Should I Get a Dog If You Work Full time?
Sadly, there are many dog rescue centres around the UK that are seeing a huge increase in dogs seeking new homes. Many of these dogs are being surrendered because of changes in people’s working patterns. If you are wondering if you should get a dog when you work full time – read our Holidays4Dogs article.
During lock-down years of 2019/2020, when people worked from home, many decided it was a good time to add a dog to the family. However, very soon, people returned to the workplace as normal life resumed. Unfortunately, many people who bought dogs while being home-based, discovered the family dog was now unable to cope with the sudden change of being alone all day.
Dogs are not able to have complex thoughts so, therefore, they are not able to rationalise why they are being left alone. Nor, are they able to amuse themselves in the meantime.
The sociable dog.
Generally speaking,
dogs don’t do well when they are left in the house while owners work full time. This could equate to 40 hours or more, depending on travelling times involved.
For many dog experts, this constitutes and unacceptably long time to leave a dog alone – even if the owner pops back at lunchtime. (Consider if you had to do the same, with no company and nothing to do).
Dogs are sociable creatures and thrive on the company of humans and other dogs.
Because people often regard their pets as having human-like qualities, they imagine their dog will be capable of amusing and entertaining themselves. Perhaps peacefully reclining in an armchair, for example, awaiting the return of the family.
However, a study by Dr Rachael Casey and colleagues at Bristol University tells a very different story. The evidence gathered, suggested the stress dogs suffer when left alone, is more acute than most owners realise and being left home alone is a welfare issue for pet dogs.
If you work full time and are thinking about getting a dog, it is really important to consider the details. The wrong decision could be a very costly mistake, both to your bank balance, your sanity and the welfare of the dog.
Caring for a dog while working.
Puppies, in particular, need to be fed at least 3 or 4 times per day. They also need to be taken outside at regular intervals for toilet training. This would be impossible if you work full time.
A dog, or puppy, left alone for too long will have no choice but to soil in the house. Even if the dog does manage to ‘hold-on’, this could have health implications in the long run.
In addition, a dog left alone for long periods can be destructive and vocal – something that could make you unpopular with neighbours’.
Alternative care while you are working?
Many might argue that having a dog should not just be the privilege of stay at home workers, or the retired. So – are there any solutions to having a dog and working full-time? Well, there are some.
It may be a viable option to involve the help of family members, or even neighbours – but they would need to understand the commitment involved. You would need to be sure that anyone who offers to help won’t let you, or your dog, down.
Doggy day care is another option – but this is likely to be fairly expensive. Also, it might be as well to question how much time you will get to spend with your own dog with this arrangement. Dog walkers are another option, but this will only account for a couple of hours each day – which still leaves the dog alone for a substantial amount of time, if you are away a full day.
Alternatively, is it possible to take your dog to work? More and more small companies are becoming accepting of dogs in the workplace. The UK Kennel Club encourages dog friendly places of employment. Not only this, research has shown that pets in the workplace can boost morale and productivity. But, do be aware, not all businesses are suitable environments for pets. To raise this with your boss, make sure you cover every angle of your proposal and discuss it with colleagues – you may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
If it is possible to reduce the time you are away from home, by perhaps working part-time and enlisting the services of a dog walker, this may be an acceptable option. Do keep an eye on Government proposals being debated that may give employees the the right to request flexible working in the near future.
Think about the sort of dog that will fit into your lifestyle.
You could consider an older rescue dog. However, many reputable welfare organisations will not re-home to people who work full time.
This is because they recognise that dogs require a lot of time and commitment. Therefore, leaving them home alone for lengthy periods, becomes a very real welfare issue.
There are certain types and breeds of dog that are more likely to settle for longer periods than others. Older dogs and less energetic ones, such as retired greyhounds, will often be happy to snooze for longer periods than a golden retriever puppy, for example. Retired greyhounds make lovely companions and are notorious couch potatoes. They may well be happy with a dog walker, family member, or neighbour popping in during the day.
Am I prepared to change, or compromise, my lifestyle for my new dog?
Many people object that they shouldn’t be denied
the pleasure of a dog because they work full time. It can, and does work for some dogs.
However, when considering the question of whether you should get a dog if you work full time, the main consideration must be whether that dog is going to be happy.
Invariably, whether you work full-time, part-time, at a work-place, or from home – there will have to be some changes to your lifestyle when you have a dog. This is particularly so, if you have a puppy.
Many dogs don’t do well being left alone. This has been demonstrated by increases in the number of dogs given up for adoption.
A bored, lonely, under stimulated dog can very easily develop behavioural issues. This may include incessant barking, soiling and destruction of the house. It can be stressful not only for the dog, but for the family involved, as well close neighbours.
Alternatives to dog ownership.
There are plenty of other ways you can become more involved with pet dogs. You could volunteer to walk dogs at your local shelter in your spare time, for instance. You can read our other Holidays4Dogs article about alternatives to dog ownership here.
Conclusion.
The reality is – most of us have to work. Of course, this is a shame for people who crave a dog, but broadly speaking it’s a difficult thing to balance. However, its not impossible, with a bit of thinking out of the box. Much thought and soul searching is definitely needed, though.
If you are able to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate the needs of a dog with some of the suggestions above, having a dog when you work may be possible. More importantly, if you take time to consider the ramifications, this will avoid future heartache for you and ensure the dog in question has the most natural life possible.
