7 ways to make the most of working from home with your dogs

Pet food specialist Purina asked dog trainer and behaviourist Oli Juste for his top tips to keep our four-legged friends happy, safe and healthy while many of us WFH

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Purina has been championing pets in the workplace for over 15 years and since 2017 has helped companies across Europe to become dog friendly as part of their 10 Purina in Society commitments. 

With the new normal of WFH – working from home – unlikely to change any time soon, how can those with dogs at home not only work productively but also keep their furry friends happy? 

Thankfully, help is at hand. Despite our new reality, Pet food specialist Purina continues to advocate the benefits of working with pets. 

They’ve asked dog behaviourist Oli Juste to come up with top tips to ensure workers get the most out of WFH with their dogs as part of their Paws-itive Work Campaign. . 

Here are Oli’s seven ways to keep your four-legged friend happy, safe and healthy…

Establish a routine

“A routine is reassuring. Particularly for dogs – it means they know what’s coming next. Having a dog forces owners to have a healthy routine. That first walk in the morning enables you to clear your head before starting work. Also, at the end of a very busy day, to be able to go for a long walk and leave the day behind is beneficial.”

Take a break and cuddle your dog

“Taking regular breaks has been shown to aid productivity. Alongside this, spending time with your dog is good for your mental health. So when we cuddle our dogs, we create oxytocin, the love hormone. Generally speaking, we don’t get that opportunity while in the office. But now we have a chance to get little kicks of oxytocin throughout the day.”

Don’t always be available

“Set some time aside every day where you don’t pay attention to your dog. Not only does it help with getting work done, it’s also a really good way to work towards the dog having some time alone – and ensure that separation-related issues aren’t too much of a problem when we eventually do return to the office.”

Make sure your dogs are mentally engaged

“At regular intervals, play a game with your dog. It can even be just two minutes’ worth of training while you’re making a cup of tea. If your dog is cognitively engaged, physically tired and loved – because that’s just as important – then he’s more likely to be content. Which will certainly help you get on with your work.”

Ace that presentation

“It’s vital to keep your dog occupied if you’ve got an important meeting or presentation. A food dispensing toy keeps them busy and entertained. Introduce these toys and games well ahead of time – and use them even on the days when you don’t have a crucial phone call.”

Don’t neglect the obvious things

“Diet is an important one – especially if routines have changed recently. Making sure your dog is well-groomed is essential for their comfort and health. And don’t skip any routine check-ups at the vets.”

Basically, be organised

“The hardest thing is to plan ahead, but planning will certainly reap benefits. If you know that you’re going to be backed up in meetings all day, get up early and take your dog for a big long walk. Planning ahead, training ahead, introducing games ahead of time – whatever is required so you’re never caught short.”

Find out more tips and advice for WFH with pets here and for more pet care help and advice on pets, go to purina.co.uk