Tips For Working From Home with your Furry Friend

With the increase of telecommuting and self-employment, many dog owners are able to work from home and don't have to routinely leave their furry friends alone all day. Some dogs ease into this scenario and are able to be with their owners throughout the day without exhibiting behavioural issues. For others, however, there are a number of behavioural problems that may arise - such as dogs demanding attention by barking or whining, often at the worst possible times.

Why do dogs misbehave in the home/office environment?

This is due to the large amount of time spent together in close proximity, these dogs often have increased opportunities to train their owners! They might nudge for pats or climb in laps. They often nap under the table or desk where their owners are working, but when they wake up, they will request attention and usually get it.

While seemingly cute and innocent, whenever a dog gets to direct the behaviour of their owner, they see themself as being put in the leadership role. And as the leader, a dog may feel they have the right to demand their owner's attention - often at inconvenient times, such as when the owner is on the phone or involved in an important assignment.

Picture this common scene: You are on an important conference call. A few minutes in, your dog starts to bark or even jump on you. The call is important and you can't afford the interruption, so your dog gets picked up or patted and your attention gets divided. You can't have your dog barking during the call, so you give in. However, this teaches them that barking and whining is rewarded with attention and affection, which leads to more and more demands at times when you are occupied.

What can I do?

The first thing to do is to separate your workspace from your dog's space. Work in a separate room away from your dog. Even though your dog may choose to go elsewhere and nap during the day, if they have free access to you, they will most likely come and find you when they wake up. It's important that your work area is off-limits and that your dog is confined (either gated or crated in another room) so they don't have access to you. If they bark for your attention at first, you may want to have at least a couple of closed doors between you as they get used to the new situation. Make sure to give them something to occupy their attention, such as a treat-rewarding GameChanger® or KONG® toy.

Do NOT go to your dog's space if you hear any barking, whining or pacing. Only go when their calm and quiet. If you return when their acting out of stress, they will learn that making a fuss is rewarded with your attention.

Practice obedience when you do return. Training your dog engages their brain. This will tire them out and help them become calmer. Try asking them to SIT and STAY before you pat them or toss a toy.

Work on your leadership skills. Be proactive in asking for your dog's attention and focus. Always begin play on your terms; for instance, if they bring you a certain toy for play, take control of the toy and wait until later to bring it out yourself and initiate play.

Time management is important. If you went off to work without your dog, you would only have certain times when you could interact with them. Work on establishing set times for interactions. For example, take a 10-15 minute break mid-morning and again in the afternoon, or a half hour at lunchtime. Do what works for you and also meets your dog's physical and mental needs. It's important that you don't continuously stop what you are doing and engage with your dog. They'll quickly get used to the cues you give for your set interactions and will settle down quicker during the in-between times.

As they learn that your world doesn't necessarily revolve around them, they'll relax and not be as anxious for your attention. Their bad behaviours are simply learned behaviours, because they have worked in the past; your dog will only make a different choice if those strategies no longer result in your attention and what they interpret as praise. Be patient, calm and consistent. If you never separate from your dog, they will have a hard time feeling comfortable by themself when you do have to leave them. Practising separation while working from home or with your dog at the office will help you both be more relaxed and happy, together or apart.

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