How to Stay Productive While Working from Home with a Dog
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Working from home has its perks—no commute, flexible hours, and the ability to wear comfy pants all day. But if you’re a pet parent, especially to a dog, you know that productivity can take a hit when your furry coworker demands attention, playtime, or impromptu barking fits during Zoom calls.
So, how do you balance getting work done while keeping your pup happy? Here are some practical strategies (along with helpful tools) to keep you on track while making sure your four-legged friend gets the love they deserve.
Set a Routine (for Both You and Your Dog)
Dogs thrive on routine, and so do humans. Having a structured schedule helps prevent interruptions and keeps both you and your pup on the same page. Try the following:
Morning Routine: Start with a walk or play session before diving into work. This helps burn off your dog’s energy so they’re less likely to beg for attention when you’re busy.
Work Blocks: Use the Pomodoro Technique—25-minute focused work sessions with 5-minute breaks to stay productive.
Meal & Walk Schedule: Set specific times for meals and breaks to avoid random interruptions throughout the day.
Tool Recommendation: Notion
Notion is a great way to map out your daily work schedule while also setting reminders for dog-related tasks. You can create a daily dashboard that includes your work tasks, meetings, and pup care schedule in one place. Try Notion.
Use Project Management Tools to Stay on Task
Juggling deadlines, client work, and a dog can feel overwhelming. Using a project management tool helps keep your workload organized so you don’t miss deadlines.
Tool Recommendation: Monday.com
Monday.com lets you manage projects, track progress, and collaborate with teams—so even if you step away for a quick game of fetch, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done next. Check out Monday.com.
Give Your Dog a Job
A dog with a job is a happy and well-behaved companion. Training your dog to follow commands and stay occupied during your work hours can significantly reduce distractions and provide them with mental stimulation.
Ideas for Giving Your Dog a Job:
Place Command: Teach your dog to stay on a designated bed or mat while you work. This reinforces calm behaviour and prevents interruptions.
Interactive Training: Use treat-based training sessions throughout the day to engage their minds and reinforce positive behaviours.
Fetch and Retrieve Tasks: Some dogs love fetching objects or bringing items back, turning small tasks into productive engagement.
Design a Dog-Friendly Work Setup
Creating a dedicated workspace that accommodates your dog can help reduce distractions. Try these tips:
Comfortable Dog Bed: Place a cozy dog bed near your workspace so they can relax while you work. If your dog practices the Place command, having a designated area for them to stay in during work hours can help reinforce consistency.
Automate and Streamline Your Business Tasks
If work feels overwhelming, automation can save you hours each week. Using smart business systems will help you stay on top of tasks, leaving you more time for quality moments with your pup.
Tools to Enhance Your Business:
QuickBooks – Automate invoicing, track expenses, and manage taxes effortlessly. Explore QuickBooks.
Shopify – If you run an e-commerce business, Shopify makes it easy to manage everything from inventory to payments in one place. Try Shopify.
Bonus: Rakuten – Save on business expenses by getting cash back on purchases you already make. Join Rakuten.
Take Breaks and Enjoy Time with Your Dog
One of the biggest perks of working from home is getting to spend time with your pet—so don’t forget to enjoy it! Taking short breaks to go for a walk or play with your dog isn’t just great for them; it can help reduce stress and increase productivity.
Working from home with a dog doesn’t have to be chaotic. By setting a routine, using productivity tools, and giving your dog a job, you can maintain a balanced workday while giving your furry friend the attention they need.
Want to streamline your workflow? Check out Monday.com or Notion to stay organized and productive—so you can get back to enjoying those snuggle breaks guilt-free!
