Working full time doesn’t mean that you can’t have a pet. Even though it may take some extra effort, many breeds are suitable for people with full-time jobs. The Shih Tzu is one of those breeds.
I’m considering getting a Shih Tzu and want to know if it’s the right breed for me. In this article, I’ll explore the pros and cons of having a Shih Tzu when you work full time.
I’ll look at:
- Assessing my work schedule and lifestyle
- Providing mental stimulation and entertainment
- Ensuring physical exercise and bathroom breaks
- Establishing a routine and consistency
- Hiring help where necessary
- Utilizing enrichment toys and puzzle games
- Considering daycare or dog-sitting services
- Addressing separation anxiety.
Assessing Your Work Schedule and Lifestyle
When considering if a Shih Tzu is the right fit for you, it’s important to honestly assess your work schedule and lifestyle.
This includes taking into account how many hours you spend away from home, your commute time, availability of breaks during the day, and your energy levels after work.
If you are away from home for long periods of time or have an unpredictable schedule that doesn’t allow for regular breaks throughout the day, then a Shih Tzu may not be the best choice.
Shih Tzus need companionship and attention in order to thrive. They can become anxious when left alone for too long and may develop destructive behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing on furniture.
Additionally, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay healthy both physically and mentally. If you don’t have enough energy after work to provide these activities for your dog, then it might be better to look into other breeds that require less activity or find another way to ensure their needs are met while you’re away from home.
It’s also important to consider whether or not having a pet will add stress to your life rather than reduce it. Owning a pet requires commitment and dedication; if you don’t think you can provide this level of care then it’s best not to get one at all.
Taking all these factors into consideration will help determine if a Shih Tzu is the right fit for your lifestyle and work schedule.
Providing Mental Stimulation and Entertainment
Keeping a Shih Tzu entertained while you’re away can be tricky, but there’s plenty of interactive toys, puzzle games, and treat-dispensing toys that’ll keep them engaged!
Interactive toys are great for keeping their minds active as they work to solve puzzles or figure out how to get the treats. Puzzle games are also excellent choices as they offer mental stimulation and help develop problem-solving skills.
And lastly, treat-dispensing toys are perfect for giving your pup something yummy to occupy their time while you’re away.
It’s important to rotate the various types of toys so that your pup won’t get bored with any particular toy. For example, switch up which interactive toy you give them each day, and alternate between different treat-dispensing toys every few days. This will help keep them interested in the activities and prevent boredom from settling in.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure all the items used for entertaining your pup remain clean and free from bacteria growth as this can lead to illness.
Mental stimulation is key when it comes to keeping your Shih Tzu happy while you’re away at work all day, but it’s also essential to ensure physical exercise and regular bathroom breaks too!
Ensuring Physical Exercise and Bathroom Breaks
It’s essential to ensure your pup gets regular physical exercise and bathroom breaks, as research shows that dogs need at least 30 minutes of activity per day. Depending on the age and breed of your pup, walks or play sessions may be necessary for them to stay physically active.
If you have access to a yard, consider creating designated bathroom areas for when you aren’t able to take your pup out for a walk. This might involve teaching them how to use puppy pads or installing doggy doors which will allow them to potty whenever they need.
In addition, make sure that you set aside time before and after work each day for walks or other forms of exercise with your pup. This can help burn off some energy and also provide much-needed stimulation during times when you are unable to be around. Even if it’s just a short 15 minute walk each morning and night, this can go a long way in helping keep your pup both mentally and physically healthy while you’re away from home all day.
Providing plenty of opportunities for physical exercise as well as bathroom breaks can help make sure that your Shih Tzu stays happy and healthy even while you’re working full-time. With the right kind of routine in place, there’s no reason why having a full-time job should prevent you from being an excellent pet parent!
Moving forward, establishing a schedule with consistent routines will help ensure all their needs are met on a daily basis.
Establishing a Routine and Consistency
Creating a daily routine and sticking to it can make all the difference for your pup, giving them the predictability they need to stay happy and healthy.
Establishing a consistent feeding schedule is important for Shih Tzus, as their appetites are small but frequent.
Designated playtimes are also beneficial in stimulating both physical and mental activity.
Consistent training sessions help keep your pup on track with learning basic commands and reinforce good behavior. This type of structure also helps alleviate anxiety that can be caused by sudden changes or lack of communication from their owners.
When establishing a routine for your Shih Tzu, keep it realistic based on your lifestyle and availability. It’s important to take into consideration any external factors such as work hours or travel plans that may affect how you provide care to your pet.
If you have a busy schedule outside of the home, you may want to look into hiring a dog walker or enlisting help so that your pup still gets quality attention even when you’re away.
It takes time and dedication to get into a groove with setting up an effective routine for yourself and your pet, but once established it can be one of the most rewarding experiences for both of you!
With consistency comes trust between owner and pup which will only deepen over time.
Hiring a Dog Walker or Enlisting Help
Caring for a canine companion can be challenging, especially for those with a packed schedule. Hiring a dog walker or enlisting assistance is an excellent option to ensure your pup gets the proper care they need.
Having someone come by and take your Shih Tzu out for some exercise, bathroom breaks, and social interaction during the day can provide much-needed relief. It is important to make sure you hire someone who is reliable and understands the needs of a Shih Tzu in order to ensure they are provided with the best possible care.
Not only does having someone check on your pup while you’re away provide them with physical activity and companionship, but it also provides them with mental stimulation as well. Since Shih Tzus are high energy dogs, having someone come in and interact with them will help keep their minds stimulated and engaged throughout the day. This can help reduce boredom which may lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing or barking excessively.
Hiring a dog walker or enlisting assistance from friends or family members when caring for a Shih Tzu can be incredibly beneficial both mentally and physically. To get the most out of this arrangement, however, it’s important to find someone who is reliable and understands the needs of these unique breeds so that your pup gets all of the attention they deserve while you’re away from home.
With this in mind, utilizing enrichment toys and puzzle games when you’re at home becomes even more important.
Utilizing Enrichment Toys and Puzzle Games
Moving on from the discussion about hiring a dog walker or enlisting help, another great way to keep your Shih Tzu’s mind entertained and occupied while you’re away is by utilizing enrichment toys and puzzle games. These toys can provide the pup with mental stimulation, reduce boredom, and give them something to do that isn’t destructive.
There is a variety of different types of enrichment toys available for dogs. For example, treat puzzles require dogs to work for their food by pushing pieces around or through barriers to get at the treats inside.
Interactive feeders also have similar principles but involve an even more stimulating environment as they may require your pup to spin wheels or push levers to access their food.
Snuffle mats are also becoming increasingly popular as they simulate natural foraging behaviors that allow your pup to use their noses and paws to search through fabric strips for treats or kibble hidden within them.
Rotating these varieties of toys on a regular basis will help keep things interesting for your pup while you’re gone and maintain the novelty of each toy so that they don’t become too easy or boring over time.
With plenty of options available, there’s sure to be something out there that appeals to both you and your pup! Moving forward, we should consider daycare or dog-sitting services as other viable options when attempting to accommodate a full-time working lifestyle with a Shih Tzu companion.
Considering Daycare or Dog-Sitting Services
You don’t have to go it alone; enlisting daycare or dog-sitting services can provide your pup with joyous socialization and supervised playtime in a safe environment.
Daycare facilities are designed with the specific purpose of providing dogs with the stimulation they need, including plenty of exercise, mental stimulation from supervised playtime, and lots of interaction with other pups.
Dog-sitters offer similar benefits but also provide a more personalized approach since they are able to spend more one-on-one time with your pup.
When choosing either option, make sure you select a reputable provider that is experienced in working with Shih Tzus and understands their unique needs.
Socialization is an important part of any dog’s overall health and wellbeing as it helps them become comfortable interacting with people and other animals while also teaching them valuable behavioral skills such as listening to commands and how to properly engage in playtime.
Enrolling your pooch in daycare or having them stay with a sitter regularly can provide them the opportunity for adequate socialization while also allowing you peace of mind knowing they are being taken care of when you’re away at work.
Both daycare facilities and dog-sitting services offer reliable options for giving your pup some much needed companionship throughout the day while also allowing them plenty of opportunities for physical activity, mental stimulation, and social interaction – all key components for keeping your furry friend happy!
With proper research into local providers, you can be confident that your Shih Tzu will be well taken care of while you’re away at work each day.
That said, addressing separation anxiety is still an important consideration when leaving your pup unattended all day long.
Addressing Separation Anxiety
Soothing your Shih Tzu’s trembling soul when you leave for the day requires patience and understanding; creating a safe, comfortable space and gradually acclimating them to being alone are both effective solutions.
Crate training can be a great way to help ease separation anxiety in Shih Tzus as it provides them with their own den-like area that is comforting and secure. Make sure the crate is large enough for them to move around comfortably, but not too large so they don’t feel lost or overwhelmed. Introducing your pup to the crate should be done slowly over time, starting with short periods of time spent inside while you are still home. You can give them treats or toys to keep them occupied during this process. This will eventually lead to longer periods of time alone while you are away from home.
It’s also helpful to establish an area in your home specifically set up for your Shih Tzu where they can relax and feel safe when left alone. Place familiar items such as plush blankets, cushions, chew toys or even a piece of clothing that smells like you near by and encourage your dog to spend some time there before leaving for the day.
By decreasing stressors such as loud noises or other pets in the vicinity while they are alone, this space should become a calming environment that makes being left alone more tolerable for your pet companion.
Giving your Shih Tzu plenty of exercise during the day can also help reduce its separation anxiety by tiring it out before you have to go out for longer periods of time. Take him on long walks or play fetch with him in order to get his energy levels down so he won’t miss you quite as much when it comes time for departure!
Remember though that no matter how hard it may seem at first, consistent practice over time will prove beneficial in helping both yourself and your pup adjust better whenever separation is necessary.
Conclusion
After considering all the factors, I believe a shih tzu can be a great companion for someone who works full time.
With proper care and attention, they can provide companionship and love while still allowing you to maintain your work schedule.
It’s important to remember that these dogs need mental stimulation, physical exercise, and consistency in order to thrive.
If you’re willing to put in the effort, a shih tzu could be the perfect addition to your life!