Dogs and working from home: keeping them occupied during the day
Working from home with a dog doesn't mean the day needs interrupting every hour, but it does call for periods of independent occupation so the dog doesn't become overly dependent on constant human presence. A study by Jonathan Bowen and colleagues, published in 2020 in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, found that Spain's COVID-19 lockdown changed the behaviour of many dogs, with more pronounced stress in those that already had pre-existing behavioural issues (study on Google Scholar). All our guides are gathered in the dog toys and enrichment section.
Why can constant presence become a problem?
A dog used to having its owner available around the clock can develop a form of dependency that shows up abruptly the day working from home stops: a return to the office, a business trip, or simply a longer outing than usual. Building routines from the start of remote work limits that risk.
How do you structure a day with a dog at home?
- A real walk before starting work: burning energy first thing helps the dog settle more easily during work hours.
- A dedicated resting spot: a bed near but not right next to the desk gets the dog used to staying close without demanding attention.
- Scheduled periods of independent occupation: a chew toy or treat dispenser during the longest meetings.
Our guide on treat-dispensing toys helps you pick a suitable option for keeping the dog occupied without human input.
What signs show the dog is struggling with the situation?
Excessive panting near the desk, repeated barking for attention, or agitation the moment a door closes are signs worth taking seriously. They often precede bigger difficulties the day constant presence stops; our article on separation anxiety covers how to prevent that from developing.
Occupy the mind, not just the body
Games that make a dog think often tire it out more effectively than plain physical exercise, and simple puzzle toys are easy to bring out and put away between two meetings.
Frequently asked questions
Should I avoid all contact with my dog during work hours?
No, but short, predictable breaks work better than constant availability, which reinforces dependency.
My dog barks the moment I'm on a video call, what should I do?
An independent activity started right before the call, paired with its usual resting spot, often reduces this noticeably.
Can working from home worsen existing separation anxiety?
Yes, a period of constant presence followed by an abrupt stop can reactivate or worsen pre-existing anxiety; if in doubt, a veterinary behaviourist can help. Find all our guides on the dog hub.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.