A puppy can bring a lot of fun and laughter to the home, but this fur baby can also be a lot of work! Once they get older, the amount of work they need decreases, but for those who are working and trying to raise a puppy alone, it can be a lot to handle. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help your pup learn and grow, all while maintaining balance in your life.
Get Help Caring for the Puppy
Many who work may need help taking care of your puppy, as the animal can’t be home all day alone. Although the puppy will sleep quite a bit, they only sleep for a couple of hours at a time, and may get into things they shouldn’t do when left alone. Plus, they would get lonely!
As a solution, consider looking into a doggy daycare while the puppy parent is at work. Or, consider having someone stop by the house to let the dog outside a few times a day. The latter approach helps the puppy learn how to be at home while the owner is working and can help to minimize destructive behaviors.
Start Training the Right Way
Puppies can start learning commands like “sit” when they’re very young. Start with the basics, and increase the training to meet the puppy’s level. As they advance, they’ll learn more about what is expected of them, can learn to understand what the humans around them are saying, and will know how to behave better.
While older dogs can still learn, training ideally begins when the puppy is young. Starting early can help prevent potential issues that can be more challenging to correct once the dog is older.
If you’re short on time, try taking them to training classes. Perhaps a friend could take them sometimes, such as those days you have to work late.
Make Sure the Puppy Gets Lots of Exercise
It’s important to make sure the puppy gets plenty of exercise. Regular walks help them do so. On top of wearing them out, that can help them learn to walk properly on a leash, let them explore the world, and teach them what to expect when they go outside of the house. It is important to prevent taking the puppy on walks that are too long, though, as they will get overtired and may then become destructive as they struggle to fall asleep.
If you’re finding you don’t have time to take them for walks, consider getting up a bit earlier to do so. You might also take them to doggy day care or use a professional dog walker.
Spend Time Bonding
If you recently got a puppy, make sure to spend time bonding with them. There are tons of things to do to help wear out the puppy and eliminate that energy, as well as help with bonding. Try playing games with them, doing enrichment activities, and more.
Spending time with the puppy helps them learn what is expected of them and can help them be more confident as they grow. Don’t forget to include training in bonding time, as it helps the puppy learn and helps them connect with their parent — You!
A Few Last Words on Balancing Work and Puppy Care
If you’ve adopted a new puppy or you’re thinking about it, make sure you set up a schedule, learn more about what the puppy needs, and ensure they get plenty of exercise every day. Though they do sleep a lot when they’re younger, they will need exercise and fun to help them bond and learn their new schedule. Working women can start showing the puppy what to expect from the beginning to help them settle in and learn the routine.
Top photo by Samson Katt via Pexels.