How to Care for a Puppy When You’re Busy Working All Day

Puppies require a lot of time and attention, and it can be challenging for those who work full-time. However, there are various ways you can balance your work schedule with puppy care. When you're at work, consider asking friends, family members, or neighbors to help look after your puppy and take it for walks. Another option is to hire a dog walker, dog sitter, or use a day-care service for pets. If possible, take advantage of your lunch breaks or work from home a few days a week. When you're not working, dedicate time to relax and play with your puppy.

Consider reaching out to reliable friends or family members who either have pets of their own or enjoy being around animals. Arrange to drop your puppy and its supplies at their place before heading to work. If you don’t have to pay them for the service, find ways to return the favor. You could plan something they enjoy, like taking them out for dinner or participating in activities together.

If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, consider asking them to take your dog for a walk or stop by to check on it. If no one can help with walking your dog, you might want to ask your neighbors to keep an ear out for barking or whining when you're away. If they report that your dog tends to bark when you leave, you might need to arrange for more frequent attention, such as hiring a dog sitter or using a day care service.

Consider hiring a local dog walker or dog sitter. Search online for local services or ask your veterinarian for recommendations. When looking for a suitable dog walker or sitter, make sure to check online reviews and ask the company to provide testimonials from current clients. Prices vary depending on where you live and the size and age of your dog, but typically range from $15 to $20 (roughly 300 to 500 thousand VND) for a half-hour walk, and about $50 (one million VND) for a full day of in-home care (prices in the U.S.). If you hire someone, ask them to walk your dog at least twice during the workday. You could also consider hiring a trusted friend or neighbor. Be clear about your expectations, such as daily walks at specific times or playing with your dog during certain hours. Try to put the agreement in writing.

Your veterinarian may recommend a reliable day care service for your dog. Look for places that require dogs to be up-to-date on vaccinations. The ideal doggy day care center should have a good relationship with local veterinarians for emergency situations. The cost of day care services can vary, but typically range from $25 to $35 per day. Ask for references from current clients and ensure the facility is clean and well-maintained. A reputable service will interview both you and your dog to make sure it's a good match for the center.

Try to extend your lunch break. It's recommended not to leave your puppy alone for longer than its age in months. For example, if your dog is 4 months old, you should not leave it alone for more than 4 hours. Try to make your lunch break as long as possible so you can spend time with your puppy and make up for the time you're working all day. If you live with a partner or spouse, try to arrange your lunch break so they can rest either before or after yours. This way, you can have more quality time with your dog.

Proposal to the company about the remote working plan. Working from home at least two days a week is a highly feasible option. Having a few remote workdays allows you to spend more time with your puppy and reduce the costs of hiring daytime dog-sitting and dog-walking services.

• When negotiating the remote working plan, be sure to emphasize the benefits you bring to the company, such as minimizing commute time, optimizing work efficiency, and reducing office space and various other costs.

Proposal to bring your dog to work. Inquire whether your workplace offers an in-house dog-sitting service or if it's a pet-friendly environment. Bringing dogs to the office is becoming an increasingly popular choice among full-time employees. Once your dog is old enough to entertain itself for extended periods, you may want to discuss the possibility of bringing your dog to the office with your employer.

Spending time in the mornings, evenings, and weekends with your puppy. In the morning, try waking up half an hour earlier than usual to play with your puppy. Even if you're tired after a long day at work, make an effort to spend time playing and walking your dog in the evening.

• Make walking your dog a priority right after waking up, when you return home from work, and at least once before bed.
• Try to allocate at least an hour before bed for physical activities with your dog, such as playing fetch.
• Spend quality time with your puppy over the weekend. If possible, try special activities together, like attending a puppy training class or playing in the park or backyard at dusk.

Creating a comfortable space for your puppy. Ensure that your puppy stays happy and safe while you're at work. Keep an eye on your pet, provide them with some toys, and avoid confining them for too long while they are still young.

• If possible, place your puppy in a room with a window and a door that can be closed when you're not at home. Provide enough water, a bed, some scent-marked items (such as your belongings), and some favorite, easy-to-play-with toys.

Ensure your home is safe for the puppy. Puppies need time to adjust to their new home, especially if you plan to leave your pet alone for long periods. Keep food, creams, medications, and cosmetics out of their reach. Certain houseplants can be toxic to pets, so make sure to place them out of the puppy's reach. Additionally, remove potential hazards such as souvenirs that could fall or electrical cords that the puppy might chew on.

• If you leave the puppy in a separate room, always pay extra attention to help them get accustomed to the space.

Always provide toys to keep your puppy entertained. Puzzle cubes or specialized toys for dogs are considered safe and can engage your pet for about 30 minutes. Chewable toys, as well as fabric toys, are ideal as long as you ensure they won’t break into small pieces. After energetic playtime, puppies usually sleep until you or a pet sitter wakes them up for a walk.