Single Dog Parent Guide: Loving Life with Your Furry Companion

Being a single parent to a dog means your pooch is your world—your significant other, roommate, and beloved child rolled up in one adorable package. Though careening through the waters as a single parent to dog parenting may seem maidenly daunting, armed with the right advice it becomes a journey full of delight and unconditional love. In this guest blog, we’re joined by Amy, a devoted single dog parent to Angus, who shares her heartwarming story and expert tips on embracing the single dog parent lifestyle.

My Tail-wagging Childhood

Having grown up in a family that has always had dogs it was inevitable that I would have one of my own one day. The joy they bring and the bond that you have with them is like no other. The first dog I was ever introduced to was my dads’ best friend- Ben. He was a handsome red setter who doted on me from the moment I came into this world. He was mums trusty baby sitter and guard as he watched over me and protected me, he let me get away with everything.

I then grew up on a farm where we had two Alsatians and a Jack Russell. The three mischievous musketeers, the Jack Russell obviously being the boss.

Having had these wonderful family members throughout my childhood it was a natural thought that I too would have a dog as part of my family once I was married. Unfortunately, or fortunately (however you look at it) I have not found that special someone to share a little family with. So instead of waiting for the perfect partner, I decided to focus on single dog parenting. As a single person working full-time, I had to carefully weigh the pros and cons before taking the leap. In the end, the benefits to my mental health and well-being made the decision a no-brainer.

Love At Fur-st Sight

One Tuesday evening in December, I stumbled upon a post featuring a beautiful little puppy who had been left behind as the last one in his litter. Being the “runt of the litter”, he was in need of a loving home. The moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was meant to be mine, and after a quick visit, it was love at first sight for both of us.

Starting my journey as a single dog parent brought a mix of emotions – excitement, happiness, love, responsibility, and anxiety. Despite the overwhelming feeling, I was determined to make it work and provide him with all the essentials for a comfortable first night. Little did I know that the first few nights would be filled with crying and howling. Leaving me as a full-time mum with no one to help with the night shifts.

The first week with my new puppy was a huge adjustment, both for him and for me. As a single dog parent, I found myself crying often, as I struggled to balance the joys of being a new pet parent with the responsibilities that came with it. However, I took comfort in knowing that this was a common experience for single dog parents. We were both adjusting to our new lives together. So I took the time to educate myself on the best practices through books and blogs.

Luckily for me it was the Christmas Holidays so I didn’t have to juggle work at the same time. I would advise anyone to make sure you have a least one whole week at home with your puppy before you leave them (unless you want to come home to unhappy neighbours and a lot of eaten furniture). To help us and help me stay calm I read every book and blog I could find mainly to get some advice and to also check I was doing things right.

My Single Dog Parent Wisdom

Embracing the single pawrent life is a mixed bag of challenges and triumphs. But, hey, if I can do it, so can you! Here’s the skinny on what to expect and how to thrive:

• Sleepless Nights: Brace yourself for a bit of insomnia as your fur baby settles in.
• Demanding Puppies: Wave goodbye to personal space. Your shadow will now wag its tail.
• Constant Supervision: Puppy-proof your home. If it’s within reach, it’s in danger.
• A Hectic Household: Embrace the mess. It’s temporary (mostly).
• Barking Bonanza: Everything is fascinating to a puppy. From the postman to the birds, the neighbours, and even the spiders With a little patience and training, this is a behaviour that can be corrected over time.

Top Tips

Teach your dog important commands like “No”, “Stay”, “Wee-wee”, “Quiet”, and “Stop”.

Toilet training is an important part of single dog parenting. It’s all about patience and persistence, but when they learn it, life indeed does get easier. Encourage your puppy to do his business on the puppy pads, then reward for going potting outside.

Be prepared for the challenges of single parenting a dog. Your dog’s needs will be demanding. Only consider getting a dog if you can provide constant attention: playing, walking, and potty breaks. There may be barking, chewing, or accidents to handle.

Shower your love on your dog. Although you are his single parent, he still requires lots of love and care. Spend time cuddling, playing, and indulging with him despite the hectic days.

Stay vigilant when walking your dog near roads. The “Stop” command should be practiced to keep your dog safe and controlled.

Last but not least, don’t feel afraid to ask for help. An extra hand from a friend or family member, or even from a dog-walking service, can make single dog parenting conceivable and easy to handle.

Remember

Take the chaos and fun just like any single dog parent. Your furry companion will be your source of cheerleading, safety, and napping expertise. Get ready for an entire camera roll filled with photos and a busy social life of dog friendly activities. And there’s your pup—probably your greatest wingman.

The Joys of Single Dog Parenting

Single dog parenting has its own set of challenges but the reward of having a furry companion is immeasurable. With Angus by my side, I’ve seen a drastic improvement in my anxiety and overall happiness. As a single dog parent, I make sure to include Angus in my social life and I always follow the Dog Furiendly motto of “if I can’t bring my dog, I’m not coming”. This has led to new experiences and opportunities to meet new people. All while having the best adventures together with my furry child. I am grateful for the love and companionship that Angus brings into my life, and I truly believe that with a faithful dog by your side, who needs a man?