So, you’re starting a new business and you just welcomed a new furkid to your life. Those are two exciting and major life changes! If you’re feeling a little anxious about taking such big steps at the same time, you really don’t have to feel that way. That’s because balancing life as a pet parent and business owner is pretty simple when you have the right tricks up your sleeves.
To make the most of these two blessings, check out these tips from Angel Angles. (Janette’s beloved rescue dog Spike is featured in the blog thumbnail.)
Don’t Try to Do It All on Your Own
Whew, you definitely are going to have a lot on your plate! The secret to not getting overwhelmed is pretty simple though. You just need to get comfortable asking for help! That help could come from family members who can help look after your pet during work hours.
If family or friends aren’t available, you can always budget for a dog walker or pet sitter to keep your new furbuddy company while you’re busy building your business. There are helpful apps that make finding the right caretaker a snap, and then you’ll have some peace of mind.
On the subject of apps, if you need an app built for your new business, you could also outsource this task to freelancers. Not only will this free up more time than you can spend bonding with your pet, but it will also help ensure a more user-friendly and polished final result. If you need even more help, you can find freelance virtual assistants, graphic designers and so much more.
Do Make Time for Your New Companion
Animals need time to feel safe and comfortable in their new home, and you will need this time to get to know your new best friend. You can make the most of this time by creating consistent routines and safe spaces in your home, both of which will help your pet thrive. Then, you won’t feel like your schedule is being overrun by your pet and business.
One way to help your dog feel right at home is to crate train. If you’ve never used crates before, you may think they’re pretty cruel, but most dogs love crates because they feel like a soothing den. The trick is to make sure your dog associates his crate with positive things, like treats.
By the way, if you need a boost of happiness during your workday, go for a walk with your new dog! Spending time with your pet can relieve stress, but so can spending time getting in touch with the great outdoors. Combining these two mental health practices is even more powerful.
Don’t Forget Patience and Compassion
Did you adopt a rescue animal? If so, you should know that it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your new pet to fully settle into a life with you. Seasoned rescuers and pet parents often refer to this as the 3-3-3 rule. Just like with your business, setting reasonable expectations with your furry family member can help mitigate stress.
Now if your new pet is stressing you out so much that it’s hard to focus on your business, it may be time to call in some professional help. There are some basics you can work on with your pet, but you should be able to find local trainers and classes to help with more serious issues. Investing in training can make life as a new pet owner and entrepreneur more enjoyable.
Perhaps most important of all, don’t forget to have compassion. Both for your pet and for yourself. This is a lot to take on all at once and you can totally do it! Even so, it helps to recognize all of your hard work and efforts. Remember to focus on your joy and blessings.
You’ve totally got this! You can run a successful new business and adapt to life with a new pet. Just focus on getting the resources and help you need to make caring for your pet easier. You can start with this guide and then look for other tools to smooth the process.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Cindy Aldridge is a freelance writer and dog lover. She started Our Dog Friends as a fun side project for herself and to educate pet owners and potential pet owners about how dogs can enrich our lives. She enjoys writing about dogs and pet ownership. cindy@ourdogfriends.org http://ourdogfriends.org/
