• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

How to be a good dog owner during major life changes

Posted November 3, 2018

 
Major life changes: Prepare your dog for the arrival of a new baby. Rottweiler snuggles with pregnant owner.
Major life changes: Prepare your dog for the arrival of a new baby.

When life is stable, dog ownership is fun and easy. But when life throws you curveballs, keeping up with your dog’s needs can suddenly become harder to manage, especially if you live alone.

Read on to learn how to balance the responsibilities of pet ownership through three major life changes.

Finding a new job

Searching for a new job is a full-time job in itself, which means much less time to care for your pet, especially if you’re already working full-time. So how can you get that dream job and keep your pup happy?

  • Plan for your pup. First things first, put a plan in place for how to get your pup the attention she deserves when you’re indisposed. If that means hiring a dog walker for the interim, it’s a worthwhile investment so you can keep your dog exercised and tended to while you work to find a new job.
  • Get tips on your application materials and interview. Computerized applicant tracking systems have changed the rules of writing resumes and cover letters. Read up on the best strategies for getting your application in front of human eyes and making a strong impression in the interview. The better equipped you are with applying, the more time you can free up for you and your pet.
  • Lock down your social media. Companies look online to learn about candidates. Clean up social media pages and use privacy settings to control what employers see. Experian explains how. Once your social media is locked down, consider taking a break. Unless you’re networking, you can take that time you’ve spent on Facebook or Instagram and give it to your pet.
  • Take a time out. Taking breaks to spend time with your dog can help keep you from getting overly stressed throughout the job hunting process. Time with your dog will benefit you both, especially since dogs can be such great stress relievers.

Moving

Moving is stressful for both you and your dog. If you’re struggling to find pet-friendly housing, it’s even harder. However, that doesn’t mean rehoming is the only option. You and your pet can navigate big moves together when you follow these tips:

  • Start the house hunt early. When searching for a pet-friendly rental, you can’t afford to wait until the last minute. Scan online listings to find apartment complexes and rental management companies that allow dogs. If you’re able to, visit the new town and drive around. See whether there are any local dog parks nearby. Private landlords can be more flexible regarding pets, but they don’t always advertise online.
  • Declutter before moving. Once the move is certain, start sorting through your stuff. You’ll be exhausted by the time you finish moving, so it’s better to spend the time organizing and decluttering now.
  • Certify your dog as a Canine Good Citizen. A Canine Good Citizen award reassures landlords that your pet is well-mannered. Learn more about the Canine Good citizen program at the American Kennel Club.
  • Manage your dog’s stress during the move. When a move disrupts your daily routine, dogs may respond with anxiety and misbehavior. Reduce your dog’s stress by maintaining routines during the move and furnishing the new house with familiar items.

Starting a family

First-time parents often worry about how their dog will adapt to a baby. Will the dog be jealous of the baby or a little too interested in the new arrival? Will you have time for your dog with a newborn in the house? With these tips, your whole family can live in harmony:

  • Train your dog before the birth. Obedience training before the baby arrives gives dogs the necessary tools to be a well-behaved pet. That way, you’re not worried about a dog jumping on you while you’re holding a newborn or getting in the baby’s face despite your commands.
  • Control interactions. No matter how much you trust your pet, there’s always a risk when dogs and babies interact. Supervise interactions to ensure everyone stays safe.
  • Enlist help. Ask friends and family who are eager to help to exercise and look after your dog. com recommends doing this a month before the baby’s due date, especially since once labor begins you’ll likely be gone for a few days. However, even once you’re back home, new parents often lack the time and energy a dog requires. Remember that there’s always the option of hiring a dog walker or sitter.

Dogs make major life changes trickier, but rehoming your pet should be a last resort. Rehoming is often traumatic for dogs and not all dogs will find another home. Thankfully, there’s usually an alternative option. Use these tips to find a solution that allows you and your dog to move forward together.

– By Jessica Brody

 

Related Posts

  • dog in divorce
    Who gets the dog in divorce? More prenups include pets

    Dog in divorce: Who gets custody of your beloved dog?…

  • Happy couple with dog in new home. Help dog adapt to new roommate.
    How to move in with your significant other and your dogs

    Help dog adapt to new roommate: Set expectations, make compromises…

  • prepare dog for baby's arrival
    Get your dog ready to meet your new baby

    Dog and baby: Help your dog get ready for baby's…

  • Prepare your dog for the arrival of a new baby

    Prepare dog for baby: Focus on obedience training. Make sure…

  • Bride and groom pose with dog in a tuxedo for a dog-friendly wedding.
    7 tips to plan a dog-friendly wedding

    Before planning a dog-friendly wedding, you need to consider your…

  • Make your dog part of your wedding day

    With a little planning, you can include dog in your…

  • Puppy in moving box. Moving with your pet involves keeping your dog safe and comfortable and understanding their behavior may change as they struggle with the move.
    Moving with your pet

    Moving with your pet involves keeping your dog safe and…

  • With a little bit of planning and some expert advice, moving to a new city can be as easy as a quick stroll around the dog park.
    Dogs help you make friends in a new city

    Dogs help owners adjust to new cities by making it…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Babies, Major life changes

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Rescue dogPit bullVeterinarianPawTicksPomeranianPotty trainingPuppy kindergartenYorkshire terrierWaterPoodlePet parentstraining tipsThanksgivingVacation dog careRottweilerTwo dogsPetfinder.comValentine's DaySheddingService dogsPuppy-proofPandemicOld dogsSocializationOutdoor activitiesSmall dogsSeparation anxietyWorking dogsPet sitter

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Fight insomnia: 12 tips to help your dog get good sleep
    The most common cause of canine insomnia is pent-up energy. Help your dog sleep all night by ensuring it gets enough exercise. […]
  • Dog fears: 10 ways to fight separation anxiety
    Separation anxiety is one of the most common dog fears. Use our 10 steps to help your dog become more confident and overcome her fear of being left alone. […]
  • Is amoxicillin safe? What antibiotic is most effective for dogs?
    Consult your vet before giving your dog antibiotics. Know when your dog needs medication and watch for allergic reactions. […]
  • Dog bite accident: What compensation are you entitled to?
    Dogs can cause serious injuries. Protect yourself and your wallet by understanding dog bite compensation laws. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.