When I first came up with this article idea, I had no idea that a majority of the population would get the chance to work from home. As a freelance writer, Molly always works from home with me by her side, but ever since the coronavirus pandemic started, it’s become more of a norm for people. So, whether you’re planning to always work from home or even if it’s just for the time being, here are some things that I’ve learned.
The Benefits of Working From Home with Your Dog
For dogs, it’s great when humans work from home! I am so happy that I get to see Molly all the time. It makes me feel less lonely, and overall, it makes my day more exciting.
Plus, I don’t have to hold my bladder or wait for my food at all. Since Molly works at home, she is always able to take me outside throughout the day and give me food right on time. It’s much better than having to wait for her to come home all day.
And let’s not forget that dogs help humans a lot too. Dogs can make you happier while you work, which could actually make you more productive as a result. Even if your work gets stressful, you can feel happy and more relaxed if you pet your dog for a little bit.
The Downsides to it
I’m sure every dog and dog lover would agree that working with your dog by your side seems ideal. However, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies.
For example, I’m used to Molly working at home, so I understand that she has to stay focused while she uses her laptop. Unfortunately, not all dogs understand this though. If you’re new to working from home, your dog will likely want to play with you all the time. They might not understand why you can’t give them constant attention.
Working from home can also cause separation anxiety. If your dog is used to you always being around, then they’ll get very anxious when you do leave the house. This could lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing up furniture or barking too much.
How to Handle it Better
Luckily, there’s a way to make working from home easy for both you and your dog. It’s important to start with a set schedule. Your job might be flexible if you have at home hours, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make plans for yourself.
Dogs usually respond better to routine. When you work from home, decide what times you want to walk your dog throughout the day, what times you’ll feed them at, and when you’ll take a break to play with them. If you always do these things around the same time each day, it can help your dog get used to your at-home schedule.
If you just walk your dog and play with them whenever you feel like it, your dog could easily get confused. They might try to seek out your attention while you’re working, not understanding that you’re busy. That’s why it’s better to keep things consistent.
Additionally, you should leave your dog alone from time to time. During the pandemic, it’s not easy, but try to get out of the house now and then. The more you leave your dog alone, the less likely they’ll freak out about it. You need to show them that it’s okay for you to be apart now and then.
Working at home is a learning experience for everyone. Even Molly is still fairly new to it all, but she has been working hard to make it comfortable for both of us. It can be a confusing time for dogs, so always keep that in mind.
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Mabel the Rescue Dog 