Alvina Miller
July 2, 2025: In today’s fast-paced world, many people juggle demanding careers with personal aspirations for companionship and emotional connection. One of the most fulfilling ways to meet that need for companionship is by welcoming a dog into your life. Dogs provide loyalty, comfort, and joy, but they also require time, attention, and care. Striking the right balance between work and pet ownership is essential for both your well-being and the well-being of your dog.
If you’re considering getting a dog while managing a busy work schedule, choosing the right breed—and understanding your own lifestyle—is critical. This guide walks you through everything from self-assessment to breed selection, training tips, and how to keep your pup happy even when you’re not at home.
1. Understanding Your Lifestyle
Before even thinking about dog breeds, take a realistic look at your daily routine. Ask yourself:
- How many hours am I away from home?
- Do I work from home, hybrid, or fully on-site?
- Do I travel frequently for work?
- How active am I outside of work?
- Do I live in an apartment or a house with a yard?
- Am I a morning person or a night owl?
Understanding these aspects of your lifestyle helps determine how much time and energy you can devote to a dog. If you work long hours and commute daily, a high-maintenance or high-energy breed might not be a good fit. Conversely, if you work from home or have a flexible schedule, you might be able to handle a more active or attention-seeking dog.
2. What Dogs Need: Time, Energy, and Environment
Regardless of breed, all dogs need:
- Regular exercise: Walks, playtime, or active engagement.
- Mental stimulation: Toys, puzzles, training, or interaction.
- Routine feeding and grooming.
- Social interaction: Dogs are pack animals and need company.
- Health care: Routine vet visits, vaccinations, and attention to diet.
If your work schedule makes it hard to provide any of these consistently, you’ll need to make arrangements such as hiring a dog walker, using daycare, or choosing a more independent dog breed.
3. Best Dog Breeds for Busy People
While each dog is unique, certain breeds are generally more suited for people who work long hours or lead a busy lifestyle. These dogs tend to be more independent, require less grooming, or are more adaptable to solitude.
Low-Maintenance Breeds
- Greyhound
Contrary to their racing image, Greyhounds are couch potatoes at heart. They love lounging and can do well with a couple of short walks a day. - French Bulldog
Frenchies are affectionate and compact and require little exercise. They’re ideal for apartment dwellers with limited free time. - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Friendly and adaptable, these dogs enjoy cuddles and don’t need high levels of activity. - Chihuahua
These tiny companions can get their exercise indoors and are perfectly content to nap the day away while you’re at work. - Shih Tzu
With moderate exercise needs and a loving temperament, this breed is good for people who want a loyal companion without needing to run marathons.
Independent Dog Breeds
- Basset Hound
Known for being calm and independent, Basset Hounds can tolerate being alone for long stretches. - Shar Pei
This breed tends to be reserved and independent, doing well in low-stimulation environments. - Lhasa Apso
Originally bred as indoor sentinel dogs, they’re content spending quiet time alone but still bond deeply with their owners.
Older Dogs
Sometimes, the best choice isn’t a breed—it’s an older dog. Seniors are often overlooked in shelters but offer immense companionship with fewer demands. They’re generally calmer, house-trained, and require less activity.
4. Making Time for Your Dog
Even the most independent dog needs time and love. Here are strategies to ensure your dog gets the attention they need:
Start your day with a walk or some playtime. It helps burn off energy and starts both your days on a positive note.
If you live close to work or work remotely, take a break to visit or interact with your dog. A 15-minute walk can make a big difference.
Dedicate at least an hour each evening for your pup. This could be a walk, a game of fetch, grooming, or just relaxing on the couch together.
Use weekends for bonding. Visit dog parks, go for hikes, or enrol in dog classes. These experiences build a stronger bond and provide the stimulation your dog needs.
5. Keeping Your Dog Happy When You’re Away
If you’re gone for long periods, your dog will need stimulation and care in your absence.
Food-dispensing toys and treat puzzles keep your dog mentally engaged. Use favourites like lamb liver dog treats as high-reward incentives to keep them focused and satisfied.
Hiring a trusted walker or sitter can break up the day and give your dog much-needed interaction and potty breaks.
Dog Daycare
Many urban areas offer dog daycare services. These are ideal for social dogs who thrive in group environments.
Pet cameras with two-way audio let you check in and talk to your dog during the day. Some even dispense treats on command!
6. Training for Independence
Dogs need to learn how to be alone without anxiety. Start with short absences and gradually increase the time away. Offer comfort through:
- Consistent routines.
- A safe, cozy space with their bed and toys.
- Leaving calm music or white noise playing.
Crate training can also help some dogs feel secure when alone, as long as it’s introduced properly and positively.
7. Health and Grooming on a Tight Schedule
If you’re busy, it’s easy to fall behind on grooming and health routines. Here’s how to manage:
Use apps or your calendar to remind you of vet appointments, vaccinations, and monthly flea/tick treatments.
Some dogs require frequent grooming, while others just need a bath and nail trim every few weeks. If you’re time-strapped, avoid breeds like Poodles or Afghan Hounds unless you’re okay with regular grooming appointments.
Meal Prepping for Dogs
If you’re into meal prepping, include your dog! Pre-portion kibble, treats, or even prep raw food meals in advance to save time during the week.
8. Emotional Considerations: Guilt and Joy
Many working pet parents struggle with guilt over leaving their dogs alone. It’s important to:
- Recognize that dogs can adapt, especially if their needs are consistently met.
- Focus on quality over quantity. An hour of focused interaction can be more valuable than four hours of distracted presence.
- Remember the benefits: Having a dog can reduce your stress, improve your mental health, and give structure to your day.
9. Alternatives: Dog Sharing or Fostering
If you’re not ready for full-time dog ownership, consider:
Fostering
Partner with a friend, neighbour, or colleague who also loves dogs but isn’t ready to own one alone. Split care, costs, and cuddle time.
Help shelters by fostering dogs short-term. You’ll get the joy of companionship while helping an animal in need, and it’s less permanent than adoption.
The key to balancing work and companionship lies in honest self-assessment, choosing a compatible dog, and planning ahead. While no situation is perfect, love, effort, and flexibility go a long way.
Dogs don’t need perfection—they need presence, affection, and consistency. Whether you’re curled up on the couch after a long day or tossing lamb liver dog treats across the kitchen floor as a game, those small moments build a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Your dog won’t care about your job title, but they’ll remember your scent, your touch, your voice. And no matter how busy life gets, that kind of companionship is worth finding time for.
This is a guest post. All views and advice shared are the author’s own.