It is extremely challenging to raise a puppy while working 10 hours a day, and generally advised against unless you have significant support. Puppies require bathroom breaks every 2–4 hours and, left alone that long, can develop severe behavioral or separation issues. However, it is possible if you hire a pet sitter/dog walker, use doggy daycare, or have someone at home to assist.

Can you have a dog if you work 10 hours a day?

Short answer: Yes--if you plan and choose appropriately. A dog can thrive with an owner who works 8--10 hours some days, but success depends on dog selection, routine, support systems, and realistic expectations.

What is the 10 10 10 rule for puppies?

The 10-10-10 rule for puppy potty training is a guideline for success: take your puppy out for 10 minutes to their designated spot, give them 10 feet of space to sniff and explore, and offer 10 minutes of focused supervision with praise and treats if they eliminate, repeating as needed to build consistency and positive habits. This routine helps prevent accidents by ensuring they go in the right place with positive reinforcement and sets a clear expectation for them.

Can a puppy be left alone for 10 hours?

Eight hours should always be the absolute maximum you leave your puppy home alone – and only once they are over six months old. However, if your pup is outside or has access to the yard for a bathroom break, they may be okay being left alone for eight hours from a younger age.

Is it okay to get a puppy if I work full-time?

Yes -- it's possible to raise a puppy while working full time, but it requires planning, realistic expectations, time investment outside work hours, and help for daytime needs. The goal should be to meet the puppy's physical, social, and training needs while minimizing stress for both of you.

Puppy Training Schedule While Working Full Time

Will my puppy be ok when I'm at work?

The most you can do is to provide puppy-safe surroundings. If you'll be leaving your puppy in a crate, make sure that it's big enough. Your puppy should be able to turn around comfortably and have space for lying down without being crowded. Make sure the door on the crate is securely closed before you leave.

Can a dog hold pee for 12 hours?

A healthy adult dog can typically go 8 to 10 hours without urinating—but that doesn't mean they should. Holding it in for too long isn't ideal. In fact, consistently waiting that long can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of urinary tract issues.

Do you have to watch puppies 24/7?

Newborn puppies need close monitoring

This doesn't mean you need to watch newborn puppies 24/7. But you should check on them every few hours to ensure they're nursing and not being pushed away by littermates. Additionally, breeder Niki Gordon notes that different breeds may require different levels of supervision.

Should I get a puppy if I work 12 hour shifts?

you can have a dog if you work long hours, but it requires careful planning and consideration to ensure your dog's needs are met. Consider adopting a breed or individual dog that is more independent and can tolerate longer periods alone. Older dogs, for example, often require less attention and activity than puppies.

How long does 1 hour feel to a dog?

An hour for a dog doesn't pass like it does for humans; due to their faster metabolism and perception, a human hour feels much longer to a dog, with some suggesting it's closer to 7 minutes of their time, making a work day feel like days, and explaining their intense excitement when owners return from seemingly short absences. They sense time through routines, smells, and body changes, not abstract clocks. 

What dog is best for full-time workers?

Certain dog breeds—such as Chihuahuas, Basset Hounds, Greyhounds, and French Bulldogs—are well-suited for busy professionals because they are more independent and require less constant attention, making them ideal for people with demanding work schedules.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

Should you leave the TV on for a dog?

Dogs can get restless when their pet parents are not home. They may be jumpy or jittery and pace around a lot. The television can help them calm down and promote relaxation. If you get into the habit of leaving the tv on for them, they may get used to it, as it can help reassure your pup that you will come back.

How to potty train a puppy when you work 12 hour shifts?

You should arrange for someone to come over twice a day to take the puppy out to potty, once in the morning and once before noon. At midday, give the dog his supper, and then immediately afterward, take him for another walk (and hopefully exercise him again). Come back at 2:00 p.m. for another visit to the restroom.

What is the 10-10-10 puppy rule?

The 10-10-10 rule for puppies refers to a schedule to help dogs master toilet training with a set routine. Its structure involves 10 minutes outside for your puppy to run around, whilst staying 10 feet away from their toileting area, and finishing off with 10 minutes of supervision afterwards.

Should I wake my 8 week old puppy up to pee at night?

Yes, for an 8-week-old puppy, you generally need to wake them up for at least one or two middle-of-the-night potty breaks because their bladders are tiny, though some might surprise you by holding it longer. Aim for a break every 3-4 hours initially, keeping the experience quiet and boring to prevent playtime, and gradually increase the time between trips as they grow to help them learn to sleep through the night.
 

Can I get a puppy if I work 10 hours a day?

Yes, but everyday you've got to commit you're up before that job exercising that dog. Also consider getting a low energy breed/companion breed. You may also need to accept even with training and buying the correct dog for you you may need a dog walker or check in person mid day anyway.

Can you work 8 hours and have a dog?

Yes, you can get a dog if you work 8 hours a day, but it requires significant planning, commitment, and ensuring their needs for exercise, mental stimulation, and potty breaks are met through support systems like dog walkers, daycare, or a flexible routine. Adult dogs can often handle 8 hours alone, but puppies, senior dogs, or high-energy breeds need more frequent attention, so choosing a more independent adult dog or older dog might be a better fit. 

How much time should I take off work with a new puppy?

Time off work

I encourage puppy owners to take 2-4 weeks off work, depending on what their job entails and how many people are involved with the puppy. This takes the pressure off both owner and puppy.

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