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This article was co-authored by Dee Hoult. Dee Hoult is the CEO of Applause Your Paws, Inc., South Florida's largest privately-owned dog training company. With over 15 years of experience, Dee specializes in correcting dog behavior problems by providing engaging, positive education and non-intimidating training. Dee holds a BS in Marine Science and Biology and an MBA from the University of Miami. She is a credentialed Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a credentialed Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Applied Behavior Consultants (IAABC). In 2018, Dee was a finalist for Woman of the Year for the Women in the Pet Industry Awards.
There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 5,330 times.
Dogs are social creatures who thrive when they spend plenty of time with their family. To help your dog thrive, think about ways that you can increase your time with them. The quality of your time together matters just as much as the length of time, so you should pack your time with activities, games, and exercise. Of course, this can be very difficult if you work full-time away from your home, but you still may be able to fit in some extra time for your pup.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Finding Time to Spend With Your Dog
Set a routine. You will have more success spending time with your dog if you plan your activities into your day and week. Schedule times that you will feed, walk, and play with your dog. This schedule will also benefit your dog by giving them structure in their day.- Dogs should generally be fed twice a day, walked one once or twice, and taken out often to eliminate. They are also social creatures and will want to spend time with you while you are home.
Plan ahead. Dogs can cut into your social life. While you can still go out, you will have to plan ahead to make sure that your dog's needs are met.[1] For example, if you know you are going to be working late one day, ask someone if they would be willing to walk your dog for you. If you are leaving on a weekend trip, find a friend to dog sit.
Be flexible. While you should have a regular schedule, you do not have to plan your entire day around your dog. Your dog may not mind if you come home late one day or if you miss your weekly dog park visit for an appointment, as long as you do not do it too often.
Include the dog in your daily activities. An easy way to increase the time you spend with your dog is to let them join you on your daily tasks. Whether you are at home or out doing errands, you can fit the dog into your lifestyle. You can:- Take the dog on car trips.
- Talk to the dog while doing chores.[2]
- Visit the pet store together.
- Take the dog with you to the beach or park.
- Ask your friends if you can bring your dog when you visit.
Give your dog their due. Spending time with your dog should not feel like a chore. Appreciate your dog, and remember that they are a member of your family. Express gratitude to your dog for their love and loyalty, and reward them with your attention.- Occasional treats when your dog has behaved well is a great way to surprise your dog. Some people like to give holiday or birthday gifts to their dog. You can even find specialty dog treats at certain pet bakeries and stores.
- You might consider bringing your dog on holiday with you. While you will have to find transportation and lodgings that allow dogs, the quality time and memories you make together will be invaluable.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Making the Most of Your Time Together
Walk the dog. On average, a dog needs about an hour of exercise per day.[3] Taking walks not only ensures that your dog gets this exercise, but it is an important bonding activity for the two of you. Try to walk your dog twice a day—once in the morning and once in the early evening.- If you work, you should try to walk them before you leave for work and once when you get home from work.
- If you walk your dog at the same time every day, soon your dog will start to expect walks at those times. This will help you set an important routine that improves their health and your relationship.
Play with your dog. Games provide both physical and mental stimulation for your dog. Set aside some time every day to play with your dog. You can play tug of war, hide and seek, fetch, or pounce and shake.[4]- You can look for toys that you can use to play with your dog. These include ropes, rubber rings, balls, and squeaky toys.
- Play is extremely important for puppies. If you have a puppy, you should play with them frequently throughout the day.[5]
Pet your dog. Touch is extremely important in building a bond between you and your dog. As you spend time with your dog, pet, scratch, and massage them. You can:[6]- Brush your dog while watching TV.
- Rub their belly during play.
- Greet them in the morning by scratching behind their ears.
- Pet them as you come home.
Sign up for agility classes. Agility classes offer fun obedience training by teaching your dog how to do various obstacle courses. By going to agility courses, not only will you be providing exciting stimulation to your dog, but you will also have found a great weekly activity that you and your dog can do together.[7]
Exercise with your dog.[8] If you lead an active lifestyle, you can work out and spend time with your dog at the same time. High energy dogs, such as border collies, Labrador retrievers, huskies, and pointers, may love to run alongside you or follow you on a walk. You might consider letting your dog come with you while you:- 6Train your dog through daily obedience sessions. Spend 5-10 minutes a day training your dog. You might teach them how to sit, stay, or come. Reward your dog with treats when they do well. This will improve your dog's confidence while helping them become a better behaved dog.
Give your dog your full attention. When you and your dog are spending time together, you should make sure that you are not distracted by your phone, computer, TV, or book. Focus entirely on your dog so that you both bond with one another. Not only will this make the activity more enjoyable for you, but your dog will appreciate it so much more.Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Spending Time With Your Dog When You Work
Ask if you can bring your dog to work. Some workplaces are dog-friendly, which means that you can bring your dog with you during the day. You can ask your boss or human resources if this is an option for you.[11]- If they initially say no, you might convince them to let you bring your dog. You can point out the benefits of bringing a dog to work, such as lower stress and higher morale. Some shops have even found that having a dog at work increases their business.[12]
- Be respectful of people who have allergies or fears of dogs. If you have a coworker who does not want dogs at work, you should find another solution.
Come home during your lunch hour. If you have enough time, you might consider spending your lunch break at home with your dog. This will give you an opportunity to feed your dog and play with them for a little while before you have to return to work.[13]
Wake up early. If you can spare a little sleep, you might try waking up a half-hour or hour earlier than usual, and spend that time with your dog. You can take them on a walk, play with them, or groom them. This will help your dog get in some social activity before you leave for the day.[14]- If you already wake up very early, you may want to consider a different way to increase your time with your dog.
Arrange for someone to visit during the day. If you cannot manage to come home, you might want to consider asking someone if they can walk and play with your dog during the day. If you have a friend or family member willing to do this, you could ask them. You can also hire a dog sitter or professional dog walker.[15]- You do not need someone to spend all day with your dog. It may be enough to have someone visit for half an hour in the late morning or early afternoon.
- Doggy daycares are another option to help socialize your dog during the day. Your pup can play with other dogs and people. This can be a more expensive option, however.
Leave toys for the dog at home. When you can’t be with your dog, it is important that you provide ways for your dog to entertain themselves. The best way to do this is to leave the dog with a variety of interesting toys that they can play with. This will ensure that the dog does not become destructive or bored while you are gone, and it can reduce their dependency on your company while you are home.- Food puzzles are a great way for your dog to keep busy. Stick a treat or peanut butter inside of one. Your dog may spend a long time trying to get it out.[16]
- Chew toys can keep your dog busy for long periods of time. If you want to give your dog a bone, make sure you buy specially marked natural bones meant for chewing. Cooked bones can splinter and injure your dog.[17]
- If your dog grows tired of a toy, put it away for a while and give the dog a new toy. When the dog tires of the new toy, you can give them the old one back again.[18]
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Expert Q&A
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- QuestionHow many hours a day should you spend with your dog?
Dee HoultDee Hoult is the CEO of Applause Your Paws, Inc., South Florida's largest privately-owned dog training company. With over 15 years of experience, Dee specializes in correcting dog behavior problems by providing engaging, positive education and non-intimidating training. Dee holds a BS in Marine Science and Biology and an MBA from the University of Miami. She is a credentialed Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a credentialed Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Applied Behavior Consultants (IAABC). In 2018, Dee was a finalist for Woman of the Year for the Women in the Pet Industry Awards.
Certified Dog Behavior ConsultantThat all depends on your breed of dog and their specific needs. In general, you'll need to make time to walk your dog, play with them, and provide affection throughout the day. - QuestionHow can I be more active with my dog?Dee HoultDee Hoult is the CEO of Applause Your Paws, Inc., South Florida's largest privately-owned dog training company. With over 15 years of experience, Dee specializes in correcting dog behavior problems by providing engaging, positive education and non-intimidating training. Dee holds a BS in Marine Science and Biology and an MBA from the University of Miami. She is a credentialed Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a credentialed Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Applied Behavior Consultants (IAABC). In 2018, Dee was a finalist for Woman of the Year for the Women in the Pet Industry Awards.
Certified Dog Behavior ConsultantExercise with your dog. For instance, go for walks, jog together, or swim together.
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Tips
- If your dog is engaging in destructive behavior, they may be bored or anxious. Try to give them more exercise and attention.[19]Thanks
- The amount of time you need to give your dog can vary by breed. Some highly social and energetic breeds may need constant stimulation while others will be content to stay home alone for several hours a day.Thanks
- If friends, family, or coworkers do not want you to bring your dog around them, respect their wishes, and find another way to spend time with your dog.Thanks
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Warnings
- If you decide to take your dog with you on errands, do not leave them in the car.Thanks
- Some stores do not let non-service dogs in. If you are planning on taking your dog with you on errands, you may want to be aware of where you can and cannot bring them.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/the-health-benefits-of-pets.htm
- ↑ https://www.mnn.com/family/pets/blogs/3-ways-to-spend-more-time-with-your-pets
- ↑ https://animalfoundation.com/the-importance-of-walking-your-dog/
- ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/how-play-your-dog
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-play-is-important-for-puppies
- ↑ http://thebark.com/content/9-ways-improve-your-relationship-your-dog
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/6-activities-to-help-you-bond-with-your-dog
- ↑ Dee Hoult. Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/6-activities-to-help-you-bond-with-your-dog
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/ready-set-go-running-with-your-dog
- ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/convince-your-boss-to-allow-dogs-at-work.html
- ↑ https://www.care.com/c/stories/5276/bring-your-dog-to-work-and-convince-your-bos/
- ↑ https://pethelpful.com/dogs/is-it-right-to-have-a-dog-and-work-full-time
- ↑ https://positively.com/victorias-blog/do-you-have-time-for-your-dogs/
- ↑ http://puppyintraining.com/what-do-you-do-with-your-puppy-when-you-work-full-time/
- ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety
- ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/destructive-chewing
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/bored-dog-easy-ways-to-keep-him-busy-and-happy
- ↑ Dee Hoult. Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Expert Interview. 15 September 2020.
About this article
Dee Hoult
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
This article was co-authored by Dee Hoult. Dee Hoult is the CEO of Applause Your Paws, Inc., South Florida's largest privately-owned dog training company. With over 15 years of experience, Dee specializes in correcting dog behavior problems by providing engaging, positive education and non-intimidating training. Dee holds a BS in Marine Science and Biology and an MBA from the University of Miami. She is a credentialed Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a credentialed Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Applied Behavior Consultants (IAABC). In 2018, Dee was a finalist for Woman of the Year for the Women in the Pet Industry Awards. This article has been viewed 5,330 times.
Co-authors: 4
Updated: March 14, 2022
Views: 5,330
Article SummaryX
If you want to make sure you're spending enough time with your dog, try to include it in as many of your daily activities as possible. For example, you could throw a ball around while you're tidying up the house, or you could take your dog with you when you run errands. You can also try to find more time in your day to hang out with your dog, like coming home on your lunch breaks or waking up an hour earlier every morning. Dogs are social creatures, so make sure you set aside time every day to play with your dog and show it affection. Even just cuddling on the couch or going for a walk together will mean the world to your furry best friend! For tips from our Veterinary co-author, like how to keep your dog entertained while you're at work, keep reading!
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