Working from home with pets: this is how you do it
Home office is here to stay, and if you're lucky enough to have a furry companion by your side, it's even more fun! Balancing work responsibilities with the needs of your pet can sometimes be a challenge. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and tricks from behavioural coach Patricia for successfully working from home with a pet, ensuring a productive and harmonious environment for both of you.
Create a comfortable working space
It's important to create a comfortable working space, both for you and your furry companion. Make sure you have a spot where you can work without distractions and with enough space for your pet to relax next to you. Place a soft cushion or blanket where your pet can lie down, and provide them with their favourite toys to keep themselves entertained. Adding some of their favourite toys or a scratching post nearby can also help keep them entertained and prevent them from getting too curious about your keyboard or important documents. This way, you can work together in harmony.
Follow a set routine
Pets thrive on routine and the same applies to your workday. Try to follow a set routine where you work and take breaks at the same time each day. Regular feeding times, walks and playtimes are essential to keep your pet happy and maintain their overall well-being. This way, your pets can get used to structure and know when it's time to be quiet. Take regular short breaks to play with your pet or give it some attention. This will benefit your productivity and ensure happy pets!
Check background noises
Pets can sometimes provide background noise while working. A barking dog or meowing cat can be quite distracting during an important phone call. Therefore, try to create a quiet environment by using a separate room, for example.
Provide enough exercise
Just like you need a break from time to time, your pet also needs exercise. So take regular breaks to play or take a walk together. This provides your pet with much-needed mental and physical stimulation. Not only does it keep your pet healthy, but it also gives you the opportunity to stretch your legs and take a breather from work. Remember that a happy and content pet will be less disruptive during your work hours.
Make use of technology
In these modern times, we are lucky to be able to use technology to help us work from home with pets. For example, consider interactive toys or a feeder with a timer to keep your pets occupied while you're at work. Additionally, you can use video cameras to keep an eye on them when you can't be in the same room with your four-legged friends. This way you can work with peace of mind, knowing that your pets are in good hands.
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Parenting coach Patricia’s schedule
Dog parenting and behaviour coach Patricia, of Smiling Dogs, also works at home with her dog Sky. She shares her daily schedule with you!
Morning
We start the day with a walk with Sky, where he takes the lead. He is allowed to sniff as long as he wants. Our morning walk usually lasts only 15 minutes.
Around 7:30 AM, I start working while Sky takes a break from sniffing. He processes all the scents he's picked up.
Up until noon
Around 10 o'clock, Sky got into the habit of reminding me to take a break. Then we play together or have some outdoor fun in the garden, weather permitting. This hour is sacred to both of us, whether there is a meeting or not. If I happen to be in a meeting, I usually announce that a short break is welcome.
If this is really not possible, which is rare, I make sure I have an attractive toy on my desk, along with my favourite box of Flamingo veggie snacks . Sky loves them and it keeps him entertained for about 10 minutes.
Noon
Our lunch break is scheduled from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. This, too, Sky taught himself. We first take a walk or go to the playground at the end of our street. Here we spend about 20 to 30 minutes. After that, I take some time to eat something myself, and if the weather is nice, we sit in the garden for a while.
Afternoon
We start working again at 1:00 PM. If your dog finds it hard to do "nothing", make sure you can challenge him mentally with mind games, hidden toys or biscuits. A stuffed Kong is always fun too, it will keep them busy for a while.
Our final break of the day is at 3:00 PM. No walk this time, but 10 minutes of mental challenge instead. I teach body and balance exercises for dogs, so Sky and I do some of these together for 10 minutes.
Evening
My workday usually ends at 4:30 PM, and then it's time for the last walk of the day with Sky. Usually, he's already met a few neighbourhood dogs that day, so there's something else for him to process.
Besides her own schedule, she also has some golden tips:
Working from home with a pet requires some adjustments and planning, but by establishing a routine, creating an animal-friendly workspace, taking regular breaks and embracing creativity, you can build a harmonious working environment for both you and your furry friend. Remember, the key lies in finding the right balance between work and quality-time with your pet.
- For those of you who work from home with a headset to communicate, teach your dog not to disturb when you have it on.
- A fixed place near your desk is also useful to teach your dog that he can always be near you.
By following these tips, you will not only ensure a productive working day, but also enjoy the many benefits of working together with your beloved companion.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started and make your workplace a paradise for you and your pets!
In a nutshell
Regular feeding times, walks and playtimes are essential to keep your pet happy and maintain their overall well-being. This way, your pets can get used to structure and know when it's time to be quiet.
Make sure you have a spot where you can work without distractions and with enough space for your pet to relax next to you. A fixed place near your desk is also useful to teach your dog that he can always be near you.
Consider, for example, interactive toys. This provides your pet with much-needed mental and physical stimulation.