Most families choose a golden retriever because they are such wonderful companion dogs. They become a part of the family very quickly and easily. But what if you work full time? Can you really have a golden retriever and work a day?
If you give them enough love, attention, and time from your busy schedule, you can have a golden retriever and work full time. However, you shouldn’t leave them alone for longer than 8 hours a day. Moreover, you need to be mindful of a few things. Think about whether or not you are ready for a dog. A golden retriever is a big commitment. They need exercise, discipline, grooming, and training.
If you are not ready for a dog, then a golden retriever is not the right fit for you.
So, the simple answer to the question is “It depends”. If you can consider those factors and can manage the golden retriever, you can have it as a pet while working full time.
In this article, you will know, when you shouldn’t have a golden retriever while working full time? When you can have this dog while working full time?
I will also explain the things to consider before owning a golden retriever and How to take care of a golden retriever and work 8 hours?
When you shouldn’t have a golden retriever while working full time?
Working full time can be very demanding, and it’s important to make sure that you’re able to give your golden retriever the attention they need. If you’re working long hours or frequently out of the house, it’s not a good idea to have a golden retriever.
They need plenty of exercises, mental stimulation, and companionship, and if you’re not able to provide that, it’s better to wait until your circumstances change.
Bur, why shouldn’t a golden retriever be left home alone when you are out for your job?
Golden retrievers are social creatures that love companionship. If they’re left alone for long periods of time, they can become bored and destructive. Boredom can lead to unwanted behaviors like chewing, barking, and digging.
Moreover, golden retrievers are prone to separation anxiety, which can be exacerbated by working full time. Separation anxiety is a condition that causes dogs to experience distress when they’re away from their guardians. Symptoms include pacing, panting, whining, and destroying property.
Additionally, working full time can be stressful, and you may not have the energy to care for a high-energy breed like a retriever when you get home. Golden retrievers need a lot of exercises, and if you’re too tired to walk them or play with them, it’s not fair to them.
Finally, working full time can make it difficult to potty-train a retriever. Puppies need to go outside frequently, and if you’re not able to take them out during the day, accidents are likely to happen.
Check out my other article to know about leaving a golden retriever alone.
When you may have a golden retriever while working full time?
Many working families choose to have a golden retriever as their family dog. Golden retrievers are known for being one of the most versatile and trainable dog breeds, which makes them a great fit for working families.
There are some situations where having a golden while working full time is possible, but it requires a lot of planning and preparation.
If you’re able to take your retriever to work with you, or if you have a dog walker/sitter who can come in during the day, then it can work.
It’s important to make sure that your golden retriever will have plenty of company during the day. This can be provided by a dog walker, doggy daycare, or a trusted friend or family member.
It’s also necessary to ensure that your golden is getting enough exercise and attention, even when you’re not around.
Before you commit to owning a golden retriever while working full time, there are some things you need to consider such as giving them love, spending time as much as possible with them, providing them with food timely, offering them enough toys, and others.
If someone is ready to follow all of these, the golden retriever can be a good dog for working families.
Can a golden retriever stay 8 hours home alone if you work full time?
A golden retriever can stay home alone for about 6 hours, maximum of 8 hours. Leaving them alone for more than 8 hours can lead to stress and separation anxiety. However, you need to provide them with enough toys, chews, and a place to take relax and do the bathroom.
But, when you have a full-time job and have to leave them for 8 hours at home, you should consider hiring a doh-site or taking them to a dog daycare.
How to take care of the golden retriever and work full time?
Assuming you’re working 8 hours a day or a full-time job Monday through Friday, here are some tips for taking care of your golden retriever:
1. Get someone to dog-sit during the day.
Consider hiring a professional dog-sitter. Whoever it is, make sure they are comfortable with dogs and are able to take care of your golden retriever during the day for 8 hours or longer.
You can hire a dog sitter to look after your golden retriever in the morning or afternoon if you are able to come home on a lunch break.
2. Take help from family members or friends
If you can take help from a family member, friend, or neighbor, your all problem will be solved. You can leave your retriever to him or her and do your work properly.
However, it’s important to spend plenty of time with your golden if he gets their companionship. This is because you need to make a good bonding with your god and at the end of the day it’s your pet.
2. Take them for a walk
Take your golden retriever for a walk in the morning before work and at night when you get home.
If you have a backyard, let them out to play for a bit before you leave and when you get home.
3. Take them to dog daycare
If possible, take your golden retriever to doggie daycare or dog-walking services while you’re at work.
This is important if you are leaving them alone at home for 8 hours.
Dog daycare helps to socialize your golden retriever with other dogs. It also gives them a chance to run around and play, which helps to tire them out.
Dog daycare can also help with potty training if your golden retriever is still working on that.
4. Come home on lunch break
If you can, come home during your lunch break to spend some time with your golden retriever.
You can play with him or go for a walk during this time. However, in order to ensure this, you have to reside close to your workplace.
5. Set up a dog camera
Dog cameras are a great way to check in on your golden retriever while you’re at work.
It also allows you to see if they are behaving and gives you some peace of mind.
6. Leave them with food and water
Make sure there is enough food and water for your golden retriever while you’re away.
You can leave them with dry food or wet food, depending on what they prefer.
You can also get an automatic water dispenser which will help to make sure they’re always hydrated.
7. Leave them with some toys
Leave your golden retriever with some toys to keep them occupied during the day.
This will help them stay calm and not get bored.
Give your golden plenty of exercise, both mental and physical. This includes playing games, going for walks and runs, and training.
Also, know about keeping golden retrievers calm.
8. Make bonding strong
You have to spend enough time with your golden retrievers to make strong bonding with them to help them get rid of stress and anxiety or being lonely.
8. Feed them on a schedule
Feed your retriever twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
Even if you don’t stay at home, you should feed them properly.
Make sure you are feeding your retriever a high-quality diet and providing plenty of fresh water.
9. Get them groomed
Keep up with your retriever’s grooming, including brushing their coat, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears.
Take the golden retriever to the groomer at least once a month.
This will help keep their coat healthy and free of tangles and mats.
Also, know how to keep a golden retriever clean.
10. Get them vaccinated
Make sure your golden retriever is up to date on its vaccinations. Don’t skip any scheduled vaccination for your work.
This will help protect them from diseases and illnesses.
11. Take them to the vet
Make sure you take your golden to the vet at least once a year for a check-up.
Get to know a good veterinarian in case of any emergencies.
With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can easily have the golden retriever and work full time. Just make sure you are able to provide the care and attention they need.
Things to consider before owning the golden retriever while working full time
If you are working full time and are considering a golden retriever, you should consider the following things.
1. Consider your working hours.
If you work long hours, you may want to consider a dog walker or dog daycare for your golden retriever.
This way, they will get the exercise and socialization they need while you are working.
2. Consider your living situation.
If you live in an apartment or condo, a golden retriever may not be the best fit for you.
They need a lot of space to run and play, and they may not be able to get that in an apartment.
3. Consider your lifestyle.
If you are someone who likes to go on hikes or runs on the weekends, the golden retriever will be a great fit for you.
But, if you are someone who likes to lounge around the house on the weekends, a golden retriever may not be the best dog for you.
4. Consider your golden retriever’s age.
Whether you can leave the golden retriever at home while working full time depends on his age.
A golden retriever puppy is a lot of work. They need to be potty trained, obedience trained, and socialized.
If you are working full time, you may not have the time to do all of that.
You may want to consider getting an adult golden retriever.
5. Make sure the dog is healthy.
Before you get a retriever, make sure you take them to the vet for a check-up.
You want to make sure they are healthy and don’t have mental disorders or any health problems that could make it difficult for you to leave them alone for hours.
6. Make sure the dog is potty trained.
You need to consider if your retrieve is potty-trained because you don’t want to come home and find that it smells like dog urine or, poop.
7. Consider your budget.
A golden retriever is a big financial commitment. It is a big dog, and they eat a lot! You need to be able to afford their food, toys, vet bills, and anything else they may need.
8. Be prepared to train your golden retriever.
They are a smart breed, but they need to be trained. You need to be able to commit the time to train your retriever.
9. Make sure you give them a lot of attention.
They are a very loving breed, and they need attention and love. If you are not prepared to give them the attention they need, then the golden retriever is not the appropriate choice for you.
10. Be prepared for the shedding.
Golden retrievers shed a lot. If you are not prepared to deal with the shedding, then the golden retriever is not a good pet for you.
11. Be prepared for the drooling.
Golden retrievers are notorious for their drooling. If you are not prepared to deal with it, you might have a problem.
Conclusion
All in all, owning a golden retriever is a big commitment. If you work full time but are prepared to give them the time, attention, and love they need, then a golden retriever can be a great addition to your family. But, if you are not prepared for a big commitment, then the golden retriever is not the right dog for you.