Having a dog when you work full-time can be somewhat challenging, and you might worry that your canine friend won't get the love and attention they need. However, it's not impossible to make it work. If you're willing to put some time and planning into it, you can make sure your pet's needs are met.

So, if you're thinking about purchasing or rescuing a new dog — or you already have one — and are wondering how to balance it with your work commitments, check out these handy tips on caring for a dog while you're working.

1. Create a safe and dog-friendly environment. 

The first thing you should do before you even consider leaving your dog at home is to ensure that their environment is safe and enjoyable. 

Take a look at your house from your dog's point of view: what potential hazards are around? 

You also need to consider whether it's best to secure them in a small area of your home, or to give them the run of the house.

Don't forget to keep your pet mentally stimulated by leaving them with an array of toys and puzzles. This is particularly important with puppies, who require this kind of stimulation to help them grow and develop. 

3. Use automated food and water dispensers.

It's important that your dog has access to food and water when you're out of the house. If you have a well-behaved canine friend, you may be able to leave their food and water out for them. 

However, if your pet tends to have small meals staggered throughout the day, or you have a puppy who tips their food bowl over, automated food and water dispensers provide an excellent solution.

4. Use reliable walkers.

If you're away for long stretches of the day, dog walkers can give your pet the exercise it needs. This can be much cheaper than having your dog board at daycare for the whole day, but still gives your pup some much-needed attention. This is particularly important for large and active breeds! 

5. Have an active morning with your dog. 

You don't want to leave your beloved pooch at home full of energy and frustrated that they're trapped inside. Instead, consider taking your dog for some early morning exercise before you head out to work. 

Even if you have to get up a little earlier than usual, committing this time to providing your dog with some high-energy play time will make it more likely that they will relax and sleep while you're out.  

6. Consider daycare.

If you're not confident in leaving your dog at home while you work, or are unsure that your home is suitable for your pooch when you're not there, it may be worth looking into daycare. This way, you'll know that your dog is safe and being taken care of all day. 

Note that most daycare centers will only take dogs that are friendly around other dogs, and they must be fully-vaccinated.

Bottom Line

Having a dog when you also work a full-time job is not without its difficulties. It can be hard to leave them for long periods of time, and you'll have to put a lot of work in to make sure they are safe and happy when you're not there.

The good news? There are plenty of solutions, and with these handy tips you'll be well on your way to having a healthy and happy dog waiting for you when you get home!