pet. Similarly, if you travel extensively or plan to do so, you'll want to think if your dog can join you or who will care for them while you are away.

Having a support system in place is crucial when it comes to managing a pet's time commitment. This can include hiring a trustworthy dog walker, using doggy daycare, or working from home.

Curious to learn more? Check out: What Shots Do Dogs Need to Get Groomed?

Keeping a dog despite a busy schedule is definitely doable. More than a third of all households in the USA include a dog, showing that many people make it work.

Dogs provide numerous benefits that go beyond companionship and love. Over 30% of households in the USA have a dog, indicating a significant number of people prioritize their furry friends.

You might wonder how people manage to care for their dogs while working full-time. The answer lies in planning and preparation.

Getting a dog while working full-time requires careful consideration of the costs involved. Dogs are a major expense, and the initial cost of purchasing a dog is just the beginning.

You'll need to factor in the cost of basic supplies, such as bowls, leashes, collars, toys, grooming supplies, and more. Ongoing costs such as training classes, food, and treats should also be factored in, as well as replacing items as they are outgrown or worn out.

Large-breed dogs are typically more expensive because their supplies, food, grooming, and even prescription medications tend to be pricier compared to smaller dogs.

A unique perspective: How Much Does It Cost to Get Stitches for a Dog?

To estimate the cost of having a dog, let's start with the initial expenses. The initial cost of purchasing a dog is just the beginning.

You'll also need to factor in the cost of basic supplies, such as bowls, leashes, collars, toys, grooming supplies, and more. These can add up quickly, so it's essential to consider them when calculating the total cost.

Large-breed dogs are typically more expensive due to their pricier supplies, food, grooming, and prescription medications.

Regular veterinary visits are a must for all dogs, and you should also be prepared for any injuries, sickness, or more advanced care. This can include unexpected vet bills, which can be a significant financial burden.

Professional grooming may be necessary depending on the breed and your own grooming abilities.

Being a responsible dog owner is crucial, and it's not just about providing luxury items for your pet. A responsible dog owner is someone who proactively plans for their dog's needs and ensures they're being met.

Dogs are dependent on their owners for everything, from food to providing time and space to go to the bathroom and get enough stimulation and exercise. This means making a commitment to training your dog so they behave well at home, in public, and around others.

Being a responsible owner also means making arrangements for someone to care for your dog if you're unable to do so yourself. This could be a neighbor, a family member, or even hiring a pet sitter.

A responsible owner doesn't just think about their dog's immediate needs, but also considers the long-term implications of their actions. This includes making sure your dog has a safe and healthy environment to live in.

Ultimately, being a responsible dog owner is a big responsibility, but it's one that's worth taking on if you're committed to giving your dog the best possible life.

Dogs don't come pre-programmed, so regular training is essential for building a stronger bond with your dog. Training is a lifelong process for dogs and their owners.

At a minimum, dogs should be potty trained and learn basic manners. Regular training can also reduce conflict and frustration over caring for a dog.

You have multiple options for dog training, including doing it yourself at home, attending classes, or hiring a private trainer.

Choosing the right dog for your family involves more than just picking a breed that looks good to you. Research your desired breed and look into national breed clubs for information and connections with regional clubs and breeders.

Most breeders are happy to talk about their dogs and share their experiences with living with the breed, which can give you a sense of whether they'll be a good fit.

Expand your knowledge: How to Get a Dog Breeders License

Training your dog is a lifelong process that requires regular training to build a stronger bond with your dog.

Training your dog is essential to reduce conflict and frustration over caring for a dog.

Dogs should be trained using positive reinforcement methodologies to get them off on the right foot.

At a minimum, dogs should be potty trained and learn basic manners.

You can choose from multiple options for dog training, including doing it yourself at home, attending classes, or hiring a private trainer.

Crate training is a great way to help your dog learn good manners and reduce conflict and frustration over caring for a dog.

Dogs don't come pre-programmed, so regular training is necessary, especially for basic training like potty training and learning manners.

You can crate train your puppy when you work full time, but first, you'll need to do the training when you're at home to begin with.

A small puppy can't hold their bladder for very long, so leaving them in a crate all day while you're at work can lead to accidents.

At a minimum, dogs should be potty trained and learn basic manners, and regular training can reduce conflict and frustration over caring for a dog.

Many 8-10 week old Labrador puppies have a tiny bladder capacity that can hold around an hour's urine, maximum.

Crate training involves leaving the puppy for very short periods of time, and it's essential to start with short periods to avoid accidents.

Broaden your view: Why Does My Dog Get Mad When I Sniff Him?

Dogs whose bladder is constantly being overfilled are likely to be more prone to bladder infections and may give up when the effort of waiting becomes unbearable.

If you leave a brand new puppy in a crate for longer than an hour at most (during the day) without risking accidents, it's essential to consider their tiny bladder capacity.

Getting a dog while working full-time can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. Dogs shouldn't be left alone for more than three to five hours.

You need to consider your lifestyle and whether it's suitable for a dog. Think about your work schedule, social life, and daily routine. Ask yourself questions like: What is the maximum time my dog could be left alone? Can I afford a dog walker? How does my dog cope with being left alone?

As a general rule, dogs need physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social connection to be fulfilled. This can happen in the mornings and evenings rather than all day, but it does need to happen.

Take a look at this: Boarding My Dog for the First Time

If you work near home, try to come home for short visits, even just a quick walk or play. This can make a huge difference in your dog's day.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering your lifestyle:

Ultimately, it's not about whether you work full-time or not, but about making sure your dog's biological needs are met. With some planning and creativity, you can provide a happy and fulfilling life for your dog, even if you work full-time.

Recommended read: Dog Flea Treatment Not Working

If you're unable to leave your dog alone for a full work day, there are definitely options. Puppies, for example, cannot be left home alone for 8+ hours.

You can consider hiring a dog walker or asking a trusted neighbor to check in on your dog during the day. Small dogs may not be able to hold their bladder for a full work day.

If you have a high energy, high drive working dog, they need a full time job of their own. Many dogs experience separation anxiety, sometimes quite severely.

You can also explore doggy daycare options or consider hiring a pet sitter to stay with your dog during the day. Older dogs could have a medical issue like seizures or require medication.