(Photo credit: Samson Katt)
(by Sally Writes)
Around 80% of companies in the U.S. plan to permit workers to continue working from home after the current health crisis is over, as found in a recent Gargner survey, which also showed that the majority of managers are not worried about keeping productivity high using this model. If you have a dog and you are currently working remotely, then without a doubt, both you and your pooch are grateful for this time spent together. How can you enjoy the experience to the full while ensuring you remain productive and focused on your work tasks?
Setting Up An Exercise Schedule
When working from home with a dog, ensure your dog does not remain sitting by your side or sleeping all day long. Dogs need at least one to two long walks, preferably with some time off the leash and a chance to run, jump, and simply enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the great outdoors. The good news is that taking them outside has a plethora of benefits for you too, with one recent study showing that people who own dogs walk for around 22 more minutes per day than those who don’t. This lowers their risk of heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. To ensure that you and your dog do not miss out on this daily activity, time these walks and stick strictly to the schedule – even when you are tempted to sleep in. Your walk will give you a big boost in energy and lower your stress levels, ensuring you can be your best, most focused self by the time you turn your computer on.
Playing Games And Training Fido At Break Time
You probably enjoy a couple of break times every day, in addition to longer pauses for lunch and a cup of tea in the afternoon. During these times, add a bit of playfulness into the equation so your dog does not remain sedentary through his time indoors. Just a few ideas to keep your dog entertained include automatic dog ball launchers (iFetch, AFP, and Franklin all have well reviewed models), food puzzles, and Kong toys. You can also take just 10 minutes a day to train your dog to sit, lie down, roll over, or come when you call him. Make sure to capture these precious moments on film: you may just inspire other dog owners to take the time and effort required to teach their dog helpful skills.
Creating A Time Out Space For Your Dog
Most dogs are well behaved and enjoy simply lying by their human’s side during the working day. However, some can bark suddenly when they hear a noise (caused by the doorbell or phone) and others can have the habit of jumping onto the sofa or chair where you are working. If your job involves online video conference calls, then ensure your dog has a private space in which he feels comfortable being alone when you need silence and privacy. Place his crate or bed in a quiet room where he can enjoy sunlight, fresh air, water, and a few treats. Keep his favorite toys by his side, but make sure to alternate them every few days to keep him interested and to keep the germ count of plush toys and other items down.
If you are fortunate enough to be working with your dog by your side, make the most of it by striking the perfect balance between work and fun. Schedule in two long walks if you can, and bring a frisbee or ball along so your dog can ramp up his activity. At home, keep a good stock of toys and games that will keep your dog entertained when your eye needs to be firmly focused on bringing home the bacon.
