This is how working people find the right balance
Dusseldorf. Have your own dog and work from home? In fact, this combination offers many advantages: Studies show that dogs can increase well-being and have a positive influence on everyday work. Home office with a dog works well, especially if the working day not only suits the job, but also the animal.
A four-legged friend in the home office can noticeably change everyday working life – often for the better. “A dog can give the working day at home more structure. You come to the door regularly, take more conscious breaks and are reminded not to sit in front of the screen for eight hours at a time. This mainly works if the dog also gets peace, retreat and reliable routines,” summarizes Markus Beyer, first chairman of the Federal Association of Office Dogs. Even short interactions and activities, such as petting when the dog is looking for closeness or filling up the water bowl, can help to clear your head and then continue working with more concentration. Short breaks together can often be planned between two appointments and help to sort out your thoughts.
Clear structures create orientation –
for humans and dogs
The dog needs clear processes in the home office just as in other everyday life. When is there food? When are we heading out the door together? And when is it time to rest? When working in the home office, these fixed times not only give the dog security, but they are also good reference points for his human to plan regular breaks. In addition, a longer walk in the morning can help you start the day with more energy.
Utilization and rest:
It's the mixture that counts
“Some people underestimate how much rest dogs need. They sleep and doze for a large part of the day. They have to be given this time even when working from home. In my upcoming book, I describe the three-world model: It's always about the needs of the person, the demands of work and the well-being of the dog,” says Beyer. “A fixed, protected place of retreat and clear work phases help the dog to calm down. This also creates more reliability for people during the working day.” This can be developed with the dog in a targeted and friendly manner – for example with a signal in which he initially only stays in his place for a few seconds and later for longer. If he behaves accordingly, he should be praised or rewarded with a treat.
It is also important to keep the dog appropriately occupied through walks or joint activities. Then he can relax better afterwards – and allows quiet work phases. Over time, a balance is established: sometimes the dog rests while the person works – and sometimes there is time together.
Dogs are often allowed in the office
Even if working with a dog in the home office can work well, there are alternatives. If you find yourself constantly distracted, you can organize care for your animal companion so that you can concentrate on your work and not have to worry about the dog's well-being. And even if working from home is not an option, working with a dog can be successful: many employers are now more open about the issue of office dogs. A good conversation, clear rules and a test phase can enable responsible cooperation here. To do this, the interests of all three sides must be taken into account: the company, employees and the dog.
The Federal Office Dog Association provides further tips on how integrating an office dog can work at www.bv-buerohund.de. The association also offers personal advice and support for companies.
Pet Supplies Industry Association (IVH) e. v.
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