It seems like just yesterday that you were lost in the squeaks and snuffles of French Bulldog TikTok and thinking to yourself, how hard could it be? But now that you’ve made the plunge from part-time admirer to full-time dog parent, you’re wondering how you’re going to manage it all with your new dog, because dog ownership is a big deal.

If you’re struggling with balancing the demands of your K9 with your 9 to 5, you’re not alone. While we’ll make no bones about it — taking care of a dog requires commitment and care — it’s possible to manage your canine and your coworkers, so long as you take advantage of a few key and strategies.

For more on having it all (including dog fur on your suit pants) and notes on where to fetch some extra help, look below. We’ve dug up the best tips for working puppy parents.

1. Talk to Your Employer

If the thought of 40 hours per week away from your dog has you worried for your dog’s well-being and separation anxiety — or the well-being of your sofa — consider speaking with your office manager.

As animal shelter pet adoptions levels have reached new heights in the past few years, many employers have implemented dog-friendly policies. In a survey of 500 C-suite executives, half of the participants responded that they plan to allow pets in their offices, falling in line with major employers like Google and Amazon.

If you’re not sure where your company stands on dogs at desks or are interested in crafting a mode of full-time work that acknowledges your responsibilities as a pet parent, reach out to your employer and ask if:

• Your office has a dog-friendly policy
• You can build a flexible in-person schedule around your dog’s needs
• You are able to work from home

2. Outsource Your Walks

If Katie from HR has a pet dander allergy and working remotely is not an option, look into hiring a trustworthy individual to take care of your dog’s exercise and bathroom needs. Kind of like at-home doggy daycare that ensures your home stays free of any sort of potty accident!

By the way, if your dog is prone to accidents or is a big-time shedder, we’ve written in detail on the fastest way to clean your house to save you time and money!

To find a dog walker or dog sitter, start by:

• Checking out app-based pet care services, like Alfred
• Asking your friends and family for recommendations
• Subscribing to your local newsletters and job boards

What to look for when outsourcing your dog walking? Vetted caretakers and on-demand action will help you feel at ease and equipped, even if you’re up against a deadline or bogged down in Zooms.

When it comes to cost, you can expect outings that will set you back between $15 to $30 a pop, depending on the service you hire or the length of the walk.
Duration will hinge on your dog. While small breeds might do well with just 30 minutes a day (interspersed with lots of snuggling), some larger breeds will thrive with an hour plus of vigorous exercise.

To determine if, when, and how often you should call in the reinforcements, consider your dog’s size, age, and energy level — and your own ability to keep up. There’s no shame in passing along the leash (and accompanying toy).

3. Check In, Virtually

You and your dog are best friends. It’s only natural that time spent working for long periods equals time spent missing each other.

If worrying about how your pup is holding up comes at the cost of your productivity during your daily routine, consider investing in a security camera with smartphone-linking software to put your mind at ease.
Want to let your good boy know that he’s being very good, indeed? Select a pet-dedicated camera that comes with interactive features that allow you to:

• Talk to them — Pet cameras equipped with two-way audio will apprise you of every barking fit and breach of the trashcan. Never miss an opportunity to deliver a timely “Quiet!” or “Don’t eat that!” again.
• Play with them — All work, no play? Some cameras come with laser features designed to keep your dog busy and provide some mental stimulation while you’re busy building your client base.
• Train with them — Just because you’re working full time doesn’t mean you need to retire your little champion from dog training. Use a tasty treat dispensing pet camera with two-way audio to continue your BFF’s education in the world of doggy etiquette. For every “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Down,” you can sneak in between emails, you’ll be able to reward your puppy or adult dog with dog treats for positive reinforcement — remotely.

At Alfred, You’ll Handle the Cuddles, We’ll Handle the Care

Between stacked calendars and surprise vet visits, there’s so much to consider when it comes to establishing a sensible, support-filled dog schedule for a working dog owner.

That’s where Alfred’s luxury concierge services come in. We’re your go-to app-based concierge, designed to work with your building and community to make everything about your life at home easier — including your pet care. Whether it’s time to trim your Bichon’s curls or you need a pet sitter for a new pup, you can come to us with anything. In return, we’ll do our best to save your time, money, and stress.

Because between handling your business and keeping your best friend happy and healthy, you’re taking care of a lot. Let Alfred take care of you.

Sources:
Time. Some Workers Are Choosing Their Pets Over Their Jobs as Offices Reopen, But Will Animal-Friendly Workplaces Catch On?
The Spruce Pets. The 6 Best Dog Walking Services
PetMD. Exercising With Your Dog 101