The Ideal Dog Schedule for Working Owners: Keeping Your Pup Happy and Healthy
Dog owners who work full-time jobs have a difficult balancing act on their hands. How do you care for a dog properly while working from 9-to-5 – or longer – throughout the week?
The good news is that this challenge is not an impossible one to overcome. Sure, you’ll need to do some planning, but you can craft a schedule that satisfies your dog while allowing you to focus on your work with a clear conscience. Let’s take a closer look below at how to deal with this situation.
A Sample Dog Schedule for Working Owners
While the downside of having to work all day is spending less time with your dog, there is a positive to be found – you’ll have structure in your schedule and you can plan accordingly. Take a look at the schedule outlined below to start thinking about how you’ll work out your own routine.
Morning Routine
It could easily be argued that the morning is the most important part of your dog’s daily routine when you are working.
Get the day off to a great start by taking your dog for a quick walk, providing some fresh water and food, and making sure the dog goes to the bathroom. By hitting all of these key points, your dog will be in a good place when you head out the door.
Midday Break
This is where things get tricky. You won’t be home – unless you work close enough to home to stop by – so you’ll need to get help to get the dog outside. A dog walking service is a great option for this situation. Many services exist to stop by and take your dog out to walk and go potty, and they are generally pretty affordable. You can also have some toys set up inside the house for your dog to use and stay entertained while you are away.
Evening Routine
When you first get home from work, take your dog back outside for fresh air and to use the bathroom again. Then, take time to engage directly with the dog, whether it’s in the form of a play session, a tummy rub, or something else. Now that you are done with work for the day, your mind should be free to be present with the dog and enjoy your time together.
Tailoring Your Dog’s Routine to Their Needs
The general outline above is a good starting point, but no two dogs are the same. You’ll need to customize your plan to make sure it aligns with your dog’s needs.
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Most puppies have overflowing energy levels that need to be addressed. If you have a young dog, do whatever you can to make sure they get outside as much as possible – maybe by getting up a little earlier and extending that morning walk. For an older dog, you might not need to take as much time for walks, but potty breaks may need to be more frequent.
Matching the Routine to Your Dog’s Breed
As with age, breed can also impact energy levels and how much outside time is necessary. Breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds need to burn off a lot of energy, while others such as Basset Hounds and Bulldogs may be more content to hang out around the house.
Keeping Your Dog Happy While You Are Working
Technology can play a role in helping your dog enjoy their time while you aren’t home. Cameras can allow you to interact with the dog remotely, or you could use something like a treat dispenser to reward them for good behavior in your absence.
When to Seek Professional Help for Your Dog’s Routine
You might find that you are still having some issues with your dog’s routine even after setting up a reliable and logical schedule.
When that is the case, the professional team at Austin Canine Rehab may be able to help.
Dogs that are having trouble with mobility limitations – including senior dogs – can benefit from our rehab services or manual therapy to help restore or maintain their mobility. Improving physical health and well-being can go a long way toward improving the overall quality of life your dog enjoys.
Setting Up Your Dog – and You! – For Success
We hope that the ideas in this post will help you craft a schedule that is ideal for you and your pet. Of course, the ideal schedule for a dog and owner will look different in each situation, so take some time to customize a plan that will give you the best possible results.
Also, don’t be afraid to change it! Only through trial and error will you be able to continue working toward the best layout for your situation.
If your dog needs specialized care to live her or his best life, take a moment today to learn more about the services provided by Austin Canine Rehab. Contact us now and we’ll be in touch shortly!
Frequently Asked Questions
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If at all possible, providing your dog with two walks per day – or more – is great. This will allow for consistent physical exercise and will also give the dog a chance to go to the bathroom while outside.
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There are a number of options for entertainment while you are away, including treat-dispensing puzzles, interactive toys, and more. Even just rotating which toys are left out in the house can keep things fresh.
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Certainly – and it’s a good idea to do so. If you have a high-energy dog, be sure to provide plenty of activity and stimulation whenever possible. On the other hand, dogs that have less natural energy may appreciate plenty of time to rest and relax.
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You’ll likely need to get help to allow your dog to go out for a potty break during the workday. This could come in the form of a professional dog walker that you hire to stop by, or it could be a helpful neighbor who is willing to do it for you.
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A day that includes a diverse set of activities is best for your dog’s well-being. That means including meals, walks, some playtime, and time to rest. If all of those points are touched on during the day, your dog is likely to be quite satisfied.
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Simply leaving out a supply of fresh water in a convenient, known location should get the job done. When your dog is feeling thirsty, the water will be available for a drink.
