Yes, You Can Get a Puppy While Working Full-Time (But Here’s What You Need to Know)

Let’s face it – most of us work full-time jobs but still dream about bringing home an adorable puppy. The good news? It’s totally possible! The challenging news? It requires some serious planning and commitment. I’ve helped many working professionals successfully raise puppies and I’m here to share everything you need to know.

The Reality of Raising a Puppy When You Work 9-5

First things first – raising a puppy while working full-time is definitely more challenging, but it isn’t impossible. Puppies require a lot of time energy and dedication, especially in those first few months. You’ll need to make adjustments to your lifestyle, but with the right preparation, you can absolutely make it work!

The biggest challenges you’ll face

• Frequent potty breaks (puppies have tiny bladders!)
• Need for supervision (puppies are naturally curious and get into everything)
• Training consistency (establishing routines is crucial)
• Balancing together and alone time (preventing separation anxiety)

Creating a Puppy-Friendly Schedule When You Work

The foundation of successful puppy parenting while working full-time is establishing a consistent schedule. Young puppies thrive on routine, and it helps with both potty training and behavior development.

Here’s what a typical weekday might look like:

Morning Routine:

• 7:00 AM: Wake up and take puppy out immediately (before you do anything else!)
• 7:15 AM: Confined playtime (in puppy pen or blocked-off area)
• 7:30 AM: First meal and water (give them only 10 minutes to eat)
• 7:40 AM: Leashed potty break (make sure they actually go!)

Midday:

• 12:00 PM: (Your lunch break) Potty break first thing
• 12:15 PM: More confined playtime
• 12:30 PM: Second meal and water
• 12:45 PM: Another potty break
• 1:00 PM: Back to crate when you return to work

Evening:

• 5:00 PM: Take puppy out immediately when you get home
• 5:15 PM: Last meal and water for the day
• 5:30 PM: Potty break
• 6:00 PM: Supervised playtime
• 6:30 PM: Crate time while you eat and unwind
• 7:15 PM: Potty break and remove water for the night
• 7:45 PM: More supervised playtime
• 8:45 PM: Short crate time
• 9:30 PM: Final potty break of the night
• 9:45 PM: Bedtime in crate

This is just a template – you’ll need to adjust based on your work schedule and your puppy’s needs. The key is consistency!

Understanding Your Puppy’s Bathroom Needs

One of the biggest concerns for working puppy parents is bathroom breaks. How long can puppies actually “hold it”?

There’s a simple formula: Puppy’s age in months + 1 = Hours they can hold their bladder

So:

• 1-month-old puppy: 2 hours max
• 4-month-old puppy: 5 hours max
• 6-7 months old: Typically maxes out at 8 hours (the upper limit for adult dogs too)

This means that if you work an 8-hour day, your young puppy will need at least one midday potty break until they’re around 7 months old. Plan accordingly!

Solutions for Midday Bathroom Breaks

Since most of us can’t rush home every few hours for potty breaks, here are your options:

1. Come home during lunch: If you work close to home, this is ideal
2. Ask friends or family: See if someone nearby can help with a midday visit
3. Hire a dog walker: Services like Rover or Wag make finding reliable help easy
4. Puppy daycare: Once fully vaccinated, this can be a great socialization option too

Whatever option you choose, make sure your helper understands puppy care and follows your established routine.

Crate Training: Your Best Friend While Working

I can’t stress this enough – crate training is absolutely essential when raising a puppy while working full-time! A properly sized crate provides:

• A safe space when you can’t supervise
• A comfortable “den” that makes your puppy feel secure
• A vital tool for potty training
• A way to prevent destructive behaviors

The right crate size is important – your puppy should be able to walk in, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It shouldn’t be so big that they can potty in one end and sleep in the other.

When introducing the crate:

• Make it comfortable with a soft bed
• Include safe chew toys
• Start with short periods and gradually increase
• Never use it as punishment
• Create positive associations with treats and praise

The Puppy Pad Debate

Many working puppy parents wonder if puppy pads are a good solution. My honest opinion? They’re usually not worth it in the long run.

Here’s why I don’t recommend them:

• They teach your puppy that going potty inside is acceptable
• They make outdoor potty training more confusing and difficult
• Puppies often start seeking out rug-like surfaces even when pads are gone
• They can create lingering odors in your home

If you absolutely must use them temporarily, try to place them by the door and transition away from them as soon as possible.

Preventing Boredom and Destructive Behavior

A bored puppy is often a destructive puppy! When you’re working all day, you need strategies to keep your pup mentally stimulated:

1. Tire them out before work: Wake up early enough for a good play session or walk
2. Provide appropriate toys: Rotate them regularly to keep things interesting
3. Use puzzle toys: These mentally stimulating toys can keep puppies occupied
4. Kong toys filled with frozen treats: These can provide hours of distraction
5. Chew toys: Safe chewing options satisfy natural urges

Remember that physical exercise alone isn’t enough – mental stimulation is equally important for a well-adjusted puppy.

Preventing Separation Anxiety

Working full-time means your puppy will spend time alone, which can lead to separation anxiety if not handled properly. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Practice short departures and returns from the beginning
• Don’t make a big deal out of comings and goings
• Create positive associations with alone time (special toys only available when you’re gone)
• Gradually increase alone time
• Consider tethering your puppy to a door or heavy furniture to practice relaxation with distractions
• Use the crate as a safe space, never as punishment

Remember, some puppies are naturally more prone to separation anxiety than others. Be patient and consistent in your training.

When to Start Obedience Training

Training shouldn’t wait until your puppy is older! Basic training can begin as early as 8 weeks of age. Early training:

• Builds your bond
• Establishes good habits
• Prevents behavior problems
• Provides mental stimulation

If you’re working full-time, consider enrolling in weekend puppy classes or hiring a professional trainer for in-home sessions. Many places like Sit Means Sit offer hybrid models where training happens both at home and at their facility.

Using Vacation Time Wisely

If possible, try to schedule some time off when you first bring your puppy home. This doesn’t need to be weeks, but even a few days can make a huge difference in:

• Establishing your bond
• Setting up routines
• Beginning crate training
• Getting a head start on potty training

If you can’t take time off, try to bring your puppy home before a weekend so you have at least 2 days to start settling in.

Do You Need a Pet Camera?

Pet cameras can be helpful but aren’t absolutely necessary. They’re good for:

• Checking in occasionally
• Monitoring for problems
• Peace of mind
• Some even dispense treats or allow two-way communication

Just remember that a camera is no substitute for actual supervision or proper planning for your puppy’s needs.

The Bottom Line: It Takes a Village

I won’t lie to you – raising a puppy while working full-time is a big commitment. You’ll need help, whether from friends, family, neighbors, or paid professionals. But with proper planning and resources, it’s totally doable!

The most important factors for success are:

• A consistent schedule
• Proper crate training
• Midday potty break solutions
• Mental and physical stimulation
• Patience and commitment

If you’re willing to put in the effort and make some lifestyle adjustments, you can absolutely have a happy, well-adjusted puppy even with your 9-5 job.

My Final Thoughts

I’ve raised two puppies while working full-time, and while those first few months were challenging, the joy they’ve brought to my life has been worth every early morning and rearranged schedule. The key is being realistic about the commitment and planning accordingly.

Remember, puppyhood is relatively short – the intense phase only lasts a few months, but the bond you build lasts a lifetime. If you’re willing to make some temporary adjustments to your lifestyle, you can absolutely be a great puppy parent while working full-time!

Have you raised a puppy while working? What strategies worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!

Yes, you can get a puppy even with a 9-to-5 job, but it requires a significant commitment to provide necessary care and support while you’re away. You’ll need to arrange for midday breaks for potty and exercise through dog walkers, pet sitters, or doggy daycare.

The 7-7-7 rule for puppy socialization is a guideline for exposing young puppies to a variety of experiences to build confidence and prevent fear or anxiety. By seven weeks of age, a puppy should have experienced at least seven different people, seven different locations, seven different types of toys, eaten from seven different food bowls, been on seven different types of surfaces, had seven different experiences, and been on at least seven short car rides. This early, positive exposure helps a puppy develop into a well-adjusted, adaptable adult dog.