Working at home with a puppy

Writer Alan Williams is a regular guest author on the blog.

He writes about mobile working and working at home with his dogs, Sparky and Wilson, who inspired his post Working from home with pets – healthy body and mind.

Sadly Sparky passed away earlier this year, but now young Ruby has come into his life, and today Alan shares his top tips for working at home with a puppy.

First things first, you need to find the right dog / puppy for you. If this is your first, then clearly thinking through what you’re about to do is important. Potentially you’re looking at a commitment of 15 years or more, so being sure this is something that you want to do, and can live with the changes that this will bring to your life are key.

That is a whole other post in its own right, but if you’re looking for some hints and tips, I’d suggest you have a look at the RSPCA Puppy Smart webpages, there’s even a homeworker on there!

So let’s assume that you’ve made your decision that you’re going to get a new puppy / dog, what can you expect from working at home with a puppy? Well, here are my five top tips:

1. Routine, routine, routine. A puppy needs a routine. You’ve got housetraining, and all other manner of new things to teach your new puppy. One of the fundamental building blocks to this is routine. Having a regular sequence of activities, particularly around meal times, will help settle your dog into its new life.

Plan your homeworking day around these key points, whether it be letting your dog out to relieve itself or providing the next meal. Things will become more relaxed as your puppy gets older, but for several months you’re going to need a routine.

2. Use a crate. There are differing views on whether crates work or not. I used to think not, but have changed my mind. They’re great for giving your puppy a safe place to wait after meal times or to relax after play.

I like having my dogs with me when I work, so have a crate in my office. Ruby can see me and I know she’s safe while I’m working. When she’s a bit older, I’ll do away with the crate completely, and she’ll just have her bed there.

3. To chew or not to chew. Puppies chew things! You probably won’t remember teething yourself, but if you’ve had children you’ll know how it was for them. It’s not different for a puppy. It hurts. Puppy teethers are good things, but be a little wary of what might be in reach in your home office.

Everything from paperwork, power-cables, to your mobile phone (yes, I’ve had one of those used as a chew toy) could be fair game for puppy teeth if it’s in reach. Provide alternatives, and keep your gadgets and valuable papers out of reach.

4. Break time = puppy time. You both need a break when working at home with a puppy, and your puppy needs time to bond with you. Take a puppy break and go play. All puppies have different favourite toys and games, and these will vary over time. You can relax a bit while playing whatever is the game of the moment with your new friend.

5. Accidents happen. Wee or poo, and yes, you will probably step in one or both at some point with a puppy, are part of training the same as sit; heel; stay; and other commands are. House training can take a little time, and a small puppy equals a small bladder, so be prepared for stops for housetraining when you’re working at home with a puppy.

Puppies aren’t puppies forever, and handled right you will end up with a perfect loyal home working companion, prepared to keep you company on those long hours of work at home, and who is always ready to go out and give you a break.

When he’s working at home Alan is a crime fiction writer, and writes about his novels, dogs and other matters on his blog tontowilliams.com

Enjoyed this? Read Alan’s other articles here and take a look into his backpack where he keeps emergency dog biscuits!