Top Tips for Working at Home with Your Dog
Working at home with the dog at your feet might seem easy peasy. No doggy day care to pay for, no risk of accidents while you’re out, and the ability to go for walks at convenient times. But, before you head to your home office with your pooch, you might want to read this first.
Our dog experts here at Barking Mad have put together their top tips from working at home with your dog.
Dog-proof your workspace when working at home with your dog
Dogs are delightful creatures – but they can also be destructive if left to their own devices. This is especially true if you have a puppy. Make sure you dog-poof your workspace. Keep temptation at bay by hiding computer cables, bins, important documents and other wires.
Don’t encourage separation anxiety
When you’re working from home, it’s easy for your canine companion to get used to the ‘new normal’ of having you around all the time. And while it’s lovely for your furry friend to not feel lonely, not having time apart can worsen separation anxiety issues. Try and have some time away from your dog. So that it doesn’t become unduly stressed when you return to the office.
Save distractions by keeping your pooch entertained
When they’re bored, dogs can become destructive and distracting. Stay in the work zone by giving your dog a range of toys and treats to keep them busy. We’re particularly fond of stuffed Kongs and Likimats smeared with dog-friendly goodies. Each dog has its own personal preferences and nobody knows them better than you.
Use breaks as dog walking opportunities
Working from home can get monotonous, especially if you’re working in a makeshift office with little human interaction. Having regular breaks in the fresh air doesn’t just make you feel invigorated, but means Fido also gets his daily exercise. It’s win-win!
Don’t give in to puppy eyes
It’s safe to say you love your dog like a member of the family – and he or she probably loves you too. Dogs are clever creatures and don’t mind pulling on your heartstrings to get what they want. If you’re busy working, don’t let puppy eyes and begging for fuss distract you from the task in hand. Be firm with your approach and let your dog know that puppy eyes won’t work.
Take your pup for an early morning walk
We all know that when a dog is tired, he or she is more likely to be well behaved. Taking your dog on an early morning stroll means you’ll have more peace and quiet when you start work. You might also find that the fresh morning air awakens your senses and makes you more motivated for the day, so you get a double benefit!
Be prepared for your dog’s cameo role
You might have video meetings all week, only to find your dog decides to make an appearance on the all-important one-to-one with your boss. Although we like to think everyone loves dogs as much as we do, your dog bombing a meeting could be distracting to others. Prepare in advance by making sure your dog is out the room when you’re on extra important video calls.
Master multitasking
Whether you’re juggling home working with kids or the dog, mastering the art of multitasking is key. You may well find yourself typing one-handed while you stroke your pup’s chin!
Like you, we’re barking mad about dogs. And while working at home with your furry friend isn’t always a walk in the park, there’s nothing better than spending quality time with your canine chum. If you’re ever in need of someone to look after your dog when you go away for work or on holiday, you can rest assured your dog will be safe and happy with us. You can find your local dog sitter here.
