Cesar Millan Work & Puppies Don't Always Mix

Dear Pack Leader,

After the pandemic, many people are now working from home full time or on a hybrid schedule. For dog owners, this is great news—you no longer have to worry about your pup being left alone all day! However, this situation can lead to many distractions for new pet parents. Puppies need a lot of attention, and it can be hard to balance your workload with your puppy's demands.

If you're struggling to stay focused on work because of your pup, here are some quick tips for properly handling the situation!
 

1. Make a schedule—and stick to it! Puppies thrive on a schedule. Create a realistic timeline for each day that dictates when your pup eats, plays, and walks, then fill in the gaps with your work schedule. Your puppy may not like it at first, but he'll soon adjust and learn when he needs to be on his own and when he can expect your attention.
    
2. Embrace breaks. It's important for your own health to take breaks away from your desk every once in a while. Use these opportunities to engage with your pup in play or walks outside. You'll both benefit from the mental and physical stimulation, and your dog will be calmer when you return to your desk.
    
3. Invest in chews and toys. When you're on a Zoom call or zoned in on a project, the last thing you want is to discover that your pup has destroyed your couch or favorite shoes. Make sure that your puppy has plenty of appropriate things to focus on while you're working, and you'll both be happier.
    
4. Create alone time. If you are not careful, your puppy can develop separation anxiety from lack of alone time. You must teach your pup early that it's okay to be alone for extended periods. Start by crating your dog for a few minutes in the next room, and work your way up to leaving the house for errands. This will prevent issues if you ever have to go back to working in an office or leaving for a day. It will also give you some peace and quiet to focus on your work!
    
5. Practice consistent discipline. Those puppy eyes can fill you with guilt, but your dog will benefit from firm direction in the beginning. It may take some extra time upfront, but be consistent about telling your dog "no" and teaching appropriate alternatives to bad behavior. And if your pup is simply too riled up, a 10-minute timeout is a quick way to help give you both a quick reset.

For more guidance on raising the perfect puppy, check out Quick Bites! Cesar provides clear, proven directions on training that are easy to implement. Plus, you'll get access to a special case study, where Cesar raises several pups from his home, using the techniques he shares in the other modules.  

Get your copy today and take the problems out of puppy training!