As a work-from-home pet owner, managing your time between your work responsibilities and giving your energetic puppy the attention they deserve can be a challenge. My puppy is now 8 months old and full of energy, and while I love having her by my side, it’s not always easy to balance work and play. If you're a pet sitter or someone who provides home boarding services, the same challenges apply when looking after a client’s dog. Pets need engagement, and with the right strategies, you can create a routine that keeps them entertained and comfortable while ensuring your productivity stays intact.
I recently came across this fantastic article by Jennifer Billot, a professional dog trainer, that offers some fantastic insights for anyone working from home or looking after dogs in their own home. I think it’s incredibly useful for both pet owners and pet sitters. Below are Jennifer’s tips with a focus on how they can work for those of us who are juggling work and puppy care (or dog sitting!) at the same time. Let’s dive in!
1. Time Management: Play, Train, and Let Them Play Alone
When working from home, your schedule can easily get interrupted by your pet’s need for attention. Jennifer's approach focuses on utilizing short breaks effectively to tire out your dog mentally and physically without over-exerting them.
Instead of playing intensely for 10 minutes during a break, try mixing it up with a combination of activities that work both their body and mind:
- Playtime: Spend a few minutes playing with toys.
- Training: Follow up with a quick training session to reinforce good behaviors.
- Solo Activities: Finally, give them a nose work or enrichment activity to do alone, which helps them tire out mentally while you return to work.
This approach keeps them from becoming overly excited during your break, ensuring they settle down when it's time for you to get back to your task. Pet sitters can use this structure to keep a dog occupied and engaged while providing them with some independence during their stay.
2. Food & Chews: Pre-Prep for Busy Moments
If you’re struggling to manage your work while your dog demands attention, preparing food-based activities can be a game-changer. Kongs and Licki-mats are fantastic tools that can keep your pet busy for 30 minutes or more, and they're especially helpful when you have a Zoom meeting or need to focus on a task.
Preparing these ahead of time, like stuffing a Kong with their favorite treats or using baby food pouches (e.g., mashed bananas or pureed sweet potatoes), can save you time in the morning and reduce stress. Pet sitters, this is also a great option when you're caring for someone else's dog these activities can keep them content and focused, allowing you to stick to your responsibilities while ensuring the pet is happy.
3. Nose Work: 10 Minutes of Smelling = 1 Hour of Exercise
Did you know that engaging a dog’s nose for just 10 minutes can tire them out as much as an hour of physical exercise? This is a great activity for both pet owners and pet sitters to implement. Whether you’re working from home or looking after a dog for a client, hiding small treats or using a snuffle mat can keep them busy and mentally engaged.
Start by hiding treats around a room and encouraging them to "find it." As they become more skilled, you can challenge them by hiding treats in higher spots or within more complex objects. Nose work is an excellent way for dogs to expend energy without requiring physical exertion, so it’s a perfect go-to when you need a few minutes of quiet while you focus.
4. Trick Training: Keep Their Mind Active
Training isn’t just for puppies it’s a fun way to engage with any dog, at any age. Consider teaching a trick like “sit,” “stay,” or even more complex tricks like “roll over” or “play dead.” These brain games are not only fun but also tire out your dog mentally.
Keep sessions short, positive, and fun. Remember to use treats and praise to encourage them. This is something pet sitters can implement too! If you're looking after a client’s dog, try teaching them a simple trick or reinforcing a behavior they already know. It’s a great way to bond with the dog and keep them engaged in a positive way.
The Bottom Line: Managing Time and Attention for Work-from-Home Owners and Pet Sitters
Finding the balance between work and play while caring for a high-energy puppy or looking after someone else’s pet can be difficult, but with some creative time management and engaging activities, you can ensure both you and your furry companion thrive.
Using Jennifer’s tips, such as scheduling play, training, and enrichment activities, can make a big difference. For pet sitters, pre-preparing food-based activities like Kongs or Licki-mats for clients’ dogs and incorporating nose work into their routine can keep them busy and content while you work. Trick training is also a great way to bond and mentally stimulate the dog you’re caring for.
What strategies have you found helpful in balancing work and puppy care? If you're a pet sitter, what activities do you use to keep your client’s pets happy and calm? Share your thoughts in the comments below I’d love to hear from you!