Puppies are very time consuming. Often people decide to get pets before realising exactly how much time and dedication they require. Not being able to provide your dog the time and attention they require is a very common reason for dogs being rehomed. So finding solutions to these problems is important. Recognising that this could be a challenge and adapting your lifestyle and financial situation to check you feel comfortable doing this before getting your dog is important.

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Can anyone local help out informally?

Chat to your neighbours, friends and family as they may be able to help out with your puppy whilst you are at work. This is useful as your puppy is still close to your home in case they need to pop back to your home to get something. Many neighbours love the idea of puppy sitting! You can return the favour in other ways such as cooking for them or child minding. 

Doggy day care is an alternative option 

Doggy day care will help teach your dog to socialise and learn from other dogs. It can be a great way to tire out your dog during the day; preventing energetic, destructive bursts of energy at home. You should, however, think about who (which dogs) your puppy is socialising with. Your puppy needs to have completed their vaccination course. Aswell as waited a specific period of time for their vaccines to become effective. This waiting time prior to socialising your puppy will vary depending on which vaccination they have had; so be sure to check with your vet.

You will need to pay for doggy day care. But you can choose how long you leave your puppy at daycare for – providing they are open! Putting your puppy in the car and taking them on short journeys to day care is a good way to increase their tolerance of travelling in the car. This is beneficial in preventing travel sickness. 

You could look for a local dog sitter who may feel more confident with a puppy

Dog sitters will be able to feed, walk and play with your pets. They have lots of experience with animals, so if your puppy did need medication in the future, they would feel confident administering it. 

Alternatively, house sitters may be able to come into your home and visit your pet

This can be useful if you just want someone to simply let your puppy out into the garden to go to the toilet. We would recommend only doing this once your puppy is toilet trained. As house sitters may not feel comfortable cleaning up after an accident! 

Coming home for lunch whilst your puppy is getting used to your home is a good idea. You want your puppy to feel relaxed and comfortable. They need to learn that you always come home and that they are not going to be left alone for long. This is important in preventing separation anxiety. Before leaving your pet home alone, you should try to leave them in a room in your house alone to see how they react. As puppies get more used to being in a room alone, you can start to leave them in the home on their own. Then gradually increase the length of time you leave them for. You could also try leaving them in a large crate to prevent them from scratching at walls/doors or destroying furniture!

You could chat to your boss and see if it would be possible to take your puppy to work 

Puppy cuddles can be amazing for colleagues’ mental health and office morale. Alternatively, if you are not able to take your puppy to work, you could ask if it is possible to work from home. Someone should be with your pet all the time during their first days in a new home. If need be, try to take some days as holiday when you initially get your pet. Think about when is prime time to get a puppy as someone will need to be with your puppy at home. If you spend more time at home at a certain time of year, like the summer holidays for example, this could be the best time to get a puppy. 

Thinking about time commitments and the problems you may face regarding puppy care prior to purchasing your puppy is essential. These problems will also arise should your pet get ill or if you want to go on holiday. Having various support teams in place who are happy to help care for your pet is important.

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