How long does it take for a dog?

The appearance of a new four-legged friend in the family causes warm and joyful feelings of excitement and tenderness. But any person, especially someone who is planning to get a dog for the first time, must ask themselves: “Do I have time for a pet? And how much attention does he need every day? How to make the dog feel welcome in the house, how to fit it into your schedule and how much time to devote to it – further.

How to help your dog feel welcome

Every new dog owner should remember that the first few weeks with a new pet will be different than the normal routine. With the advent of a dog in the house, a transitional period begins, during which new family members get to know each other.

In the first week, you need to prepare all the necessary supplies, make room in the house for a cage or bed, show your pet the house, explore the yard with him on a leash, and introduce him to family members. You may need to switch to a new food, practice training skills, make friends with your pet, and meet with a veterinarian for an initial examination and examination.

After that, the whole family will be able to enter into a rhythm of daily life that will suit all the inhabitants of the house, including the new dog. In addition, there are a number of regular responsibilities to consider, which will also take time, including check-ups with the veterinarian, purchasing pet supplies, and scheduling visits to the groomer.

How much time should a dog spend

At first, the owner and family members will want to spend all their time playing and cuddling with a new pet, but at some point you will have to return to reality – you need to do other things. A sample routine will help you get a general idea of ​​how long it may take your pet after he gets used to the new routine:

• 6: 00-6: 15 am Let the dog out into the yard to go to the toilet. If the family lives in an apartment or residential complex without their own yard, you will have to go for a short walk with your pet.
• 7: 00-7: 15 am Feed your dog breakfast. Provide your pet with fresh water and food so that he is full during the first half of the day. It is important to wash bowls every day to reduce bacterial growth.
• 12:00-12:30 p.m. Check how the dog is doing around noon. If the owner is working from home, you can let the dog out around noon to go to the bathroom. If the pet has a nanny, you can call her and ask to walk the dog. Some animals also like a small lunchtime snack, so you can offer it to your dog.
• 17: 30 – 17: 45. Let your pet go outside to go to the toilet. It can be a small exercise in the yard or a joint walk around the neighborhood. At this time, you can chat with your pet, work out various obedience commands, or teach him to bring the ball. If the dog has been sitting alone for several hours, he really needs this attention.
• 18: 00. Feed the pet while the family prepares for dinner.
• 19: 30 – 20: 30. Spend time with your pet. It could be a long walk in the park or a game of agility in the garage. This time together is very important for the mental development of the pet and strengthening the bond with him. In addition, it is recommended to use this time for basic care of the dog’s coat and teeth.
• 21: 45 – 22: 00. Let the dog go outside to go to the toilet. If the walk has been long before, this won’t be necessary, but in any case, it’s a good idea to offer your pet some air before he settles comfortably on the couch. Such a short walk is especially important for puppies who are just toilet trained and cannot resist the urge to urinate for as long as an adult dog.

The daily routine described above reflects the schedule for a typical working week from Monday to Friday. On weekends or holidays, this schedule is likely to shift slightly. During this period, you can add time for games in the park, training and other outdoor adventures together. On the weekends, it is also worth devoting some time to household chores that will make the life of the dog in the house safer and more comfortable. You may need to install a fence, buy an extra bed, or clean up trash in the yard.

How to tell if a potential owner has time for a dog

The dog should not be alone for more than six to eight hours a day. If this rule is not followed, the pet may begin to experience separation anxiety. It is a symptom of stress due to isolation. The pet may begin to gnaw or scratch things, walls and doors, trying to get out of the house and find one of the family members.

You can always get help with pet care during the day: bring in a nanny, dog walker, neighbor or relative, or arrange a dog in a special daycare. However, all these people should help with the care of the pet, and not become its primary caregivers.

The pet does not mind a good nap while you are busy with other things. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a dog sleeps 12 to 14 hours a night. Puppies, older dogs, and large breeds like Newfoundlands and Mastiffs sleep even more. Part of the working day they will be busy resting.

Before deciding to get a dog, you need to carefully analyze the availability of time and finances. Only after that is it worth getting a pet and making it a part of your daily life.