Ever since the pandemic, many of us have had to adapt to working from home. And while it can be a great opportunity to spend more time with our furry friends, it can also be a challenge, especially if you have a puppy. Puppies require a lot of attention and care, which can make it difficult to work a full-time job from home. From barking during video calls to chewing on your shoes, puppies can be a handful. However, with a little bit of planning and effort, it is possible to strike a balance between work and puppy care. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to work from home with a puppy, so you can keep your furry friend happy and healthy while also being productive at work.
1. Create a Designated Work Area
When working from home with a puppy, it’s important to establish boundaries and create a designated work area. This will help your puppy understand that when you’re in this space, you’re focused on work and not available to play. It can also help you stay productive and focused during your workday.
A home office is ideal, but not everyone has the luxury of a separate room. Don’t worry, you can still create a workspace that will signal to your furry friend that you’re working. Choose an area that is quiet and away from high-traffic areas of your home. If possible, use a desk or table instead of working from your couch or bed. This will help create a clear boundary between work and relaxation time.
You can also use visual cues to signal to your puppy when you’re working. For example, if you have a door or room divider, use it to signal to your puppy that you’re in “work mode.” You can also put up a sign or use a specific piece of clothing that you wear during work hours to signal to your puppy that you’re not available for play.
Overall, creating a designated work area is an essential step in working from home with a puppy. It helps you stay focused and productive, while also providing structure and boundaries for your furry friend.
2. Establish a Routine
Puppies thrive on routine, so it’s important to establish a regular schedule when working from home with a puppy. This will not only help your puppy feel more secure and less anxious, but it will also help you stay organized and productive.
When establishing a routine, consider your work schedule and your puppy’s needs. Plan out specific times for feeding, playtime, exercise, and training. Stick to this schedule as much as possible, as it will help your puppy understand what is expected of them and when.
3. Feed Your Puppy Healthy Meals & Snacks
When taking a lunch break while working from home with a puppy, it’s important to provide them with healthy and satisfying snacks. Bully sticks can be a great option, as they are a natural and long-lasting chew that can help keep your puppy occupied and prevent them from becoming too disruptive.
Another option is to provide your puppy with a small amount of peanut butter, which can be a tasty and nutritious treat. However, be sure to choose a natural peanut butter that does not contain added sugars or xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs.
Remember, snacks should be given in moderation and should not replace meals. Stick to a regular feeding schedule and monitor your puppy’s food intake to ensure they’re getting the right amount of food and treats for their size and age.
4. Practice Obedience Training
Obedience training is not only important for teaching your pooch basic commands, but it also plays a crucial role in potty training and developing your dog’s independence. When working from home with a puppy, incorporating regular obedience training sessions can help prevent disruptive behaviors and keep your pup on track with their training.
Start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” and gradually work up to more advanced commands. Positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise can be a powerful motivator for your pup during training sessions. Consider using a small amount of peanut butter as a reward for good behavior, but always make sure to choose a natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain added sugars or xylitol.
In addition to basic commands, incorporate potty training into your obedience training sessions. Consistency and patience are key when it comes to potty training, and incorporating it into your pup’s obedience training can help them develop good habits and become more independent.
5. Offer Your Puppy Interactive Toys
Offering your puppy interactive toys is an excellent way to provide them with mental stimulation and enrichment while you work from home. Toys like Kongs, chew toys, and puzzle toys can keep your puppy occupied and prevent them from becoming bored or destructive.
Consider providing your puppy with a variety of toys to keep things interesting, and rotate them regularly to prevent them from losing interest. Puzzle toys can be particularly beneficial for providing mental stimulation, as they require your puppy to solve a problem in order to access a treat or reward.
If your puppy is teething, providing them with appropriate chew toys can help relieve discomfort and prevent them from chewing on inappropriate objects. Keep a selection of toys on hand during zoom or conference calls, so that your puppy has something to play with while you work.
By offering your puppy interactive toys, you can help keep them mentally stimulated and happy while you work from home. Just be sure to supervise playtime and remove any toys that become damaged or worn to prevent choking hazards.
6. Take Breaks for Play Time and Cuddle Time
Taking breaks for play time and cuddle time is an essential part of working from home with a doggy. It not only helps to maintain your dog’s physical and mental health but also helps you to take a much-needed break from work and recharge your own batteries.
When taking a break, take your dog outside for a quick potty break and then engage in a short play session. This can include throwing a ball, playing tug-of-war, or using interactive dog toys to keep your dog engaged and active.
Additionally, taking a few minutes to cuddle with your dog can be a great way to de-stress and relax. It also provides an opportunity for you and your furry friend to bond and strengthen your relationship.
Remember, taking breaks for play time and cuddle time doesn’t have to take up a significant amount of your workday. Even just a few minutes of playtime and cuddles can make a big difference in your dog’s happiness and well-being, as well as your own.
7. Walk & Socialize Your Puppy
When working from home with a puppy, it can be easy to become absorbed in work and neglect your pup’s need for exercise and socialization. Taking your puppy for a walk and providing opportunities for socialization is essential for their physical and mental health.
Make sure to take your puppy outside for a quick potty break every few hours and take advantage of these moments to go on a walk. Getting fresh air and exercise can help your puppy burn off excess energy and prevent destructive behaviors. Additionally, taking your pup for walks can provide opportunities for socialization and exposure to new experiences, which can help to prevent anxiety and fear-based behaviors.
Consider taking your puppy to dog parks or puppy socialization classes to provide them with additional socialization opportunities. Socialization is an essential part of your pup’s development and can help them to become more confident and well-behaved in a variety of situations.
8. Practice Crate Training
Practicing crate training can be beneficial for both you and your puppy. Crate training can help with potty training and provide your puppy with a safe and secure space to relax and rest during alone time. Additionally, crate training can help prevent separation anxiety in puppies, which is a common concern for many puppy owners.
When introducing your puppy to their crate, start by making it a positive experience with treats and toys. Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate, and make sure to never use the crate as a form of punishment. Over time, your puppy will begin to associate their crate with a safe and comfortable space, making it easier for them to handle alone time.
Practicing crate training can be an effective tool for helping your puppy adjust to alone time and prevent separation anxiety, while also providing a safe and secure space for rest and relaxation.
9. Use Music to Help Puppy Calm Down
Using music to help calm your puppy down can be an effective tool for reducing anxiety and promoting mental health when your pup is home alone. Soft, calming music can help soothe your pup and reduce stress levels, making it easier for them to relax during periods of alone time.
When choosing music for your puppy, look for calming instrumental tracks or nature sounds. Avoid music with sudden changes in volume or tempo, as this can cause more stress for your pup. Experiment with different types of music and observe how your puppy responds to find the best fit for them.
10. Seek Help if You Need It
Taking care of a new puppy while working from home can be challenging, and it’s important to seek help if you need it. Consider enlisting the help of a family member or hiring a dog walker to provide additional exercise and socialization opportunities for your pup during the workday.
Additionally, dog daycare can be a great option for puppies who need more attention and interaction during the day. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or reach out to resources in your community for support. Remember, taking care of a new puppy is a big responsibility, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
Conclusion
Working from home with a furry friend can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. However, with the right strategies and resources in place, it is possible to balance your work and personal life while also raising a well-behaved and happy pup. Creating a designated work area, establishing a routine, and offering healthy meals, interactive toys, and breaks for play and cuddle time can help ensure that your pup is content and well-behaved while you work. Remember, as pet parents, it’s important to prioritize our pup’s needs and seek help when necessary to provide them with the best care possible.