6 Simple Tips To Keep Your Dog Out Of Trouble While Working From Home

Working from home with a dog can be a challenge. Dogs are naturally curious and want to be involved in everything their owners are doing. Unfortunately, this can lead to them getting into trouble if you're not careful. In this post, we will discuss some simple tips that will help keep your dog out of trouble while you're working from home!

Exercise Is Important

One of the best ways to keep your dog out of trouble while working from home is to ensure they are getting enough exercise. Dogs that are bored or have too much energy are more likely to get into mischief. But, as the saying goes, a tired dog is a good dog!

This is why it's important to give your dog a good amount of exercise before you start your work day. Taking them for a nice long walk will tire them out and prevent them from wanting to misbehave. They'll be more interested in resting or taking a nap than getting into something they shouldn't in an attempt to get your attention.

Then when it comes time for lunch, you can play some fetch with them or set up an automatic ball launcher so they can tire themselves out while you enjoy your food.

Ways To Help Them Stay Mentally Stimulated

Another way to keep your dog out of trouble when you're working from home is to make sure they are mentally stimulated. Dogs need ways to stay occupied and use their minds just as much as they need to exercise their bodies.

The first way to do this is with puzzle toys. These are great because a variety of them come with varying difficulties to help your pup from becoming bored. The premise of puzzle toys is that they allow you to add food to the toy and your dog has to figure out how to get the food out of it. When they figure it out, they're rewarded with food or treats.

Another way to keep your dog mentally stimulated while you work is to leave them with a wide range of toys they're interested in. While it may require a little clean-up at the end of the day, if they have a variety of toys to play with when one starts to bore them, they'll be less likely to get into trouble.

Lastly, you can try some homemade enrichment games. My personal favorite is called spin the bottle. Don't worry, it doesn't require inviting furry friends to your home and getting them to sit in a circle.

This spin-the-bottle game only requires a 2L pop bottle, a string, scissors, and kibble or treats. You simply cut a hole in both the left and right sides of the bottle, put the string through the holes, and tie the string to something secure on each side. Then, put some kibble or treats inside the toy and let your dog paw at the bottle until they figure out how to get the food out.

Breaks Are Good For Both Of You

While it may be tempting to work straight through the day, taking breaks is important. Not only are they good for your mental health, physical health, and productivity, but its also a great way to give your pup a quick break from not getting any attention.

Use your break time to play fetch or tug-of-war with your dog. If you have a backyard, let them run around and explore for a bit. If you live in an apartment, take them for a quick walk around the block.

Whatever you do, ensure you're spending quality time with your pup during your break. They'll love the attention, and it will help prevent them from getting into trouble while you're working.

Certain Gadgets Can Be Helpful

If you find your dog is still getting into trouble while trying to get work done, there are several gadgets that can help.

The first helpful gadget is a dog camera. This way, you can keep an eye on your pup while you're working and see what they're up to. Then, if they start to get into something they shouldn't, you can quickly intervene.

If you think your dog is being mischievous because they need to go to the bathroom, an automatic dog door could be helpful. Not only would this allow them to go outside to relieve themselves when they need to. But it will also allow them to get a change of scenery and some fresh air when they get bored instead of rummaging through the trash.

Lastly, there's the option of a dog treadmill. This is a great way to tire your dog out and keep them occupied without having to take a break from work. You can set it up in your office or another room and let your pup walk on it while you continue working.

It's important to note that you should have this set up where you can notice if anything goes wrong right away. With a low speed, there should be no issues, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Establish a Routine and Be Consistent

One of the best ways to keep your dog out of trouble when working from home is to establish a consistent routine. Dogs thrive on routine and predictability, so if they know what to expect each day, they're less likely to get into trouble.

Try to stick to the same schedule every day, including during the weekends. For example, if you usually take them for a walk first thing in the morning, do the same thing each day. If you typically play with them before bed, stick to that schedule as well.

The more consistent you are with your routine, the easier it will be for your dog to adjust to your work-from-home lifestyle and reduce their interest in acting out.

Grab a Gate Or Pen If Necessary

If your dog is particularly mischievous or you just can't seem to keep them out of trouble no matter what you do, you may want to use a gate to keep them in a separate room while you work. This doesn't mean they have to be locked in the room all day, but it will help prevent them from getting into things they shouldn't while you're trying to focus on work.

You can choose to gate them in your office where you work so you can keep an eye on them. Or, if your pup wouldn't leave you alone, you can gate them in another room where you know there's nothing they can get into that they shouldn't.

Final Thoughts

Working from home with your dog can be a great experience. But it's important to take some precautions to prevent them from getting into trouble. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your dog stays out of trouble and enjoys their downtime while you get some necessary work done.