Working 12+ hours shifts with a dog at home?

[jupite]

Please help!

I have a 7 month old frenchie but I have to work, shifts vary from 8-12 hours, how do I go about this? Local services offer a walk of a 30 min "pop in" visit, but surely that isn't enough?

I really need to work but obviously I am not going to allow my dog to suffer.

So those who do long shifts and own dogs, how do you navigate it?

I assume this is a new job!

Doggy daycare seems the best option, although if your shifts are overnight then you might have to discuss with the staff whether they'll have your dog at home with them. I know some people at the place I send my dog do this for shift workers. It costs more though!

Is this a new job or did you take on the dog knowing you had these long shifts?

Doggie day care is your best bet

Doggy day care is going to be your only really option, not a dog walker. 12hr shifts, plus the commute, then you'll want to sleep before the next shift.... You'll barely spend time awake with him then.

I didn't get a dog until I stopped shift work and had a plan in place for the days I'd be away for training etc.

Yes it a new job. Thank you for the advice

Daycare! I found someone on an app called rover as this is people who do it from home and we’re generally more flexible with hours etc xx

Doggy day care. Are any of the shifts night though?

We have dog walkers round here that offer half or full days so the dog gets a long morning hike and if full day is kept with the Walker for the afternoon hike as well (probably a bit much for a frenchie tbf ) but there is usually a wide range of different options offered by local walkers so shop around a bit. I'd be surprised if the one half hour visit is all that's available

You are going to need really good daycare that can pick up and drop off with those type of long hours.

I would also recommend a backup one because unless you go to a big commercial type daycare that has many dogs and lots of carers you are going to have to cover sickness and holidays.

Be warned the costs for daycare mount up if it is needed for many days of the week.

I really don't think your new job is compatible with having a dog.

I don't know of any day Cares that could accommodate the shifts you do. Our dog goes to a large day care once a week, but they are open 8am - 6pm which is only 10 hours. No where else near us offers longer.

I think dogcare in this situation is like childcare. What you really need is a dog nanny

@BiteyShark

I think dogcare in this situation is like childcare. What you really need is a dog nanny

Tbh this isn't the worst idea. Might be worth advertising for specifically what you need and recruit rather than reply to people who advertise. You might well get a retiree keen to have a part time dog and earn some extra cash in to the bargain

I very rarely work long shifts and the ones I do, I leave them with a friend or family member.

They're well behaved and I quite happy trailing round after my mum all day, getting under her feet or playing with my friends dogs. I return the favour of course and have her dogs when needed.

Is this day shifts or night shifts?

I would suggest a mixture of daycare for day shifts, and home boarding (ideally with the same provider) for nights. You may be able to find one where you can drop her off before work and pick her up after.

You may have to pay extra for early/late drop-offs and collections, but it'll be worth it for your own peace of mind.

Daycares/home boarders must be council licensed and insured so make sure you see all the paperwork and check you're happy with how many dogs they'll look after at once etc.

@EmmaGrundyForPM

I really don't think your new job is compatible with having a dog.

I don't know of any day Cares that could accommodate the shifts you do. Our dog goes to a large day care once a week, but they are open 8am - 6pm which is only 10 hours. No where else near us offers longer.

Most dogs will be okay alone for a couple of hours either side of a long day at daycare, though. You just need to find one that offers pick-up and drop-off.

You could also look into borrow my doggy as long as you thoroughly check out the person. I have two friends who do it for genuine reasons that they love having a dog but don’t want the associated costs etc. but love going for dog walks, having the company etc. One friend has the dog stay overnight sometimes. Otherwise I second doggy daycare.