Introducing a new furry friend into the home brings about a delightful mix of excitement and affection. For those considering becoming dog owners for the first time, questions like “Do I have the time to dedicate to a dog?” and “How much daily attention does a dog really need?” are common. It’s crucial to explore the best ways to make a dog feel at ease and to effectively incorporate a dog into one’s daily routine. Delving further, it’s essential to gauge the amount of time required to properly care for a dog.
Welcoming a New Dog
For new pet parents, it’s vital to acknowledge that the initial weeks with a new pet will be a period of adjustment, as they establish a routine. The transition involves a series of steps such as acquiring all necessary supplies, creating a space for a kennel or dog bed, familiarizing the pet with the home and yard, introducing them to family members, potentially transitioning to a new diet, focusing on training, bonding, and scheduling an initial veterinary exam. These shared experiences help form the foundation of a new daily rhythm that accommodates everyone in the household, including the new dog. However, one must also consider occasional commitments like follow-up vet visits, pet supply shopping, and grooming appointments.
Time Commitment for a Dog
Initially, the desire to spend every waking moment with a new pet is strong, but soon the reality of other obligations becomes apparent. Here’s an example of what a typical routine might look like once things have settled:
- 6:00-6:15 a.m.: Allow the dog to go outside for a bathroom break, or take them for a short walk if living in an apartment or condo without a yard.
- 7:00-7:15 a.m.: Serve breakfast to the pet, ensuring they have fresh water and food to start the day. Clean their bowls daily to prevent bacterial growth.
- 12:00-12:30 p.m.: Check in midday for a bathroom break and possibly a small lunch, while ensuring fresh water is always available.
- 5:30-5:45 p.m.: Another opportunity for the pet to relieve themselves and engage in casual play or training exercises.
- 6:00 p.m.: Dinner time for the pet, coinciding with meal prep for the owner.
- 7:30-8:30 p.m.: Dedicate quality time for activities such as long walks or agility training, as well as basic grooming tasks like brushing fur and teeth.
- 9:45-10:00 p.m.: Offer a final bathroom break before settling down for the night, which is particularly crucial for puppies in training.
This schedule is reflective of a typical Monday through Friday workweek, with adjustments likely on weekends to include activities like dog park visits, training classes, or hiking. Weekends also present an opportunity to enhance the pet-friendliness of the home, such as installing fences or cleaning the yard.
Assessing Your Availability for a Dog
The American Kennel Club suggests that dogs should not be left alone for more than six to eight hours a day to prevent separation anxiety. If necessary, one can rely on pet sitters, dog walkers, daycare, or family members to help with pet care, but they should not replace the primary care provided by the pet parent. Dogs typically sleep for 12 to 14 hours a day, with puppies, senior dogs, and larger breeds requiring even more rest.
Deciding to adopt a dog demands a thorough evaluation of one’s time and financial resources. Prospective pet owners should ask themselves if they have free time in the evening for a dog, if they can manage morning routines, if they have the funds for dog-related expenses, and if they enjoy daily physical activities like walking. These considerations are essential when deciding to welcome a pet into one’s life and ensuring their needs are met alongside personal responsibilities.
About the Contributor
Angela Tague is a dedicated pet parent and writer based in the Midwest. When she’s not creating culinary delights in her kitchen, venturing on nature trails with her dog, or participating in yoga workshops, she’s engaged in writing for various lifestyle and technology brands. Angela Tague can be found on Twitter and LinkedIn under the handle @AngelaTague.
