5 Tips for Working at Home with Your Dog
Working out of your home is certainly convenient, but it can also present many challenges. Distractions are perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome. This is particularly true if these distractions are living and breathing creatures that need us. Working at home with your dog can be a perk, but is also a responsibility. Here are 5 tips that may help your day with your dog run smoother.
1. Give Your Canine Attention First
Whether it is our children or our pets, they have to take priority over whatever work we have to get done for the day. When it comes to your dog, if you don’t take care of its needs first, you may end up with a dog that acts out to get your attention.
To get your workday started out on the right foot, take your dog on a walk. After you have provided food and water, don’t forget to give a good dose of love and attention. Starting your dog’s day in this way will make your dog feel loved and will prevent you from having to do any of this while on the clock.
2. Allow Them Their Own Dedicated Area
It is a personal choice whether or not you want your dog to stay with you in your home office. This may be a decision that is largely dependent upon how energetic your dog is. A lap dog who keeps to itself may do just fine, but a dog that requires a lot of attention may end up being too much of a distraction.
Whether your dog is going to chill out in your home office, or in another room of your home, provide it with its own comfortable nook. It should be a comfortable space where your dog can come and relax. Select comfortable bedding and be sure to launder it often.
3. Provide Consistent Potty Breaks
Hopefully, your employer is not so strict that they don’t allow you to get up from your desk once in a while. Have a quick, honest discussion with your boss about the importance of you taking care of your dog.
It doesn’t take long for you to get up from your chair and stretch those legs. Be sure to take your dog outside on regular potty breaks throughout the day.
4. Keep Your Pup Busy During Virtual Meetings
Whether your dog stays in the room with you or not, it could become a distraction if they begin barking. If you are on a conference call, this could become an embarrassment for you.
Provide your dog with things to do while you are working, such as giving them food puzzles. If your dog has a barking problem, consistent training from you or from a dog trainer should quiet the situation.
5. Reward Good Behavior
It may take a bit of practice to get your dog to give you some space while you are working from home. Rewarding them for when they do well may help them to get there faster. Provide high-value treats like hot dogs or roast beef when your dog sits quietly while you are on a call.
Final Thought
Flexibility is key when it comes to working at home with your dogs around you. Try and follow the schedule you have set, but keep in mind that you may need to take unscheduled breaks to tend to your furry friend.