5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home

Photo: sturti/Getty Images
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Email

The coronavirus pandemic has given your dog a great gift: Their most favorite person in the whole world has to work from home. It’s an exciting time for dogs everywhere, but it can be stressful for dog owners working remotely for the first time.

It takes self-discipline and motivation to work from home, especially when you have an adorable dog begging for attention, treats, walks and cuddles. The puppy dog eyes, impatient pacing and frustrated whines can make you feel guilty and distract you from your work.

How do you establish a work-from-home routine that works for you and for your pup? Here are a few tips:

Photo: hobo_018/ Getty Images

Give your dog plenty of exercise before you start working. This can be long walks (of course, when taking your pup for a walk, practice responsible social distancing), vigorous games of fetch in the backyard or whatever physical activity your dog loves. Exercise helps dogs release pent-up energy and tires them out, so when it’s time for you to work, they’ll be ready for a nap. A tired dog is a good dog.

Related: How Dog Owners Should Prepare for the Coronavirus

Regular breaks are great for you and your pup. Have a tug of war, snuggle or take a short nap. Your dog will feel the love, and research has shown that taking breaks from work every 75 to 90 minutes increases productivity.

Have a treat-dispensing toy ready to go. If your dog is whining and giving you that “I need attention or I’ll die” look, it’s time to break out the treat toy. Treat toys make great long-lasting distractions when filled with peanut butter or your dog’s favorite treats. There are also puzzle toys that make your dog work hard for their treats. A mostly empty jar of peanut butter also works well if you don’t have a toy like this on hand.

Treats provide mental stimulation when your dog has to work for them, and this gives you some peace and quiet so you can get your work done. (Don’t use treat toys if you have multiple dogs and one of them is a resource guarder.)

Calming dog music. This one might sound a little far-fetched (sorry, can’t pass up a dog pun!), but calming music is part of a science-backed principle called “environmental enrichment” that helps reduce stress in animals.

There are many YouTube videos, CDs, DVDs and even DogTV with music specifically chosen to help your good boy or girl relax. Find one that looks good, hit “play,” and your pup may settle down in no time.

Try CBD oil. This may help if all the above options fall short. Some dogs have anxiety that exercise, mental stimulation and treats don’t cure. CBD oil is a nonpsychoactive chemical (i.e., it won’t get your dog “high”) found in cannabis.

Studies have shown CBD oil is effective for a variety of issues, including anxiety and pain. Your dog will feel better, and you’ll be able to get back to work. Talk to your veterinarian about CBD oil if you want to give this option a try. There are many different CBD products and you should research them first.

RedRover has created a COVID-19 resource list for pets owners who may need assistance or guidance during this crisis: https://redrover.org/news/coronavirus.

Top photograph: sturti/Getty Images

Read Next: Teach Your Dog a New Trick While You’re Stuck At Home

 

37 thoughts on “5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home”

  1. Covid has been a really tough time for our dear pets, particularly the smaller ones. I have a grown up Pariah . He has been good so far, but misses his friends .

  2. Pingback: Dug Up at Dogster April 2020 Dog Events – Free Winning Products

  3. Pingback: Zmiażdżymy te psy, które przerywają prognozy pogody – Free Winning Products

  4. Pingback: Here's How to Plan an Easter Egg Hunt for Your Dog | And A Dog Food Deals Ok

  5. Pingback: We’re Crushing on These Dogs Interrupting Weather Forecasts – Top Rank Pets

  6. Pingback: Dug Up at Dogster April 2020 Dog Events | And A Dog Food Deals Ok

  7. Pingback: We’re Crushing on These Dogs Interrupting Weather Forecasts – Pet Supply Deals

  8. Pingback: We're Crushing on These Dogs Interrupting Weather Forecasts | Your World

  9. Pingback: What to do if Your Dog Needs Vet Care During the Coronavirus Pandemic | And A Dog Food Deals Ok

  10. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home – Top Rank Pets

  11. Pingback: What to do if Your Dog Needs Vet Care During the Coronavirus Pandemic – Top Rank Pets

  12. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home – YouNeedKnow

  13. Pingback: Here’s How to Plan an Easter Egg Hunt for Your Dog – YouNeedKnow

  14. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home – Doggy Dreams

  15. Pingback: Dug Up at Dogster April 2020 Dog Events – PetsForChildren.com

  16. Pingback: Dug Up at Dogster April 2020 Dog Events – YouNeedKnow

  17. Pingback: Have a New Puppy? Here’s how to Socialize Your Dog While Social Distancing

  18. Pingback: Have a New Puppy? Here’s how to Socialize Your Dog While Social Distancing – Comforts 4 Pets

  19. Pingback: Dug Up at Dogster April 2020 Dog Events – Pet Supply Deals

  20. Pingback: Dug Up at Dogster April 2020 Dog Events – Ten15AM

  21. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home – Infinity07

  22. Pingback: What to do if Your Dog Needs Vet Care During the Coronavirus Pandemic – yopetshop

  23. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home – Comforts 4 Pets

  24. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home

  25. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home – Chipper Pets

  26. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home – Pet Supply Deals

  27. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home – yopetshop

  28. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home | ITS A NEW PETSTORE EVERYDAY

  29. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home – thepethero.net

  30. Pingback: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Distracting You When You’re Working From Home – Pet Dedicated

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.

Let Dogster answer all of your most baffling canine questions!

Starting at just
$14.95!

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: Access Token is not valid or has expired. Feed will not update.

Related

Follow Us

Shopping Cart