5 Keys to Working from Home Successfully with Your Dog

Working from home has been the new normal since the pandemic became a global crisis. On the one hand, it is relaxing to work from home in your pajamas, but on the other, it can be distracting and stressful due to other household members.

Yes, you guessed it right, we're talking about your pet. Work from home can affect your relationship with your pet, especially if they enjoy distracting you while you work. Here are a few tips to know how to work from home with pets:

1. Start Your Day Right

Pets are sensitive creatures who want nothing more than your attention and care. Start your day with some playtime, so they don't disturb you while you're working. Playtime can include running, a long walk, tossing the ball in the park, or any indoor game.

This helps your pet release energy during playtime, which will help them get some rest. It will also strengthen your relationship with them.

2. Reward Your Dog for Good Behavior

Training your pet is as important as feeding them. You surely don't want an ill-mannered pet who goes all around the place when you have guests. Training them requires that you work on their habits a little every day.

Positive reinforcement often helps and will make it feel like a game. You can reward your pet with a favorite toy or food.

3. Set up a Separate Work Space for Yourself

Pets understand things well in context. That means they will pick up on spatial or vidsual “clues.” They also respond well to predictable schedules. Set up a dedicated desk or area for work. When you work at a certain place, your dog will quickly begin to understand a change in behavior is expected. Don't interact with your pet while working; they'll understand that it's a no-play zone. It will build an understanding that they can play with you once you're out of that space.

This makes them learn how to differentiate between work and play. It's also an effective way to help them understand boundaries.

4. Schedule Breaks for Playtime

Like everyone, you also need breaks to recharge your batteries or rest a little. Make it a habit to play with your pet in these short breaks or cuddle them every time you rest. You can schedule these breaks at specific times, so your pet knows when you'll play with them. This will help prevent them from interrupting zoom meetings and important discussions while you work.

5. Keep Your Pet Occupied

There's nothing more distracting than a bored pet. The constant distraction will affect your work and might frustrate you. A solution is to give your pet a favorite toy to play with.

Pets like playing with stuffed toys, or you can give them their favorite treats. Speaking of treats, you can use an enrichment toy and stuff it with peanut butter or other fillings to help keep your dog busy while you work.