Did you adopt a pandemic puppy because you had to work at home? Many did of course and a huge number of people continue to work from home, even today. If you are still working from home while welcoming a new puppy, dog, or cat, then your furry companion will become part of your day almost as much as the job at hand. However, striking a good balance between the two can take some work! This article provides you with 5 ways in which you can include your pet, pandemic puppy or otherwise, in a work-from-home routine.
1. Establish a Routine for You & Your New Puppy
One of the most productive steps you can take is to create a routine for you and your new pet. Your workday will probably have a structure to it, and most pets thrive on a routine.
Pets need time each day to eat, sleep, relieve themselves and play. According to the American Kennel Club, both dogs and cats need to eat twice a day, while kittens and puppies require more frequent meals. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about what and how much to feed your pet. If it works better in your particular daily routine, consider feeding your cat or dog when you take your own meal break.
Puppies need to relieve themselves every 2 to 4 hours, while adult dogs should have potty breaks at least 3 times a day, according to DailyPuppy. An adult dog, in a new home, may need to get used to the routine, so plan some extra breaks at first.
Regardless of whether you adopted a pandemic puppy, kitten or an older dog, your pet will need your dedicated attention — and plenty of it! So, allow time in your schedule to focus on your furry friend by playing fetch, chasing a ball or toy, or offering a belly rub. In addition, you can set aside a little time to groom your pet on a regular basis. (Pampering Dogs has several grooming guides to help you in that department.) Pets adapt well to routines, and once they know they can look forward to periods of your undivided attention, they are less apt to pester you in between.
2. Give Your Pet Space
Depending on your pet’s personality, he might find your routine stressful. Puppies can be quite sensitive when it comes to loud noises or sudden movements that disturb their snoozing.
Cats especially benefit from time to themselves in a new environment.
Try creating a relaxing space away from the work environment activities if you notice your pet is anxious. By making up a bed or a designated spot where new pets can retreat, you’ll provide an area that they can call their own.
3. Enlist an Exercise Buddy
Both you and your pet need exercise, even your young puppy. Why not do it together? A scheduled walk before or after work, or during your lunch break, is a perfect way for both of you to get moving. Dogs love this. You will find your new puppy or dog can almost ‘tell the time’, or so it would seem. If 5 pm is the timeslot you usually take her for a walk, then you can be sure she will be wide awake by then and raring to go.
On the other hand, if your new pet is a cat, then exercise requirements will be different. If your cat isn’t the strolling type, she might enjoy chasing a ball or laser pointer for 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
You can combine exercise along with other routines if it helps your schedule.
A tired pet is a calm pet. Including activities and play in your schedule, might give you the uninterrupted time you wouldn’t otherwise have.
All of these ideas can help to calm your pandemic puppy or your new work from home dog.
4. Provide Entertainment for Your Pet
Naturally, there will be times you need to get some work done — after all, your new business won’t build itself. Or if you have been advised to work from home for the time being, your boss won’t welcome any slacking off.
Set aside some complex toys and games that you can bring out when you need to distract your new puppy so that you can focus on your job. Dogs really enjoy a long-lasting chew toy or a puzzle with a treat hidden inside.
An interactive or electronic toy may do the trick for cats.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on entertainment, though. Many pets appreciate cardboard boxes and tubes, while some dogs and cats even enjoy watching videos. Did you know that you can find online videos made just for pets (affiliate link)
Interactive Toys for Puppies and Dogs (affiliate link)
5. Enlist Automation Tools & Online Services
It’s easy to get sucked into working overtime, especially on busy days, increasing the likelihood that your pet won’t get much attention. This is even more so if you own your own business.
To ease up on some of your tasks, employ automated tools to lighten the load.
For example:
- HootSuite can tackle your social media.
- A payroll system like QuickBooks (affiliate link) can help you automate payroll and easily track expenses.
With the extra time on your hands, afforded by working from home, you can give your pet more attention and thus better build your bond.
A new pet can comfort and encourage you as you begin your business. Similarly it can provide company if you used to work in a busy office but now find yourself restricted to home working. As long as you work efficiently and find that perfect balance between work and home, you can enjoy both your pet and your business.
Guest Post by: James Hall in collaboration with Pampering Dogs
