For many, there were some side benefits to working from home during the pandemic; things like doing your laundry between meetings, a quick vacuum of the floors or maybe emptying your dishwasher while you listened in on a town hall. Some took the opportunity to add a puppy to the family - what better time to potty train than when you're working from home? For me, I was able to proof boundaries to the point where I had to mute my calls because my officemate snores!
As the workplace starts to encourage employees to Return to the Office, we need to consider the impact this will have on our four-legged friends. Do they spend every waking hour with you? Do they always lie beside you while you work? Do they follow you from room to room? If the answer is Yes, you may want to start getting Fido used to being alone while you are still working from home to ease the transition to being left alone for extended periods of time. Here's some simple training that can get you started.
As the workplace starts to encourage employees to Return to the Office, we need to consider the impact this will have on our four-legged friends. Do they spend every waking hour with you? Do they always lie beside you while you work? Do they follow you from room to room? If the answer is Yes, you may want to start getting Fido used to being alone while you are still working from home to ease the transition to being left alone for extended periods of time. Here's some simple training that can get you started.
- Move your dog's bed further away from your desk. Do this slowly. When your dog is comfortable/relaxed at the distance, then move the bed a bit further.
- Leave your office space without your dog for short periods of time. Gradually increase the length of time as your dog becomes accustomed to being away from you. Alternative - send your dog to another room while you stay in the office.
- Leave your house without your dog, similar to the process in step 2.
TIPS:
Using a long lasting chew or a kong stuffed with yumminess can help your dog settle as you progress with distance and duration away from you.
Using a long lasting chew or a kong stuffed with yumminess can help your dog settle as you progress with distance and duration away from you.
- Using a treat dispensing toy such as a Furbo, Treat and Train, Pet Tutor or food puzzle is a great way to use your dog's breakfast kibble while you work towards your goal.
As with all dog training, work on distance or duration separately until being away from you is no longer a concern. As always, reach out to dog training professionals if needed.
Happy Training!
Happy Training!
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