Could you get two dogs for company?
Some dogs may be happy with the company of another dog which can help when it comes to you leaving the house. Remember all dogs are individuals and they will all have different social preferences and needs.
However, you will still have to ensure that they do not become bored and make sure that they are able to get out for toilet breaks.
It could also make no difference if your dog has the company of another dog, as it is you, their owner that they miss â and you may end up with two unhappy dogs instead of one.
Caring for your dog while youâre out at work
Working full-time doesnât entirely rule out getting a dog because there are things you can do to ensure theyâre not left on their own for long periods of time.
Of course, you may well now work from home much more. But, whether you are in the office one day a week or five, you still need to consider what you will do when you are out of the house.
You could employ a dog walker or send them to doggy day care â although itâs important to make sure you can afford to do this. Perhaps you have family or friends nearby that can look after them during the day â again, itâs important to consider what you will do if their circumstances change. Many offices welcome dogs â does yours? Maybe youâll be able to take them with you. If they donât yet, why not find out about how to make your workplace dog friendly and how to ensure your dog is comfortable going to work? It is important to consider what works best for you and your dog and what you will do if circumstances change.
When leaving your dog alone, you can provide them with a range of appropriate and safe enrichment for them to choose to interact with. This might be a stuffed puzzle/toy or a snuffle mat â anything that is safe and will keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. You must still ensure that your dog is visited regularly throughout the day.
Our Team
Sian Hornigold – Dogs Trust USA Dog School Project Manager, New York
Sian joined Dogs Trust eight years ago in one of the charity’s UK rehoming centers where she worked as part of the behavior team, rehabilitating dogs who needed bespoke training support to prepare them for life in their forever homes. This included holistic care for both dogs and their owners, with Sian’s focus on post adoption support to owners, helping them to better understand their newly-adopted dog and ensure they had the right tools to continue training moving froward. It was here that Sian developed a passion for educating dog owners on welfare benefits and reward-based-training. Four years ago, Sian become Head Coach for Dog School, managing a team of dog trainers to provide classes in the London area supporting around 500 dogs every year. Sian is an excellent advocate and teacher of reward-based-training, and thoroughly enjoys focusing on the education that Dogs Trust provides, not just for the benefit of dogs in the class, but also for every owner that attends Dog School. Sian’s dedication to support and teach dog owners ensures that they can help their dog to be happy, well-behaved and well socialized. Since launching Dogs Trust USA Dog School, Sian has supported 33 dogs in the New York area through virtual classes and is now preparing to launch in-person classes.
Maria Murray – Advisor to Dogs Trust USA
As Deputy Director of Community Education and Engagement in the UK, Maria is responsible for leading Dogs Trust’s community teams to deliver Dog School training classes, education programs and local campaigns on a range of dog welfare issues. Maria guides and oversees the implementation of bespoke interventions to educate and support dog owners, and improve dog welfare in local communities. Beginning her career at Dogs Trust as Rehoming Centre Manager at one of the Charity’s newest UK centers, Maria and her team rehomed 1,000 dogs in their first year. It was here that she developed a keen interest in preventing the main reason for relinquishment, behavior. Six years ago, Maria helped to launch Dog School, bespoke training classes for dogs and their owners, working to prevent problem behaviors before they start in the hope of reducing the number of dogs given up because of their behavior. Dog School now has 27 teams nationwide, supporting 25,000 dog owners every year.
Meredith Beck – Dogs Trust USA Vice President, Development
Meredith Beck is Vice President of Development at Dogs Trust USA. Having joined the organization in 2020, Meredith is responsible for the cultivation of the non-profit’s fundraising, philanthropic and corporate activity. Prior to working for Dogs Trust USA, Meredith was Vice President of Development at HeartShare Human Services of New York, and before that led the Development Department at Birch Family Services. As the owner of two dogs—Cocoa (5) and Brady (1)— Meredith is passionate about Dogs Trust USA’s mission to improve the welfare of dogs across America.