# My partner and i both wfh and our dog wants 24/7 attention – how to share duties fairly?

Author Jordan LewisCategory[Pets & Animals](https://jobicy.com/question-category/pets-and-animals.md)Rating 👍 210 / 👎 108Asked on19 May 2025Last active15 Mar 2026Answers9 [Answer](#answer-form-container)

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## 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?

### 9 Answers

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![Anonymous](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Anonymous&background=random&size=42)
Anonymous [19 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747648800-my-partner-and-i-both-wfh-and-our-dog-wants-24-7-attention-how-to-share-duties-fairly#answer-816.md)

Copy answer link Report answerWe 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.

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![Casey Walker](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Casey+Walker&background=random&size=42)
Casey Walker [19 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747648800-my-partner-and-i-both-wfh-and-our-dog-wants-24-7-attention-how-to-share-duties-fairly#answer-815.md)    Copy answer link Report answerCreate 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.

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![Rachel Hanson](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Rachel+Hanson&background=random&size=42)
Rachel Hanson [21 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747648800-my-partner-and-i-both-wfh-and-our-dog-wants-24-7-attention-how-to-share-duties-fairly#answer-817.md)    Copy answer link Report answerInvest in good quality puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and long-lasting chews. These can keep your dog occupied independently for decent stretches. We have a 'special' toy that only comes out when we both need to be on important calls. Doggo learns that toy means quiet time.

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![Joanna Bober](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Joanna+Bober&background=random&size=42)
Joanna Bober [24 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747648800-my-partner-and-i-both-wfh-and-our-dog-wants-24-7-attention-how-to-share-duties-fairly#answer-819.md)    Copy answer link Report answerCommunicate your important meeting schedules daily. A quick 'Hey, I've got a no-interruption call from 10-11' allows the other person to plan to be the primary dog wrangler during that time. We use a shared digital calendar for this so it's visible to both.

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![A.L.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=A.L.&background=random&size=42)
A.L. [24 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747648800-my-partner-and-i-both-wfh-and-our-dog-wants-24-7-attention-how-to-share-duties-fairly#answer-820.md)    Copy answer link Report answerIt 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.

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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? Report
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! Report

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![Avery Hall](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Avery+Hall&background=random&size=42)
Avery Hall [22 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747648800-my-partner-and-i-both-wfh-and-our-dog-wants-24-7-attention-how-to-share-duties-fairly#answer-818.md)    Copy answer link Report answerScheduled exercise before the workday starts is key. A tired dog is a good dog. A long morning walk or a vigorous play session can make a huge difference in how much attention they demand during the day. Then maybe a shorter lunchtime walk/play session, also scheduled and assigned.

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![L. W.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=L.+W.&background=random&size=42)
L. W. [4 Jan 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1747648800-my-partner-and-i-both-wfh-and-our-dog-wants-24-7-attention-how-to-share-duties-fairly#answer-5680.md)    Copy answer link Report answerSet up a shared Trello board to track dog duties in real-time. For example, when I worked remote with my partner, we used Trello cards for walks, feeding, and playtimes with deadlines and checklists. It made visible who was responsible next, minimizing confusion and resentment.

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![Everett Parker](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Everett+Parker&background=random&size=42)
Everett Parker [1 Oct 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747648800-my-partner-and-i-both-wfh-and-our-dog-wants-24-7-attention-how-to-share-duties-fairly#answer-3221.md)    Copy answer link Report answerThink of your dog like a friendly but persistent coworker who loves to chat. Instead of just dividing tasks, try creating "quiet zones" where your dog can relax nearby without needing constant interaction. For example, set up a cozy spot with their bed and favorite toys close to both of your work areas but slightly separate so they feel included without interrupting. This way, the dog gets comfort and connection without demanding full attention all the time. A simple next step is to observe when your dog naturally settles down during the day and build on that by rewarding calm behavior in those spots. This helps balance work focus and pet care smoothly.

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![J. G.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=J.+G.&background=random&size=42)
J. G. [15 Mar 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1747648800-my-partner-and-i-both-wfh-and-our-dog-wants-24-7-attention-how-to-share-duties-fairly#answer-6777.md)    Copy answer link Report answerhonestly it’s less about perfect splitting and more about flexnig based on the day, if one of u has calls stacked, the other just picks up more dogtime but then u switch when schedules flip so no one feels stuck, also gotta tire your pup out super well in the mornings like 30-45 min intense walk or run, makes a huge difference in chill time, plus having a few go-to toys or treat puzzles works wonders for those “please notice me” moments during meetngs without total chaos

13

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