Working from home with your dog? Here's how to still be productive

Working remotely has become a popular trend among many companies, and while it offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges for pet parents. Having a dog in your workspace can boost productivity, and morale, and reduce stress, but it can also be distracting and decrease productivity when working from home. Dogs are accustomed to your attention and may become restless or disruptive when you're focused on your computer all day without engaging with them.

Whether you're a new pet parent starting to work remotely or an experienced dog owner who has worked from home before, here are five tips to keep your dog happy while staying productive:

Designate a Separate Working Space for Yourself

Creating a dedicated space for your dog, away from your work area, helps establish boundaries between work and play. This space should be comfortable, allowing your dog to play, sleep, and relax. Establishing clear boundaries will help your dog understand not to interrupt you while you're working.

Resist Giving in to Your Dog's Demands

As much as it may be difficult, resist giving in to your dog's demands while you're working. Dogs can be incredibly endearing, curling up at your feet, whining, barking, or nudging you for attention. To handle this, learn to say no to their demands. It's best to ignore them rather than push them away or scold them, as this might escalate their behaviour. By consistently not reinforcing their demands, they will eventually learn to respect your work time.

Keep Your Dog Active and Stimulated

Dogs have short attention spans and can easily become bored, leading to disruptive behaviours such as chewing on objects, excessive barking, or wandering around the house. To prevent this, keep your dog active. You can create puzzle toys or rotate their toys daily to provide new and engaging options. Another option is to offer frozen treats that keep them occupied.

Schedule Designated Play Times

Recognise the importance of playtime for your dog. Working from home allows you to create breaks and spend quality time with your pet. Allocate a few minutes during your workday for play sessions that won't interfere with your work or calls. Consider setting up a schedule where you have a 20-minute playtime break every three hours. This way, your dog feels valued, and you can still meet your work targets.

Prioritise Your Dog's Needs Before Starting Work

Meeting your dog's needs early in the day will help establish discipline throughout the day. Take time to feed, water, walk, and play with them to provide bonding opportunities and reduce attention-seeking behaviours like whining or excessive barking during your work hours.

By implementing these tips, you can maintain a harmonious balance between being a dedicated pet parent and achieving your work goals while working remotely.