PAWS AND REFLECT: 5 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR DOG HAPPY WHILE YOU WORK

A dog’s needs don’t vanish when work gets busy

While the rest of us are powering through spreadsheets, meetings and caffeine dependency, our dogs are at home doing absolutely nothing.

And according to expert canine behaviourist, force-free trainer and bestselling author Sarah Rutten, that’s a recipe for trouble — or at least a shredded cushion or two.

As the end-of-year grind hits full speed, many of us unknowingly bump our dogs down the to-do list. But Rutten says it only takes a few intentional moments a day to flip that guilt into something good.

“Dogs are one of the only species to co-evolve with us humans. They crave stimulation, company, and the chance to just be a dog,” she says.

“A dog’s needs don’t vanish when work gets busy, and unmet needs are the biggest contributors to anxiety and reactive behaviours.”

So, before you drown in deadlines, here are Rutten’s five simple, sanity-saving tips to keep tails wagging, and shoes unchewed — while you work.

1. Feed Their Brain

Rutten says dogs love to work for their food because it taps into their natural instincts, keeps them happy and relieves boredom.

“Foraging and hunting games speak to your dog’s natural drives and keep their minds active while you’re away,” she says. Scatter feeding, snuffle mats, lick mats and food puzzles can turn mealtime into brain games.

“Providing your dog with opportunities to sniff and work their brain can tire them out as much as a walk – though ideally, they should get both.”

2. Hire a Dog Walker

If your schedule’s jammed tighter than a sausage roll at a Bunnings BBQ, bring in backup.

“When back-to-back meetings make outdoor time impossible, a trusted dog walker can keep your dog exercised, content, and less likely to develop restlessness or stress,” Rutten says. Translation: outsource the guilt, keep the dog happy.

3. Play Calming Music

If your house is silent all day, it can actually stress your dog out.

“Background music, especially classical or calming playlists, can help dogs settle and feel less isolated in an otherwise empty house,” Rutten explains.

Basically, your dog might have the same taste in music as your nana, and that’s okay.

4. Try Five-Minute Training Breaks (for WFH Owners)

“You don’t need hours of training to make a difference,” Rutten says.

Even a quick few minutes of positive, force-free training during your coffee break can keep your dog mentally sharp and make them feel part of your daily routine.

Bonus: it’s a great excuse to step away from the laptop and stretch your own legs.

5. Go on a Sniff-ari (Your Self-Care Wins Too!)

“A slow walk where you let your dog guide the way by stopping and smelling the world, I like to call this a ‘sniff-ari’, can be as tiring and enriching as a long hike for them,” Rutten says.

Think of it as mindfulness on a leash. No phone, no emails, just you, your dog, and the joy of watching them lose their mind over a particularly interesting tree.

Consistency Over Perfection

Rutten says it’s not about being a perfect pet parent, but about showing up in small ways, every day. “Every small action adds up,” she says.

“When your dog’s needs are met, you’ll see a whole lot more joy from both ends of the leash.”

So, whether it’s a snuffle mat before work, a lunchtime stroll, or simply remembering to scratch those ears before your next Zoom, your dog doesn’t need perfection, just you, doing your best.