I've worked from home since the pandemic. It's been great. I don't miss going into the office every day. I've been spending a ton of time with my dog and we're closer than ever. But we're in a busy time at work and I feel guilty working from home with him trying to get my attention like he'd always had before. He follows me around and thinks we're going to play or work but really I'm just going into the other room to get something for a meeting. I'm thinking I should go back to the office a few hours a day just to get away from him so he's not so clingy all the time. What should I do?
I hear you on this one! Our bosses have two dogs and they spend much of the day with us. Even though there's enough of us for them to pester, you do get a sense of guilt when you're sitting there working and suddenly they strut over with a toy and try to get a playing match started. It's frustrating but then you feel guilty because the dog thought of you and wants to play with you -- he picked you.
OK, back to you.
The idea of returning to the office, even for a few hours a day, just to escape the "clinginess" is a clear sign you’re seeking a solution, and that’s admirable. But before you dust off your commute shoes and give up those precious work-from-home perks, I want to persuade you to consider some strategies that might just allow you to keep your freedom while also fostering your dog’s independence.
Dogs thrive on routine, and it sounds like your dog's routine, which once revolved around constant availability, hasn’t quite caught up to your new, busy work demands. This isn’t a sign of naughtiness; it’s a sign he needs clearer signals and a re-engineered schedule.
Schedule "dog time." Instead of simply reacting to every nudge or glance, proactively schedule dedicated blocks of dog time. This could be a focused 15-minute fetch session first thing in the morning, a training break at lunchtime, or a focused cuddle session in the afternoon. When it’s not dog time, clearly signal that you’re busy. This might be a verbal cue like "Busy now!" or a visual one, like putting on a specific "work" hat or sitting in a particular chair that signals you’re unavailable.
Embrace independent entertainment. This is crucial for his mental and physical well-being without your direct intervention. Invest in high-value, long-lasting chews, puzzle toys or a frozen Kong filled with peanut butter or treats. Introduce these during your peak work hours. The goal is to teach him that he can entertain himself quietly and happily while you're occupied, associating your work time with his treat time. Something that we do: take a big empty bottle from Pepsi and fill it halfway with dog food. It's not even filled with expensive treats -- it's just their food. They'll run away with it and shake them and squish them and work to get every piece of kibble out. It can take an hour! It's amazing.
Desensitize movement. Your dog has learned that every movement you make might lead to play or attention. Try moving around the house for non-play reasons (getting water, going to the bathroom, going to a different room for a meeting) without engaging him. He'll eventually learn that your movement doesn't always mean attention, reducing his tendency to follow.
Create a "work zone" or "quiet zone." If possible, creating a clear physical boundary can help. This could be closing the door to your office, using a baby gate to keep him out of your immediate workspace or simply having a designated bed or crate where he knows he should relax during certain hours. This teaches him, "when human is in that zone, dog waits patiently."
This isn’t about making your dog less important, it’s about establishing healthy boundaries that ultimately benefit both of you. You'll reduce your stress and guilt, and he'll learn to be a more well-rounded, less anxious companion who understands when to be independent. By being intentional about his schedule and providing appropriate outlets for his energy and attention, you can absolutely maintain that wonderful bond without sacrificing your productivity.
Stay paw-sitive!