Why Bother with Home Office Training?
Getting into a good routine right away pays dividends down the road. A little training time now means hours of uninterrupted focus later. How to prepare.
Step 1: Plan Your Training Session
Decide Your Training Focus
- How much training focus will you have?
- (Are you just checking a few emails, or working on a complicated project?)
Choose Your Dog’s Location
- Based on that, where will your dog be while you're working?
- (On his mat, or dog bed near you? In his crate or confinement area nearby? Loose in the house?)
Use Mental Stimulation Toys
- Will it be helpful to use mental stimulation toys to keep your dog occupied, or to help him stay on his mat or bed? If so, which will you use?
- (A stuffed Kong, treat ball, chewy, puzzle toy, etc.?)
Reward Polite Greetings
- How will you reward your dog for greeting guests politely?
- (Offer him a treat? Allow him to mingle freely?)
Step 2: Sit Down to Work—and Train
If you're actively training, use the Down Stay On Your Mat handout to guide your training time. If you're trying to get a big project done, set a timer so you remember to look up periodically to thank your dog with a treat or pet for playing with his toys and staying out of trouble while you get things done.
Bringing Your Dog to the Office
If you're lucky enough to take your dog to work with you, be sure the experience is good for all.
Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated
Keep plenty of mental stimulation toys on hand to keep your dog from getting bored—and getting into trouble.
Reward for Good Behavior
Give your dog a treat every time someone passes your office, cubicle, or workspace. He'll soon learn to look to you when someone passes, allowing them to pass by to get their own work done.
Practice Sit to Greet
Practice Sit to Greet when co-workers stop by to say hello. (Don't worry if you haven't learned this yet—we'll be getting to it in upcoming sessions!)
Troubleshooting Training Challenges
If your dog is having trouble staying on his mat or bed while you work, increase your reward rate to help him learn that it's worthwhile to stay there. You'll be able to phase the treats out eventually, but moving too fast means unreliable behavior. Always work at your dog's level.
For more tips and guidance, check out our Dog Behavior Training programs to help your pup thrive at home and in the office.