Have you switched to remote working and wondering how to manage your workday and still spend quality time with your pup? Relax; we got you covered.
Working from home with a dog is not easy, especially in the beginning. This article will give tips for making working from home with your Frenchie easier.
Come with us.
Benefits of working from home with your Frenchie
There are several benefits of working with your dog. These include:
- It reduces the guilt of leaving your dog alone: Dog owners detest leaving them alone for long periods. Just like babies, dogs crave constant attention and can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. This is, however, necessary if you are working from an office. Working from home will enable you to spend time with your dog, thus eliminating the guilt of leaving it solitary for long periods. This also provides a good bonding opportunity and excellent stability for your dog.
- It boosts happiness: Dogs lift our spirits. They also love spending time with us. Working from home gives you an opportunity to spend time with your dog. This makes both you and your pet happy. Having your dog around as you work is like having a friend who totally understands you.
- It helps keep you active: Having a dog around as you work gives you a good reason to get up from your desk and start your day on time, preventing you from overworking. Since you will have scheduled breaks to care for your dog’s needs, you will have an excuse to get up from your desk, making you more active.
- It reduces stress levels: Your dog is a perfect companion, always ready to listen. According to research, maintaining social contact with your dog can help raise oxytocin levels, the feel-good hormone. Additionally, petting a dog is believed to reduce the stress hormone cortisol.
- Provides constant isolation: Working from home can make you prone to loneliness due to isolation. Having your pup around as you work is a good source of companionship and comfort. They help you feel less lonely.
How to Work From Home With Your Dog
While dogs provide good companionship, they can also be a huge distraction when you are working from home. The following tips will help you stay focused and still keep your furbaby happy:
Create a routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Switching to working from home can disrupt their routines and cause an undesirable change in their behavior at first. You should create a schedule for your dog and stick to it for a smooth transition.
Although your work days could vary a little, it’s important to try to wake up around the same time every day, schedule your meals, and walk around simultaneously. This will be beneficial to both you and your dog. It may even make you more productive.
Start your day with exercise.
Begin your day by exercising your dog. Incorporate a walk or play first thing in the morning into your regular schedule. The aim is to help make your dog tired, as a tired dog is happy. Exercising your dog in the morning will help it burn off extra energy during the day making it calmer and less anxious. Ensure you give them sufficient exercises. The goal is to exhaust them, so they are content and leave you alone to begin your work without interruptions.
Set up a separate workspace.
You should set up a separate work area off-limits to your dog to avoid many distractions. Separating your workspace from your dog’s play area benefits you and your pup. Setting boundaries while you work from home will help your dog get used to the daily routine.
You can do this by putting them in a crate or gating them off to a specific area of the house. Ensure this is as comfortable as possible for your dog. Keeping them in an area where they can play, unwind, and sleep can help keep them happy and prevent them from distracting you as you work.
Schedule consistent dog playtime.
Time management is one of the biggest difficulties of working from home. Even with no one else around to distract you from your work, it’s not easy to ignore your lovely pup’s pleading eyes for a play date.
To make it easier, set distinct break periods for you and your dog to prevent them from interfering with your workday and to keep off other distractions. This organized playtime will help you finish your task and also assist your dog to learn obedience. You can take your dog for a walk, play fetch, or just cuddle to relieve stress during the doggy breaks.
Keep your dog occupied.
If your dog is bored or anxious, it may result in destructive behaviors like chewing on personal items or furniture or peeing in areas where they are not supposed to. Giving your dog plenty of stimuli is the best way to keep them on their best behavior.
Despite going for walks and having playtime, your dog may still get bored during the day and crave your attention. The best way to keep them busy while you are working is to give them toys and treats to keep them distracted, engaged, and happy. Find out what works for your dog and go for it.
Don’t give in to your dog’s demand for affection.
If your dog gets accustomed to getting your attention whenever they want, you’ll notice signs of anxiousness. Don’t be moved by your dogs howling, yipping, banging on the door, or nudging their heads against you when you’ve commanded them to stay outside. Don’t yell or punish them but rather ignore them completely. Responding to these actions will make your dog think they can get your attention whenever they want it.
This way, your dog will realize that it cannot get what they desire in this manner and will change its behavior. You can reward them for behaving appropriately. This will teach them how they ought to behave while you are working.
Dogproof your workroom
Ensure you keep away everything that can harm your dog while working. This includes cables, wires, pins, and other electrical things. Separate your working place from your dog’s play area from the start and ensure your dog doesn’t get there.
Your trash area is also potentially hazardous. Dogs can quickly sniff out anything interesting in the bin if kept open. Ensure you keep off anything that can arouse your dog’s interest in the bin. Also, watch your dog when they get near the trash area.
Be sensitive to your dog’s needs.
Every dog is different. While some don’t tolerate being away from their owners, others can cope pretty. You should therefore find out any potential causes for anxiety or stress in your dog and accommodate it.
Don’t be too rigid with your schedule and routines. Find out what works for your dog smoothly. Besides separation anxiety, there are other anxieties that your dog can be prone to. Dogs react differently to different sounds and sights. Identify the sensitivities may have and do what’s necessary to keep them calm.
Be patient with yourself and your dog.
Working from home may be a phenomenon for you and your dog. This means that it may take some time for both of you to adjust. You, thus, don’t need to be too hard on yourself and your dog. Your dog may be unable to understand why you’ve suddenly decided to be around at all times. Give them time to get used to their new routine, regardless of how thrilled they may be to see you all the time.
Be patient with yourself if working from home with a dog is new to you. Learning will happen as you go. Keep in mind that you and your dog are trying your best.
Tips to Make the Most of Working From Home With Your Frenchie
Working from home can be a wonderful experience for you and your dog. The following tips can help you make the most of working at home with your Frenchie:
- Plan your day and schedule your dog around it: Find out what your day will look like and make time within your program to give your dog attention.
- Stick to a routine: Dogs learn best with a routine. Come up with a routine and stick to it.
- Have some treats to reward your pup for behaving well while you are working.
- Let your colleagues know that you have a dog around to avoid being caught by surprise.
- Enjoy working with your dog: Take time and find the best strategies to ensure a healthy balance between your dog and work.
Example remote workday schedule
The following is a sample remote workday schedule that can be helpful if you are new to working from home with your dog.
| Time | Activity |
| 6.00 am | Wake up |
| 6:30 -7:30 am | Depending on your dog’s status, take your dog for a 30-minute walk |
| 7:30-8.00 am | Have breakfast, you and your pup |
| 8:00-11.00 am | Work while your dog takes a nap |
| 11.30-11.30 am | Take a short break and play with your dog |
| 11.30-12.00 pm | Check your messages on email, WhatsApp, Slack, and other online avenues |
| 12.00-1.00 Pm | Lunch break |
| 2.00 pm-3.00 pm | Video conferencing |
| 3.00-3.30 pm | Playtime, some training, and a potty break |
| 3.30-5.00 Pm | More work |
| 5.00-5.30 Pm | Time for your dog’s dinner |
| 5.30-6:30 pm | Home workout |
| 7:00-8.00 pm | Take your dinner |
| 8:00-8.30 pm | Take another walk with your dog |
| 8:30 pm | Watch Tv, read a book |
| 10.00 pm | Sleep |
Final Thoughts
While working from home with your Frenchie can be challenging at first, it’s also an incredible experience with benefits for you and your dog. Above all, it allows you to spend more time with your furry companion, helping you build a strong bond. It can also help you relieve stress and boost productivity. Try the tips above to help you make the most of it.
Happy parenting!