We love our dogs to no end, and always want to be there for them. However, with a career plus a busy schedule, it becomes difficult to balance your work and personal lives. Therefore, it takes work to ensure your furry friend doesn’t feel left out. Here are 7 ways for working dog parents (or those planning to adopt) to keep their furbabies happy and healthy:
1. Choose the right breed
When you’re working full-time, it is imperative to get a dog breed that can get well adjusted to the home environment. Large dog breeds may have a hard time staying in an enclosed space, so always take the advice of a veterinarian before adopting the pet. Moreover, only adopt when you’re ready to take responsibility. Dogs require lots of care and attention, so always consider everything before deciding to adopt a pet.
2. Train your dog
To avoid behavioral issues in dogs, you need to train them from day one. Since you’ll be at work for most of the day, it’s vital to teach your dog to be fine solo. Going out of the house and coming back should not be a big deal over time. Don’t hesitate to use professional trainers if you’re struggling to get your dog to learn on your own.
3. Look after their needs
Having a dog requires you to think and plan ahead. For instance, if you’re going to be away for a few hours, you’ll need to leave ample time beforehand to take your dog outside to go to the bathroom. If you don’t, they may have an accident while you’re away, which would be more your fault than theirs. Additionally, always make sure they have sufficient food and water available when needed.
4. Don’t use restraints
No matter where you go, never tie your dog up with a leash to restrain him from moving. This can have a harsh effect on a dog’s mental health. Instead, you can put him in a well-ventilated room or a spacious crate made for dogs.
5. Pet-proof the house
Since your dog is not tied up, the best practice would be to pet-proof the house. This will prevent mishaps like accidents and your pet harming her- or himself while playing. Get rid of any sharp or poisonous things to ensure your pet’s safety.
6. Try interactive gadgets
With technology, you can easily talk to your dog via gadgets developed especially for pet parents. This allows you to check up on your dog (and even speak to him) from time to time. In fact, some devices also have a video feature so you can see your pet as well.
7. Don’t forget a little TLC
We know that life can get busy, but when you’re at home, ensure that you spend lots of quality time with your pup! Shower them with love and treats so that they know how special and loved they are!
If you’re a pet parent who works full time and still manages to look after your dog, you’re doing great! It’s certainly not easy, but their unconditional love and affection at the end of the day definitely make it worth it.
Featured image via Drew Hays on Unsplash
