Tips for Working from Home

With everything going on, you might find yourself at home for the next few weeks. 

Your dog will certainly be happy to spend time with you, but we know getting them enough exercise can be tough without a regular routine. That’s why we are here with some helpful tips!

MAKE TIME FOR TRAINING

Training 15 minutes a few times a day will tucker your dog out, giving you time to get things done around the house. Plus, the more practice you get inside, the better success you’ll have outside around distractions when life returns to normal!

• Chores to Do? Have your pup practice “place” in the room with you.
• Longing for Better Walks? Polish up attention and positioning with “heel” around the house.
• Need to Boost Confidence? Practice “place” on different objects around the house like a chair with wheels, a stool, a box, or a scale.

INVOLVE THE FAMILY

You might be sticking close to home, but there are still plenty of ways to incorporate distractions. Getting the whole family involved helps keep everyone on the same page– and gives kids something fun to do!

• Barking at the Door? Have someone else knock and ring the doorbell while you help your pup stay on “place”.
• Distracted by Food/Toys? Strategically put toys and treats around the house, then have your pup practice “heel” or “sit” around them. Kids might also enjoy playing nearby while you practice keeping your pup’s attention!
• Want to Improve Recall? Have the family spread out, then take turns telling your pup “come!” Remember to make it fun and rewarding when they successfully recall back to you.

PRACTICE WITH OUTDOOR DISTRACTIONS

Looking for activities that don’t require other people? Seize the day by spending some quality time with your pet!

• Longing for Better Walks? Practice “heel” on the sidewalk in your neighborhood keeping your pup’s attention around all the flowers and bushes.
• Want an Extra Challenge? Go outside and use a 15′ long leash to work on commands from a distance.
• Distracted by Smells? Let your pup catch a scent, then practice “come” by calling them away from the distraction.

PRACTICE BOUNDARY TRAINING

Dogs thrive on structure, so reviewing boundaries is a great way to ensure you enjoy time together at home. Just make sure you can keep one eye on the dog and one eye on your work.

• Trying to Catch a Snack Thief? Set out a plate of pet-friendly goodies, then sit back and prepare to catch them in the act. When they are about to make their move, tell them “come” and reward if they come straight to you.
• Trouble Getting Out the Door? Practice polite door manners by having your pup “sit” before going through the doorway. Just don’t forget to let them “break” when it’s their turn to walk through!
• Mischief in the Yard? Let your pup explore the yard, but keep an eye on them while you work. Whether it’s digging, jumping the fence, or tearing up the garden, we want to stop any mischief before your pup fully commits to the action. Make sure to find an appropriate level for the tap and offer help if needed. 

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Getting ready in the morning, have an important phone call, or something else you need to focus on? It’s important to keep your workload in mind when planning training sessions with your pup. Multitasking is great, but don’t try to train while juggling too many things at once!

If you can’t split your attention and help your pup make good choices, put them away so they can take a rest and you can focus your full attention on the task at hand. Training should be fun and rewarding, so if you are frustrated or not able to be a good coach at the time put your pup somewhere where they won’t get in trouble and save training time for when you have a break.

CONCLUSION

Any training goals you set for the day, make sure they are realistic! You wouldn’t expect to win a marathon if you struggle to run one mile– and the same goes for your pup!

Now more than ever is a great time to make the most of your time home with your pup. The more you practice the better your pups will be when life returns to normal.

Whether it’s 5 minutes or 5 hours, it’s important to recognize what counts as a success for your pup. Once you get a few successful repetitions, finish with lots of praise and let them take a break in their kennel. Even a little progress is a step in the right direction and every step counts towards the end goal– a happy, obedient, confident dog!