Finding time to actually spend with your dog can sometimes be a challenge. Dogs can need a lot of exercise, attention and stimulation to get them through the day and between work and/or kids it can be extremely hard to fill those needs. Not having time for a pet is also a big reason people place their pets for adoption but think of some of these alternate methods before making a choice such as that.
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1. Schedule them into your free time - Whether that is once you get off work or during nap time, try and take them on a walk (for those moms that dont mind a napping child in a stroller). Taking them to a nearby park in the afternoon, after work or maybe when your significant other comes home, so that they can run around and play fetch is a great way to get some energy out and let them settle down before bed time. If your yard is big enough to throw a ball around back there that will also work and would be extra convenient for you! My husband will usually watch the kids when he gets off work so I can take the dogs on a walk or have some uninterrupted training sessions and it is an excellent little break for me!
2. Wake up a little earlier than normal - If you wake up at three because you work incredibly early or have a really long commute then you should probably disregard this option. If you work around 7,8 or 9 try waking up early enough to get them on a walk around the block or at least twenty minutes earlier to spend some time with your dog working on or refreshing basic training cues. Dog training is a simple way to give your dog some mental stimulation and can actually wear them out so after a quick little session in the morning they should be ready for the first nap of their day! I try to get out of bed before the kids so I can do some morning exercises and have a quick training session with my dogs.
3. Find more "Dog people" to get together with - You can meet "dog people" at local parks or out on walks (assuming their dog is "dog friendly"). Dog people love their dog (or dogs) as much as you do and if you get a long (and your dogs of course) then try and schedule a time to get together with them for playdates or walks. This helps get you motivated to actually get you out of the house at a certain time to meet up with them. This choice is a great option since it also gives you an opportunity to make new friends. Having two dogs and two kids and a husband who works from before the sun rises until 4 daily, also throw in a couple days of him going to school during the week and not coming home until 8 at night, turns our little family into a lot on my plate, taking care of the kids, house maintenance, taking care of the dogs, while building a business! Im surely not wonder woman so there is definitely days where Im not as peppy as others, a lot of the friends I had been meeting since our move were absolute wonderful people but werent "dog people" and it almost made me feel like my dogs were more of an inconvenience than anything when they came around. That was until I met another person that loves dogs as much as I do, they made me remember why I got into dog training and how passionate I was about it. Dog people who understand your situation can be especially uplifting and help you find that time to spend with your dogs! Friends are always a must, but when youre a dog person, "dog people" friends are just as, if not more, important! ;)
4. Include them in your weekend plans - Even if your "weekend"(or any day you have off) is at some point during the week then plan a walk to the park or go to a dog friendly hiking trail, a lake or the beach! Bring a lunch and turn it into a picnic! This is something your whole family can do and a great way to get out and enjoy the weather and enjoy some family time!
5. Dog training daily - I used dog training in a lot of the previous recommendations but this really is a good way to bond with your pet and spend some time with them. It is also important! Dog training isnt just a one time deal, you have to continuously work with them and refresh their cues so that they continue to know what it means so even if your dog is fully trained it never hurts to refresh on the basics. When working with a dog trainer they usually have different cues you work on each week, say you spend a maximum of twenty minutes a day working on these cues you should break that training session up during the day, a few minutes in the morning a few minutes at night. Personally, I get into training with my dog and I lose track of time but you dont want to over do it, dogs can get tired and confused if you persistently work on a single or set of cues.
Along with the aforementioned, here are some alternate tips you can do for them while youre busy or away.
1. Give him toys while youre away - Toys that cant be destroyed easily (anything not stuffed) or that take a little bit of time during the day for them to figure out will give them something to play with while youre away or busy. I use the beehive shaped Kong, stuff it with some wet and dry dog food mix top it off with peanut butter and freeze it over night. This gives your dog something that will keep him busy while youre away and also lasts for a few hours. Another option is to hide treats throughout your house or backyard (if your dog does not stay in a kennel all day), they will either go hunt them down all at once after you leave or every once in a while pick up the smell and go search for them.
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2. Hire a dog walker or find a doggy daycare - Finding a dog walker/daycare is a little like hiring a babysitter except for dogs, you can hire walkers to come daily during the week while youre working or busy, or even just a couple times during the week, whichever you decide to set up. Most dog walkers charge by hourly rates so if you can work out something you can afford with them then this is a great option to get them out of the house during the day, just be sure to stick to a budget. Websites such as care.com have access to dog walkers in your area and also allows you to post an ad that you are in need of a dog walker. This website can also do background checks for you but of course you will want to schedule an interview with the potential dog walker first and ask for references and experience to make sure they are the right fit for your family and needs. Search your area for reputable daycares and find out if your dog would be a good fit for that instead.
3. Give them a friend - Although this sounds like a step back in the whole "spending more time with your dog" ordeal, this can actually be a great option if you are too busy to give your dog all the attention he needs during the day. Giving your dog someone to hang out with while youre gone or busy can prevent them from feeling bored or lonely. If another animal fits your budget then it would definitely be something to consider. Also consider smaller dogs if you do have a big dog already, or maybe even a cat (if your dog is ok with cats).
If worse comes to worst and you absolutely need to rehome them because having a dog just doesnt work for you, give them the chance to find a real home instead of resorting to putting them in a shelter first. Ask family and friends to help spread word that you need help with them being rehomed. Use websites such as petfinder.com to post an ad or use your local newspaper or penny saver and do thorough checks on the home they could be potentially going to. Dog shelters are too over populated so we need to do our part to keep them out of there!
Also dont forget to spay and neuter!
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Tomorrow - Adapting Training into your Daily Routines.
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