Working from home can be a great way to get things done while also spending time with your furry friend. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when working from home with a dog.
Dogs are full of energy and need plenty of exercise. Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to play with your pup and give them the attention they need. Also, they may need special toys and stuff to enjoy being on their own with you working nearby.
Below here you will find all the tips and tricks you need to enjoy working from home with a dog.
If you are one of the many, many who have started to work from home in recent times, you know a few things to be true about it. It’s great to have the flexibility to set your own hours and take breaks when you want, but staying focused on tasks can also be difficult sometimes.
However, adding a dog into the mix can make things even more complicated. But it does not have to be a negative thing. If you’re considering working from home with your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, your dog will probably need plenty of exercise. You need to schedule some walks with your dog for the days you spend working from home. Second, dogs can be distracting, especially when they want your attention. You’ll need to create a space in your home that is off-limits to your dog during work hours and really make sure that you can focus on your work even with your dog nearby.
If you manage to do that, then yes, it is possible to work from home with a dog. In fact, many people do it every day.
But, you should also keep your expectations realistic. Just because you’re working from home and teaching your dog to behave doesn’t mean your dog will perfectly behave 100% of the time. Some days will be better than others.
Below you will find even more on succeeding with WFH with a dog.
The benefits of having your dog around: Why do people work from home with their dogs?
There are many reasons why people work from home with their dogs. Most reasons are centered around the fact that dog owners tend to love being around their four-legged friends.
- Dogs provide companionship and reduce stress.
- Dogs can help you stay active and take breaks from sitting at a desk all day.
- Dogs can be a big source of motivation as they break up your daily routine in a good way.
One reason is that it can help to reduce stress levels. Dogs have been shown to provide companionship and emotional support, which can be beneficial for reducing stress and pressure from work. Additionally, working from home with a dog can help to increase productivity levels.
Studies have shown that having a dog in the workplace can lead to increased concentration and focus, as well as improved team morale. This is really important when working from home as well.
Another reason why people may choose to work from home with their dogs is that it can provide them with a sense of security and safety. Dogs can make excellent guard animals, deterring burglars and strangers from entering the home. They can also provide comfort and companionship if you are feeling a bit isolated at home.
Additionally, dogs can act as motivators – getting you up and moving around when you might otherwise stay glued to your workstation. This also helps, if you hate working from home or just think that it is a bit boring.
Finally, working from home with a dog can simply be enjoyable. An increase in happiness from being around one’s dog is a really good reason to work from home with your dog.
The cons of working from home with your dog
Dogs are dogs. No matter how sweet, they can both be great companions, but they can also be distractions. If you’re not used to working with a dog in the house, it can take some time to adjust. Both for you and your dog.
If you work from home with your dog, you may find yourself constantly being interrupted. Dogs can be playful and curious, and they may not understand that you’re trying to work. This can make it difficult to concentrate and get things done.
Another con of working from home with your dog is that you have to be extra diligent about keeping your work area clean. Dogs shed, and they can track in dirt and mud from outside. If you have clients coming over for meetings, you need to make sure your space is presentable and not filled with stuff from your dog.
Mess and distractions are the primary cons of having a dog around when you work from home, but these cons are manageable.
How to make working from home with a dog work for both of you
Working from home can be a great way to get things done in peace and quiet. But if you have a dog, it can be hard to keep them from being a distraction.
First, make sure your dog has plenty of exercise before you start working for the day. A tired dog is more likely to take a nap than one who is full of energy. So, start off your day of work with a walk with your best four-legged pal and let off some steam.
Secondly, create a space for your dog that is away from where you work. This will give them their own space to relax and help them understand that when you are in your workspace, you are not available to play. Dogs are smart and they will learn that when dad or mum is in the office and they are in their own space, they should not disturb you.
Finally, give yourself some breaks during the day to spend time with your pup. Your dog needs to go out a couple of times a day and you do need to show some attention. So, expect to take at least a couple of dog-related breaks during your day working from home with your dog.
This also helps you and your dog build some nice routines for both of you. If they know when they can expect walks, meals, and playtime, they’ll be less likely to bother you while you’re trying to work.
Make sure you give your dog plenty of attention when you’re not working. Dogs can get bored and destructive when left alone, so take some time out of your day to play with them or just spend some quality time together.
Tips on how to keep your dog busy during your working hours
If you’re like most dog parents, you hate leaving your furry friend home alone. If you work from home with your dog, you may find yourself wondering how to keep your dog entertained and busy. There are a few things you can do to make sure your dog is happy and occupied while you’re working. Either at home or away.
First, consider getting your dog some toys that they can play with independently. Kongs filled with peanut butter or treats are a great option, as are puzzle toys that dispense food as your dog plays with them. You can also give your dog a bone or chew toy to keep them occupied.
Dogs don’t expect much so even the smallest of generosities will be greatly appreciated by your pup.
However, no matter the number of toys and treats, if you are working from home with a dog, expect to offer some of your time. Going out for small walks and just giving attention is a must. But, if you have chosen to get a dog, that is probably something you enjoy.
You could also get a second dog. Having a playmate will help keep your pup occupied and focus on each other rather than you while you are working. Of course, it will take up a lot of your time here and now to get the puppy settled in. But afterward, you may end up having not only one but two really happy dogs, that enjoy each others’ company whenever you are busy.
You can also set up an obstacle course or create a Doggy Fort. This is an indoor space where your pup can hang out while you’re working. Think about including their bed, some toys, and maybe even some climbing shelves or a small table to jump on. Make the space interesting and entertaining and your dog will find plenty of hours of happiness from exploring their very own surroundings.
How to keep your dog quiet when working from home
Keeping your dog quiet is actually related to the solutions mentioned above. In order to keep your dog quiet when you work from home, you need a happy dog. A happy dog won’t disturb you. If you have walked, fed, and attended to your dog before work, then you will have a better chance of being left to your job.
Also, be sure to create somewhere the dog can be relaxed, so you know it can be comfortable while you work.
The difference between working from home with a small dog and a big dog
People might think that a small dog is a perfect pet for working from home. They are typically not as loud as big dogs, they are low maintenance, and don’t need a lot of space. However, there are some disadvantages to having a small dog as your work-from-home companion.
One downside of having a small dog is that it can be yappy. If you have client meetings or phone calls, your little dog may not be able to stay quiet for long periods of time. Additionally, small dogs tend to have a lot of energy and may need more attention than big dogs. They may also be more prone to anxiety and separation anxiety when left alone.
Big dogs, on the other hand, can make excellent working companions. However, big dogs require more exercise than small dogs, so if you opt for a large breed, be prepared to take regular breaks throughout the day for walks or runs.
This can actually be beneficial, as it can help you to clear your head and stay focused when you return to work. However, it also means that you’ll need to be extra careful about scheduling client calls or meetings during times when your dog needs to be exercised.
Overall, there are benefits to both sizes of dogs when working from home but they also have each of their challenges to keep in mind.
Conclusion on working from home with a dog
In conclusion, working from home with a dog can be a great experience. It can provide companionship and motivation, and help to reduce stress levels. Overall, it can make the entire process of working from home much more fun and enjoyable for you.
However, it is important to consider the needs of both the dog and your own and to set up a routine that works for both. With a little planning and patience, working from home with a dog can be a rewarding experience for all involved.
My name is Frederik
I am a passionate marketeer who loves the freedom that comes with working from home whenever I choose to do so.
I love getting nerdy with every single detail about making everything related to my home just a tiny bit better.
That is what motivates me to write about home stuff on this blog.