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 new pet in a work-from-home routine.
Table of Contents
1. Establish a Routine With Your New Dog
One of the most worthwhile steps you can take is to create a routine for you and your new pet. Your workday will probably already have a structure to it. If you can expand this around your new puppy it will pay dividends. 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 puppies require more frequent meals. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about what and how much to feed your particular pet. If it works better in your established daily routine, consider feeding your 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 in the beginning.
Regardless of whether you adopted a cute little puppy or an older dog, your pet will need your dedicated attention — and plenty of it! So, allow time in your work-from-home 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.
Shy dogs 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 your new pet can retreat, you’ll provide an area that he can call his 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. And this also provides the perfect time to include some obedience training.
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 him for a walk, then you can be sure he will be wide awake by then and raring to go.
You can combine exercise along with other routines if it helps you manage your schedule.
A tired pet is a calm pet. Including activities and play within your work-from-home schedule, can give you the uninterrupted time you wouldn’t otherwise have.
All of these ideas can help to calm your new work-from-home dog.
4. Provide Entertainment for Your Pet
Naturally, there will be times when you need to get some extra work done — after all, you have been allowed to work from home and do need to achieve various targets and projects on your to-do list.
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.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on entertainment, though. Many pets appreciate cardboard boxes and tubes, while some dogs even enjoy watching videos, believe it or not. Did you know that you can find online videos that can entertain pets?
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 happen to own your own business.
To alleviate some of your work stress, you could look at utilizing some automated tools to facilitate efficiency.
For example:
- HootSuite can tackle your social media.
- A payroll system like QuickBooks (affiliate link) can help you easily track expenses.
- Scheduling software (affiliate link)
With any extra time on your hands, that these tools can allow, 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 workday from home. In addition, your pet can provide company if you previously worked in a busy office but now find yourself restricted to your home office. 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