Description:
My partner and I both work from home full-time, and our (admittedly spoiled) dog has decided this means 24/7 access to attention, walks, and playtime, often interrupting important calls for both of us. How can we establish a fair system for sharing pet duties during work hours without it leading to resentment or one person shouldering most of the load?
6 Answers
Create a shared doggy duty schedule! Seriously, put it on a calendar. Assign specific walk times, feeding times, and short 'play break' slots to each person. If one person has an important meeting block, the other is 'on duty'. This makes expectations clear and avoids the 'who's turn is it?' debate during a busy workday.
We have 'dog zones'. If I'm on a crucial call, the dog goes into my partner's office (or a designated comfy spot) with a chew toy or puzzle feeder. And vice-versa. It means one person can focus completely while the other is 'passively' supervising or actively engaging during their own less critical work periods. Requires separate workspaces ideally.
It might also be about training your dog to settle independently. Work on 'place' commands or rewarding calm behavior. If the dog only gets attention when they're demanding it, they'll keep demanding it. It's a gradual process but worth it.
- Anonymous: I agree, training my dog to "go to place" made a huge difference. How long did it take you to see real change? Any tricks for keeping it steady during back-to-back work calls?
- A.L.: That’s great to hear! For me, it took a few weeks of consistent training to see steady progress, but every dog is different. During work calls, I used a leash or baby gate to keep my dog in their 'place' and gave plenty of exercise beforehand. Also, treats and praise help reinforce calming behavior. Hope that helps!
Join the conversation and help others by sharing your insights.
Log in to your account or create a new one — it only takes a minute and gives you the ability to post answers, vote, and build your expert profile.
Similar Questions
-
Where is it best to volunteer with animals to boost my resume?
I’m curious about opportunities to volunteer with animals that can also add value to my career profile. It seems like a great way to gain unique skills and show commitment, but where should I look for such roles?
-
How can I introduce therapy animals to improve workplace wellbeing?
It might be a unique way to boost morale, but I’m curious about how to do it properly and professionally. Has anyone tried this approach, or are there guidelines to follow for integrating therapy animals into the workplace?
-
How can I train my pet to stay calm and out of frame on video calls?
My dog/cat/parrot frequently interrupts important video meetings by barking, jumping into view, or squawking. I want humane, practical strategies that let me keep pets at home without disrupting work.
-
Should I negotiate pet-care benefits with my employer?
What’s the best way to ask for pet-care benefits (pet insurance, daycare stipend, emergency leave, or occasional on-site pet days) as part of my compensation? Which signals make a request reasonable (company size, benefits budget, employee retention data), when should I bring it up (hiring, performance review, open enrollment), and how can I frame the...
-
Where can I find pet-friendly workplaces to improve my job satisfaction?
I love my pets and believe having them around during the workday would greatly reduce my stress and increase my productivity. However, I’m concerned about finding a company or workspace that truly supports bringing pets to work. I’m curious about how common pet-friendly workplaces are and where I might find reliable lists or communities that...
-
Which is best pet for a remote worker’s productivity and wellbeing?
Which kinds of pets tend to support focus, mental health, and a sustainable remote-work routine—dogs, cats, small mammals, fish, or low-maintenance alternatives? Describe trade-offs (noise, need for walks or play, grooming, allergies, costs, ability to leave for travel), how different personalities and schedules affect fit, and practical tips for integrating pet care with concentrated work...
-
Should I bring my pet to a coworking space?
I work remotely and use a shared coworking space several days a week. My dog is well-trained and mostly quiet, and I prefer not to leave them alone at home. What should I consider before bringing a pet to a coworking space — including rules, insurance/liability, allergies and noise, client impressions, and cleaning — and...
-
Managing Pet Demands during WFH?
Love having my dog around while I WFH, but the constant pleas for attention (or barking during calls 🤦♀️) can be a challenge. What are your best strategies for managing pets and staying productive when you’re on the clock?
-
How to manage pet care for travelling remote workers?
How to manage pet care and ensure their well-being if you’re a remote worker who wants to take advantage of ‘work from anywhere’ policies and travel more frequently, either taking pets along or leaving them?
-
Can you bring a pet to work to boost team morale and productivity?
At my hybrid startup we’re thinking about introducing occasional “bring your pet” days to encourage people to come into the office and reduce stress. What are the real benefits and measurable outcomes of allowing pets at work, and what risks should we prepare for? Specifically: how should we address allergies, phobias, and accommodations for service...