The Nine to Five Dog

"Working 9 to 5 I've Got to Make a Living"

If you are already working 9 to 5 when you decide to get a dog, take the opportunity to adopt an older dog from a shelter or rescue group.

Know the Facts….

Fact #1 Puppies
1. Dogs should not be a nine to five until they are six months of age.
2. Puppies less than six months of age need to be fed 3 to 4 times a day and have not yet developed the muscle strength for urinary control.
3. Puppies should not be left alone for extended periods.

Fact #2 Choose the Right Breed

Research 1st and you won't be sorry later.

1. If you don't want to be surprised that the puppy you brought home will grow too large for you, to much hair, to energetic and so on. To many of these wonderful dogs are brought to the shelter to be re-homed. With the euthanisa rate in the U.S. at a 80% -90% high you little one doesn't have much of a chance more like slim to none. Research …. And be sure what you are looking for.
2. Even if the dog is a mixed breed you can learn a lot about the type of breeds it is mixed with. Medium or larger dogs, as most folks know will never amount to an offspring that will grow small.
3. If you are looking for a particular breed please, read up on that breed. The one you always wanted may not in reality fit your lifestyle or desires now.

Fact #3 You found the right one for you now what?

1. Tailor where you live and work so you can go home on your lunch hour and walk the dog and spend some time with him or her.
2. Hire a reliable dog walker
3. Adopt another dog. Two dogs can keep each other company and play together.
4. Install a secure dog kennel adjacent to the house or a dog door with a fenced in area.
5. Some one you know that is home may enjoy canine companionship during the day. You may negotiate a fee, odd jobs, yard work, trips to the grocery store, etc.
(Your dog must be train and well behaved for this to work.)

NEVER EVER ……
SHUT YOUR DOG IN A
DARK, COLD BASEMENT OR GARAGE

Fact #4 Home Alone
1. Put a light on near his bed or other comfortable place to sleep
2. Leave out favorite toys
3. Leave on a radio with calming music
4. Always leave plenty of water
5. Put down papers for him to use if needed.
6. Help prevent undesirable behavior - shut up the garbage, pick up your clothes and shoes, cover the couch with sheets, take up expensive carpets.
7. Do whatever it takes to ensure that you will not be angry with the dog when you get home.
8. Adjustable dog gates if needed, can be purchased from a kennel supply company or local pet store to shut off areas where you do not want the dog to go.
NEVER use a baby gate style. Your dog can get his head stuck in-between the slats.

Extra Helpful Information -

REMEMBER YOU WILL BE MISSED - Fed, hug, check water bowl, groom and give the attention your dog deserved.

You can even call your dog on the phone and leave a message of hello. He will love to hear you voice.

Go to obedience class just for the socialization.

Fact #5 - Separation Anxiety

PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME…….

1. Turn on the radio for comfort of hearing a human voice or music which is soothing NOT HARD ROCK .. that only causes more nervousness.
2. Gradually condition your dog for being left alone.
a. Leave for ten minutes and come back and if there is, no problems, give him lots of praise and a food treat.
b. Then leave for twenty minutes, forty, eighty, and increase the time until you have conditioned him for the amount of time you are normally gone.
c. Maintain regular hours after this conditioning.

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