More and more dog owners are working from home (or taking their dogs to the office) and don’t have to spend so much time apart from their furry friends during the week. While some pups ease into this scenario smoothly, for others there are a number of behavioural issues that may arise. If your dog has ever demanded your attention by barking and whining at the worst possible time, we can help!

So, why DO dogs act up in the home office environment?

Start by considering things from their perspective.

Dogs are excellent people trainers. They communicate their needs and wishes to us all the time, and you might not even realise to what degree you voluntarily respond to the cues they give you. Once you start working from home, the large amount of time you spend together in close proximity means increased opportunities for your dog to train you!

What does this look like?

Your dog might nudge you for pats. They might climb into your lap.

Perhaps they nap under your desk, but when they wake up they request attention, and are rewarded by getting it.

While seemingly cute and innocent, whenever a dog gets to direct the behaviour of their human, they see themself as having being put in the leadership role. As the leader, a dog may feel they need to demand the human’s attention—often at inopportune times, such as when they are on the phone or involved in an important assignment.

What can I do?

• Start by separating workspace from dog space. It’s important that your work area is off-limits, and that your dog is confined (either gated or crated in another room) so they don’t have access to you. If they bark for your attention at first, you may want to have at least a couple of closed doors between you as they get used to the new situation. Make sure to give them something with which to occupy their attention, such as a treat-rewarding Buster® Cube or KONG® toy.
• Do NOT go to your dog’s space if you hear any barking, whining or pacing. Return to their area only when they’re calm and quiet. If you go to them while they are seeking your attention out of stress, they will learn that making a fuss is indeed rewarded.
• Practice obedience when you do return to their area. Training your dog engages their brain. This will tire them out and help them become calmer. Ask them to SIT and STAY before you pet them or toss a toy.
• Be proactive in asking for your dog’s attention and focus. Always begin play on your terms. For instance, if they bring you a certain toy for play, take control of the toy and wait until later to bring it out yourself and initiate play.
• Work on establishing set times for interactions. If you went off to work without your dog, you would only have certain hours in which you could interact! Set the same patterns at home. For example, take a 10–15 minute break mid-morning and again in the afternoon, or a half-hour at lunchtime. Do what works for you and also meets your dog’s physical and mental needs. It’s important that you don’t continuously stop what you are doing and engage with your dog. As long as you are consistent, they will quickly get used to the cues you give for your set interactions, and will settle down more quickly during the in-between times.

The bottom line:

Be patient, calm and consistent. Your dog’s unwanted behaviours are simply learned behaviours—learned because they have worked in the past! Your dog will only make a different choice if those strategies no longer result in your attention, and what they interpret as praise. If you never separate from your dog, they will have a hard time feeling comfortable by themself when you do have to leave them. Practicing separation while working from home or with your dog at the office will help you both be more relaxed and happy, together or apart.