Adopting a new puppy can be a fun and exciting life event. However, it is possible that you might feel apprehensive about how you’ll interact and train your new puppy if you work the night shift.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when working with your new pet and balancing your job so you can take care of everyone (including yourself!) while avoiding burnout at the same time.
Knowing What You Need To Train Your Puppy
Once you bring your new puppy home, don’t forget to get the necessary supplies so that you can take care of him properly.
This should include items such as:
- A crate
- Training pads or potty pads
- Food and water bowls
- Food and treats
- Toys
- Blankets
- A book for dog owners
You might think of other things you need for your dog while you are out shopping. By stocking up on these essentials, you can feel reassured that you have everything you need to start training your pet and taking care of them. Don’t forget to set up a vet visit for your dog to make sure they are healthy.
Adjusting Your Puppy’s Schedule
Now that you have everything you need, it is important to think about how you’ll go about adjusting your dog’s schedule. This is assuming that you sleep during the day and wake up at night. Maybe you work the night shift as a police officer or a nurse, and you need to leave for work at the same time every night.
Make sure you are waking up early for your dog to use the bathroom and get fed, and take your dog on a walk before and after you leave work. This can ensure that your pet has burned off energy and won’t be hyper while you are gone.
It is possible to adjust a puppy’s schedule, it just takes establishing a routine, which is something all pets (and even people) benefit from.
Considering Outside Help for Your Puppy
If you don’t have another adult at home to help you, it might be beneficial to seek outside help for your puppy. Perhaps you could have a dog walker come during the day while you are asleep or put your dog in daycare on certain days.
Having outside help can be useful if you don’t have the energy, and it can be a helpful way for your dog to socialize with others, something they might not have the chance to do if they get walked during the evening.
Keeping Your Puppy Active So He Sleeps When You Do
It’s important to keep your puppy active so that he sleeps when you sleep. You could give him plenty of toys to play with, make frequent trips to the dog park, and ensure he has plenty of outside time or walking time. A tired puppy is a happy puppy, and it will be easier for him to obey you if he is getting his needs met.
One word of caution: make sure you pick up things you don’t want your puppy to get ahold of, such as mens scrub pants or important papers. If your dog gets bored, it might very well go into destructive mode and tear things up for the fun of it.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to work the night shift and still take care of a puppy as long as you can plan ahead. Get everything you will need, and try to establish a routine. Make sure to keep your puppy active and busy, and don’t be afraid to enlist help when necessary. This can make it easier to be a responsible dog owner.
photo credit:
Photo by Binyamin Mellish: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-chocolate-labrador-retriever-lying-on-brown-and-white-striped-textile-544269/
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