4 Ways to Care for a Puppy While You Are at Work

May 13, 2019

Searching for puppies for sale near me can be a fun experience, but leaving a puppy home alone while you’re at work can be risky.

Taking a few precautions can limit puppy’s access to dangers, as well as provide for his basic needs while you’re at work. Also consider checking out our puppies for sale for a buddy situation!

Controlled Space

Leaving a curious puppy alone with access to the entire house is dangerous for your belongings and for the puppy. There are a couple of choices when determining how to limit the young one’s space while you are away. The first is a kennel or crate. This provides you with greater control over what the puppy can and cannot get into when unsupervised. The second option is to select one room, such as your kitchen, and use baby gates in the entrances to keep the puppy inside. Kitchens are a prudent choice as most are not carpeted and therefore, any potty accidents are quicker and easier to clean up. Be sure to secure any items that pose a danger to the puppy.

Potty Breaks

Your puppy and his little bladder are still learning the ropes. Expecting a puppy to not need to go while you are gone for eight hours of work is as unrealistic as expecting a baby to wear the same diaper all day long! If at all possible, go home during your lunch break to take your puppy to the place you’ve designated for him to do his bathroom business. Your puppy is trying to learn and wants to please you, but simply cannot hold it all day. Leave pee pads or newspaper in one corner of the puppy’s controlled area so he can go potty there if necessary.

Separation Anxiety

Dogs are highly social creatures by nature. They long to please their parents and they want to be with you. Add this to the fact that your puppy has been recently separated from his biological mother and siblings and it’s easy to understand why your puppy may experience some separation anxiety in your absence. One of the best ways to minimize this is to get a companion canine for your puppy. Two dogs together will keep each other company. However, this isn’t possible in all cases. Be sure to leave toys for the puppy to engage. Perhaps choose one or two particular toys that the puppy can play with only in your absence. Select an interactive puzzle toy that forces the puppy to solve how to get a treat out of the toy. If your answering machine is within earshot of the puppy, call home a couple times a day leaving a message just for him to hear. Your voice will be a soothing interruption during the day.

Daycare Options

Of course, nothing can replace human companionship during the day. If possible, leave the puppy in the care of another person. Doggie daycare centers are a growing trend. Other daytime options include pet sitters who will check in on your puppy during the day. Services offered by pet sitters range from full-day care or simply an hour consisting of a potty break, a walk and some snuggle time.