Working from home has its perks. The kettle’s always close. The commute is short. And your dog gets to spend the day with their favourite person.
But if you’re not careful, WFH can turn into constant interruptions, muddy paw prints mid-meeting, and a dog who assumes every sigh means walk time.
Here’s how to build a workspace that works for both of you.
1. Create a Clear Zone
Dogs love routine, but they also love following you around the flat like a furry shadow. Start by establishing boundaries:
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If you'd like, you can use a room divider, stair gate or rug to mark your workspace.
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Let your dog know when it’s focus time. Same spot, same hours.
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Offer a comfy bed nearby so they can be close without being on top of you.
2. Design for Calm, Not Chaos
WFH spaces tend to collect clutter. Add a dog into the mix and it doubles.
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Keep leads, towels and treats in closed storage.
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Use neutral colours and soft textures to promote calm.
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Light a dog-safe diffuser to gently mark the transition into 'quiet mode.'
If your workspace feels like a peaceful nook, your dog will relax into it too.
3. Plan Your Breaks Around Them
One of the joys of remote work is flexibility. Use it to your dog’s advantage.
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Morning walk before you log on.
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Quick sniff around the block at lunch time.
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Play session or puzzle toy when you go for a tea in the afternoon.
You don’t need hours. A few minutes of connection will be amazing for you and them.
4. Cleanliness Still Matters
Rainy lunchtime walks? Garden zoomies between calls? Your floor deserves better.
If your dog’s going in and out, muddy paws are a real issue. Towels work, but a dedicated cleaning tool makes the process smoother.
Devices like Oscura clean your dog’s paws and lower legs in seconds. It sits discreetly by the door or in the bathroom, and means you’re not sprinting for the mop every time your dog wanders in after rain.
5. Enrichment, Not Entertainment
You’re not a full-time entertainer. But your dog does need stimulation.
Stock up on:
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Puzzle feeders
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Lick mats
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Rotating toy selections
And save the high-value items for when you’re in back-to-back meetings. It buys you focus time without guilt.
6. Mute-Friendly Management
We’ve all had that moment. You’re mid-presentation. Your dog sees the postman. Chaos ensues.
Minimise interruptions by:
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Pre-walking at high-distraction times (like 11am deliveries).
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Giving them something to chew when you’re speaking.
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Keeping a 'mute toy' nearby. Something silent but engaging.
And maybe warn your team ahead of time: “There’s a small chance this meeting might feature barking.”
7. End the Day Properly
It’s tempting to blur the lines when you work from home. But your dog benefits from knowing when the day ends.
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Power down the laptop.
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Tidy the workspace.
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Go for a short walk to mark the shift from work mode to home mode.
Dogs notice patterns. Use that to your advantage.
A pet-friendly workspace isn’t just a perk. It’s a small investment in calm, comfort and fewer distractions.
With the right setup and a few small habits, working from home can be productive, peaceful and full of soft snoring from the bed beside you.
And if you want to stop muddy footprints from marching into your next Zoom call? Oscura helps keep things clean, without adding more clutter.
