Working in the 21st century is busier and harder than ever because balancing work, family, and friends can be extremely challenging. Often, all of these factors can cause overwhelming feelings of stress and anxiety, which is why a lot of people want to bring in a furry friend to combat these negative emotions.
Many people who spend their days in the office working long hours think they can’t get a dog since they aren’t constantly available to give them attention throughout the day. The reality is that there are actually some breeds of dogs that are more independent and self-sufficient than we might expect, and these dogs make great options for the busy professional. Keep reading to see the most popular dog breeds for working individuals!
Our Recommended List of the Best Dog Breeds for Professionals
There are some dog breeds that require more exercise and interaction than others, but if you carefully choose your dog breed beforehand, you will have more peace of mind while being out of the house. Here’s a list of the best dog breeds for working dog owners:
- Chihuahua
- Basset hound
- Maltese
- Greyhound
- Whippet
- Shar pei
- French bulldog
- Bullmastiff
- Boston terrier
- Irish wolfhound
- Lhasa apso
- Miniature schnauzer
- Dachshund
- Chow chow
- Shiba inu
These also tend to be the best dog breeds for busy families as they are less social and require low maintenance, making them more suited to being alone at home for longer periods of time compared to other breeds. But not to worry, they will still celebrate and snuggle up to you when you return from your long day!
Five Tips for Dog Owners
Now that you know about the best dog breeds that can occupy themselves throughout the day, let’s go over some tips to make sure they’re comfortable and happy while you’re away:
- Create a dog-proofed space – Supply your pup with a place where they feel comfortable that features their bed, toys, food, and water. It can also be beneficial to leave a blanket with your scent.
- Provide entertainment – Every breed of dog likes different forms of play and entertainment. Leave the TV on or hide food-stuffed puzzle toys to occupy them while they’re home and you’ll have some happy pups.
- Offer bathroom options – Even the best dog breeds must answer the call of nature, so it’s important to provide bathroom solutions, whether that means adding a doggy door, a pee pad, or some other option.
- Leave your curtains open – Keeping the blinds or curtains open can help your dog feel less trapped in the home. Typically, dogs enjoy looking out the window and experiencing a bit of sunlight, so facilitating this can be greatly beneficial.
- Get them moving – It’s advantageous to take your dog on a walk before leaving the home so they can release energy and enjoy some resting time while their owner is away at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Breeds for Working Professionals
How might a busy work schedule impact the health of dogs, and what precautions should be taken?
A busy work week can have various effects on the health of dogs. Some may include:
- Less exercise time – Reduced exercise and play could lead to weight gain and health problems, so be sure to schedule dedicated times for walks or hire a dog walker to ensure your pup is moving throughout the day.
- Loneliness – Dogs left alone may experience loneliness, boredom, and anxiety which impacts their mental well-being. Consider doggy day care for your pet so they can be around others.
- Irregular feeding – The disruption of eating routines may lead to digestive issues. Establish a consistent feeding cycle or use automatic feeders if necessary to prevent these issues.
- Inadequate grooming – Neglecting grooming for your dog may lead to skin issues, matting or discomfort. Consider professional grooming services and regularly check for skin problems.
Are there specific behavioral training tips for these recommended breeds to help them adapt?
Each dog breed is different, so they will have unique characteristics when it comes to their behavior. Training your dog will help them adapt to times when you aren’t around, creating a smoother transition.
A few tips for training include:
- Gradual alone time – It’s best to start with gradually leaving your dog alone to help them build confidence in being alone, reducing the amount of separation anxiety they feel.
- Constant routine – Having a consistent routine of walking, feeding, and playtime will help your pet understand their days and anticipate times when they will be alone, and be accustomed to it.
- Positive reinforcement – Positive reinforcement can be highly effective, with treats and praise being used to reward good behavior. The kind of reward chosen will depend on the breed of dog, a dog’s health needs, and the preferences of your individual pet.
- Obedience training – Different breeds of dogs will warrant specific commands. It’s important to invest time into obedience training for commands like sit, stay, and come. The more trained a dog is, the better they will comprehend there are periods where they will need to be independent.
- Positive association with departure – To make leaving your dog alone a little easier, create a positive experience by giving them a treat or toy that will make your absence more manageable.
Should I consider adopting one of the recommended breeds from a shelter, and what are the advantages of doing so?
Adoption gives a dog another chance at a happy life. By adopting a dog, you are saving them from an uncertain future, so it is definitely something to consider.
Shelters also have a diverse range of breeds, so there’s a good chance you will find many options from your list. The cost for dogs from adoption shelters is also typically lower compared to purchasing from a breeder. Plus, when you adopt from a shelter, you support the organizations that are working on rescuing and caring for animals. By contributing, you help promote animal welfare.
Are there specific ways to ensure a smooth transition for my dog during major life changes, such as a career switch or relocation?
A few things that will help foster a smooth transition include:
- Introducing the change gradually
- Maintaining a consistent routine
- Having familiar items around
- Reintroducing and reinforcing training
Check Out Pet Palace’s Doggy Day Care Services
Working from home is more common these days, but for some going into the office is still required. This means having to leave your four-legged friend at home while you’re away. Even if you have one of the best dog breeds when it comes to independence, you might want to consider other options as well. Here at Pet Palace, we provide a doggy day care service to give dog owners peace of mind while working.
Whether you’re away at the office, or you have an active social schedule that keeps you out of the house, our doggy day care service will give your dog all the activity and attention they deserve. Our day care program focuses on these five elements:
- Playtime – We provide a safe and controlled environment for your dog to play in a small, supervised group.
- Exercise – Our team of professionals make it a priority that every dog receives regular walking time throughout the day.
- Personal attention – Between interaction with other dogs and our team of trained professionals, your dog will receive a lot of love and care.
- Rest – Our facility features spacious and comfortable villas to give your dog areas to nap while not playing or exercising.
- Convenience – We provide flexible pick-up and drop-off times, Monday through Friday, to accommodate your schedule.
Benefits of Choosing Pet Palace
Pet Palace is the go-to luxury pet boarding resort that will give your pet all the tender love and care that they need. We are the one-stop shop whether you’re out of the house for a single day or an extended period of time.
Along with our doggy day care services, we also provide a variety of additional services for both dogs and cats, including:
Contact Pet Palace Today
If you have questions on the best dog breed for you, or want to ask about any of our services, contact us today! Our team is ready to assist you.
Additional Resources to Check Out
The Benefits of Giving Your Dog a Bath
Puppy Training at Pet Palace
Dog Boarding vs. Pet Daycare: The Benefits of Both
About the author
Lora Shaw is currently the Vice President of Operations at Pet Palace.
Categories:
Cats, Dog Daycare, Dogs