Working from home is a hot topic right now. While this working model isn't for everyone, current circumstances make it more relevant than ever. Where even normal households are forced to rethink their routines, working from home with children and pets can sometimes be a real test. Here, we want to inform you about how working from home with a dog can still be successful. Here are our tips for you: to apply and emulate immediately. And to definitely share. Because only together can we successfully overcome situations like the current coronavirus pandemic.
Our Top 10 Tips for Effective Working from Home with a Dog
Tip 1: Create a cozy spot for your dog in your home office
You will likely be working from home for about eight hours a day, five days a week. If possible, use a comfortable office chair, a desk, and a separate room for yourself. Granted, this isn't always feasible. What is easy, however, is to create a cozy, comfortable spot for your dog in your home office. They need a dog-friendly bed and a plush toy or chew toy, preferably in a spot near you. We'll tell you what the optimal sleeping place for your dog looks like in our article "Why rest periods and sleep are so important for your dog".
Tip 2: Maintain a structured daily routine in your home office
The golden rule is: treat your home office like a corporate office. Of course, that's easy to say when you're temporarily working at the dining table because you don't have or need a desk at home. But we also mean a structured daily routine in relation to your dog. Make it clear to them through your behavior that you are not privately at home and now have a lot of time for them. The best way to do this is to not let your dog constantly distract you. Always remember: your dog spends most of the day sleeping and is therefore, unlike small children, a rather quiet office neighbor. So let them sleep or doze, and concentrate on your work during this time.
Tip 3: Walk your dog early in the morning
You should use the early morning hours to walk your dog. Firstly, you'll encounter fewer people, secondly, you can start your workday in the home office feeling fresher, and thirdly: your dog has already had their quality time with you. Back home, let your dog eat, preferably have your own breakfast, and then they can lie down next to you in the home office and rest. And you can work in peace until lunchtime. Then you should go out with the dog again. On dark, rainy days, a light-up harness is recommended even at dusk. You can find more about dogs in the dark in our blog post "Walking in the dark".
Tip 4: What your dog needs in the afternoon in the home office
In the afternoon, your dog will likely become a bit more restless and will try even harder to distract you in your home office. Give them something to keep them occupied for a longer period, such as a chew treat like our beef ears, which they can literally gnaw on for a long time. Toys that can be filled with treats, like a Kong, are also a good activity for your dog now. Do you need treats? Then look forward to Tip 8.
Tip 5: A little balm for the soul of both human and dog
You'll love this tip, and probably follow it the most: get up occasionally and pet your dog. It's good for both of you. But be careful: it's better not to do this when they demand it or vie for your attention, but rather when they are already deeply relaxed.
Tip 6: Avoid excessive home office action with your dog
Whether initiated by you or your dog: you shouldn't demand too much from your dog or keep them too active in your home office. The more worked up they are, the harder it will be for them to settle down. Furthermore, they might consequently start seeing the home office as a place for fun. And you'll end up spending more time on your work because you didn't get as much done.
Tip 7: Be there for your dog even in the home office
Sure, that sounds contradictory to the previous tip at first. However, at this point, we mean spending time together. Like wolves, your dog is a pack animal and therefore likes to be with their pack or at least parts of it. Grant them this beautiful time by enjoying the time with them as much as they enjoy the time with you.
Tip 8: Bake your dog's treats yourself
It doesn't always have to be the usual treats you give your dog: simply bake treats with them on the weekend for the next week together in the home office. We have two simple dog biscuit recipes for you that you can easily bake. Your dog will also be happy if they can snack on the leftovers and try the fragrant biscuits.
DOWNLOAD DOG BISCUIT RECIPES HERE
Tip 9: Involve your colleagues
Yes, we know: you'd love to capture every situation in a picture, because your beloved four-legged friend is looking so cute, sleeping, or something similar. This often results in funny dog pictures. And they are ideal for sharing with animal-loving colleagues. Exchange ideas about everyday life in the home office, with or without a dog, and provide a small change of pace from work. Even if you have an internal video conference, a dog in the picture can be a cute addition, provided the topic and the boss allow it.
Tip 10: See your dog in the home office as a colleague
Working from home is often characterized by a bit of loneliness. But not with your dog by your side. They always have an open ear for you and will gladly look at you with loyal dog eyes when you tell them about an important topic at work. This helps immensely if you are used to working in a large office with many nice colleagues.
Have you been working from home for a long time or only recently? How do you organize your home office with a dog? We are eager to hear about your experiences, adventures, and tricks. Share them in the comments.
