Is it possible to raise a puppy on a consultant schedule? Anyone successfully done so?

Not unless you have a SO who is dedicated to taking most of the responsibility. It takes a lot of work. And when you travel, it’s not fair or responsible to take on another life. I had to give my dogs to my parents when I entered consulting, and will get them back when I switch into my new job.

Please please please don’t get a dog if you’re traveling, and there’s no one else taking care of them.

When I potty trained my dogs (when I wasn’t a consultant), I or my partner would let them out every two hours, plus dog training, plus food, kennel, walks twice a day, etc which took up ALL of our time when we were home (6-10 pm weekdays and most days weekend)

It is a huge huge commitment. Please do your research fully before getting a dog. Cute puppies turn into full dogs who require a lot of time and attention. There are thousands of dogs who get out into a shelter and are “put down” because their owners didn’t research the time commitment it takes, and realized they’re “too busy”.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200784216392947&set=a.1183894322718&type=3&sfns=mo

Dogs die in shelters alone because their owners didn’t realize how much of a child they really are.

I got a puppy when I had to be unemployed for a few months while waiting for a work authorization document to arrive. Basic training and house training done in 2 months. Also have a non-traveling SO with a very regular 9-5 who works from home at least once a week. We still enrolled the pup in doggy daycare a couple days a week. Now I travel less because I have young children and have been through maternity leave, remote projects, etc., so I'm usually home with the dog, or somebody else is (grandparents helping with the kids).
If the dog is going to be alone the majority of the time, I wouldn't recommend it. Not only is it sad for the dog but there's also not much point to keeping a dog that you rarely get to spend time with (also have to find sitters for if you go on personal trips for vacation and can't/don't want to bring a dog).

On a serious note, I had two dogs and I would never dare to take on a living creature to ruin its beautiful life by having it to be my puppy while I slave away as a consultant. No, no and once again no, do NOT get a dog unless you have someone else living with you to help take care of it as you travel. Dogs need their owners. Think about adopting a little kid. Dogs are similar, they need you day in day out.

If you travel, only if you have a non traveling (or minimal traveling) SO. Please read the link below to determine if you can make the commitment to raising a good dog!

http://getpocket.com/explore/item/there-s-no-such-thing-as-a-good-dog

It’s SO hard. I did it when I had a lull between projects and lucked out with my next project being local. I’m glad I did it because she’s the cutest, but it takes a lot of work. You have to be dedicated and have the extra funds for vet visits, pet insurance, food and dog sitting/boarding when you’re traveling - Good luck 🐶

I am on bnch now. Happy to look after your puppy

dont waste time on a puppy... get yourself a big adult rescue dog with a big bladder and low energy, but high enough to give you kisses when you come home :)

I work a shitton, and my dog has a 13hr bladder and still loves me when i come home. I still make time for him and make work work around my schedule with my dog.

Also PS I feel like we should get puppy maternity/paternity leave or stay local for puppies option if we choose not to bring humans into this world ... ☺️ I want my fair share of maternity leave damnit!!

Why do you want a pet that you see for part of Friday, Saturday and part of Sunday? Then this little friend that will grow to love you will see you leave every Monday - Sunday for him because you take him to boarding, and then pick him up some time Friday. Think how sad he may be. Seems a bit selfish to me

My best decision ever!! I did it when I got a local project. Then went back to travel, meanwhile my dog is loving her best life. She loves her sitters and is never alone. She’s a lady about town and a socialite at the dog park 🐕 with an extended family and very well adjusted.

Puppies are good because they are very adaptable and will learn to be independent if you train them well, but you have to spend the time with them to train them well at any early age. I would make sure to be at home for a bit to train and bond unless you have an SO to support.

Just please plan to spend lots of money on them so they are not alone much at all!

And please please please get a rescue! Don’t kill a shelter dog by buying or breeding!

I’m getting mine next week! I’m taking a six-month non-traveling role to accommodate the puppy stage and after that even at his full size he’ll be small enough to travel with me.

How much time does it take to raise a puppy in general?

I adopted a 1 year old dog that was already housebroken. He adjusted very quickly to his new home. Dogs ages 1-3 is the perfect age to get a dog IMO. They are mature enough so you know their personality, size, any birth defects etc and some already know how to go outside, behave in a house, and walk on a leash!

No

I do it and I will say it hard but worth ..my parents are great at watching her when I get on travel assignments but I try to do every other project as a traveling one if I can help it. I say go for it if your 1000% sure your ready for the commitment