If you work a 9-5 job but love dogs, you might wonder if it’s even possible to have a dog with that schedule. Often you may hear that it’s cruel to get a dog if it will have to be in a crate during the day while you’re at work. But the reality is many dog moms work this schedule and still successfully provide a loving home for their dogs. If you’re on the fence about getting a dog while working a 9-5, keep reading to find out what to do with your dog while at work!
Create a Comfortable Environment
Since your dog will be spending some time alone at home while you’re gone, make sure to set up a cozy area for your dog to be in. This should be in a familiar area of the house where you can regulate the temperature. While you might be tempted to have an area for your dog to look out the window, this might cause anxiety in certain dogs, leading them to bark all day long. I’ve had one dog who would sit right by the window and watch the mailman come and go without batting an eye, while my other three dogs would lose their minds if they could see out the window all day.
I would recommend either using a crate to keep your dog safe throughout the day or set up an enclosed area to keep your dog out of trouble. Depending on the dog, some may be okay having free reign of the house for hours, but many dogs might take this freedom as an opportunity to get into things. Either way, make sure to have a comfy bed and blanket for your dog to lay on. Creating this comfortable environment will help your dog remain calm throughout the day while you’re at work.
Crate Train Your Dog
Many dog trainers recommend crate training your dog so they feel confident and comfortable being left in their crate while you’re gone. This is a great way to keep your dog safe during the day. While you might think your dog would never get into things, being home alone for hours gives them an opportunity to get into things they normally wouldn’t when you’re home and watching them. I have a sneaky dog who we’ve seen jumping over gates with ease and even jumping into the kitchen sink while we were away! While of course you want to dog-proof your house, it is near impossible to keep all hazards away especially with a motivated dog. Crate training your dog will keep them safe and sound while you’re at work.
Check out our blog on Crate Training a Puppy to learn more about how to crate train your dog to set them up for success!
Establish a Morning Routine
Creating a morning routine is an important step in leaving your dog home while you’re at work. This will establish a schedule for you and your dog that your dog will learn. Once your dog learns this schedule, it will help them understand what happens during the day and that you will eventually come home each day. While this likely will require you to get up a little earlier each day, your dog will benefit from extra bonding time in the morning. Your dog will then be calmer and likely more tired throughout the day, making the day go faster for them while you’re away.
Example Morning Routine for 9-5 Job
- 6AM: Wake up
- 6AM-6:30AM: Bathroom and breakfast
- 6:30AM-7:30AM: Dogs play in the same room with me while I work out
- 7:30AM-8:30AM: Give dogs special enrichment toys (ie, Woof Pupsicle, lickmat, or Benebone) while I get ready
- 8:30AM: Get dogs in crates where they get a high value treat, then I leave for the day
Daytime Enrichment Ideas
Although your dog is likely going to sleep for most of the time you’re gone, you might want to leave them with safe toys while you’re at work. For this, you need to really know your dog and their tendencies. Some dogs might try to eat toys if left with them all day. If you’re going to leave toys in with your dog, make sure they are extremely sturdy. I would recommend trying this first when you won’t be gone for very long to see what your dog does with the toy. Kongs make great toys to leave with dogs, as they are made of very strong rubber. You can then fill them with high value foods and freeze them. This will provide your dog with an enrichment activity while you’re gone, which will then tire them out.
Get Help From Others
When you’re first leaving your dog while at work, you may want to look for help to let your dog out during the day especially as a puppy. Young puppies are not going to be able to hold their bladder for an entire work day.
Finding a trustworthy person to let your dog out during the day is a great way to get them through the day until you get home from work. This could be a teenager you trust who gets out of school early or a family member who doesn’t work. You can also use online services like Care.com or Rover to find a dog sitter to come during the day, but be cautious about who you pick if it is not someone you know. Do thorough research on the individual or company before you opt to have them care for your precious dog. Doggy daycare might also be an option for a few days a week if your dog is a good candidate.
Bond After Work
After a long day of being home while you’re at work, your dog will be overjoyed to see you again! Be sure to give your dog plenty of attention once you’re home even though you might be tired. Remember, your dog didn’t get socialization like you did at work. Make time for one-on-one playtime and even a walk if you’re able to. Your dog will be happy just to spend time in the same room with you once your home. Afterall, you chose to get a dog, so you should want to spend time with them when you are home. You are your dog’s world, so they will want to spend as much time you with as possible. Even with working a 9-5 job, you will still have plenty of time to spend with your dog!
Working a 9-5 job isn’t a reason you can’t have a dog if you’re willing to put in extra time in the morning and evening to spend with your dog. Set your dog up for success by coming up with a good morning routine and daytime environment for when you’re gone. Once you come home for the day, your dog will be thrilled to see you no matter what!
Looking for more tips for your new dog? Drop your questions in the comments below!
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