Many families combine dog ownership with going out to work and school, often having to leave their pet alone for several hours at a time. This is not really an ideal situation when getting a young dog, and a question often asked by new dog owners is about how to house train a puppy when you’re working full time.

Bringing a puppy into your life when there is likely to be nobody home to give it companionship (and boundaries) during such a formative time is not an ideal situation.

My initial recommendation would be to carefully consider whether it is the right time to get a dog in the first place. Put your own feelings (and those of other family members who may be putting additional pressure on you) to one side for a minute and make an honest assessment of whether or not you have the time it takes to give a dog the training needed and the attention it deserves. Ask yourself these questions:

• If I come home from work and find dog mess all over, will I be patient enough to not get upset?
• Can I find time during working hours to come home and let the dog out?
• If I can’t get home through the working day, is there a friend, neighbor or family member who can do it for me?

If you are able to honestly answer yes to these questions, then it is possible to learn how to house train a puppy, and be able to successfully train your dog in other areas of skill and obedience. Here are my five steps on how to house train a puppy when you’re working:

1) Plan everything with military precision, right down to the time of year you get your dog. Bring her home during the summer months, so that you are not inclined to rush the outside toilet time.

2) Bring your new puppy home during a period When your working life be less hectic - ideally when you have a couple of weeks holiday. That would be most ideal, as puppy house training can be completed in just a couple of weeks when done properly.

3) If you cannot get time off, plan it so that your older kids are off school so they can help with the training while you are out at work.

4) Discuss the training regime with other family members so that the training is consistent, even if the trainer is different!

5)Since time will be a major factor, read up on the most effective techniques by signing up for a training course before you get your dog. This will mean you can house train a puppy when you’re working with as little stress and hassle as possible. I have created a lens on Squidoo specifically about house training dogs, so you will also be able to get some additional tips there.

Potty training your puppy is not that difficult. If you combine the latest techniques with my additional tips on how to house train a puppy when you’re working, both you and your dog will have a great life together.

If you don’t have much time to spend potty training, make sure you make the most of the time available. Visit this site for a free Dog Potty Training Mini Course