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As the year-end whirlwind spins up, many of us find ourselves chained to our desks, screens flickering late into the night. While we’re lost in deadlines and meetings, there’s one silent observer whose entire world revolves around us: our dog.
For them, the extra-long working day isn't just an inconvenience—it's a sudden, confusing shift in their routine, often leaving them feeling a little lonely or restless. As canine companions who have co-evolved with us, their need for connection and stimulation doesn't disappear when our inbox fills up.
For them, the extra-long working day isn't just an inconvenience—it's a sudden, confusing shift in their routine, often leaving them feeling a little lonely or restless. As canine companions who have co-evolved with us, their need for connection and stimulation doesn't disappear when our inbox fills up.
Expert canine behaviourist and force-free trainer Sarah Rutten explains the critical importance of acknowledgement:
“A dog’s needs don’t vanish when work gets busy, and unmet needs are the biggest contributors to anxiety and reactive behaviours.”
The good news? You don't need hours to make a difference. Sarah assures busy owners that just a few purposeful moments each day can profoundly transform your dog's well-being and bring a much-needed dose of joy back into your shared life.
1. Feed Their Brain, Not Just Their Belly
Imagine eating every meal from the same plain bowl—it's boring!
"It doesn't take much—just small, consistent efforts to connect with your dog and stimulate them physically and mentally make a big difference," Sarah says.Here are Sarah's 5 heartfelt ways to keep your pup's tail wagging, even when your schedule is packed:
1. Feed Their Brain, Not Just Their Belly
Imagine eating every meal from the same plain bowl—it's boring!
Our dogs have natural foraging and hunting instincts, and making them "work" for their food is a powerful boredom reliever.
Turn mealtime into a mental workout:
- Scatter food in the grass or around the house.
- Use a snuffle mat or a food puzzle.
- Smear a tasty, dog-safe treat on a lick mat (great for calming them down!).
"Providing your dog with opportunities to sniff and work their brain can tire them out as much as a walk," Sarah explains. This easy switch taps into their natural drives and gives their mind a real job to do while you’re away.
2. The Gift of Midday Movement: Hire a Trusted Walker
2. The Gift of Midday Movement: Hire a Trusted Walker
When back-to-back meetings make it impossible to give your dog the proper outdoor time they need, don't let their need for movement and socialisation be overlooked. A trusted dog walker is a true lifeline.
They ensure your pup gets an invigorating break, keeping them exercised, content, and far less likely to develop that restless, pent-up energy that leads to stress. It's a key investment in their quality of life.
3. Tune Out the Silence with Calming Music
3. Tune Out the Silence with Calming Music
An empty house can feel isolating, especially for dogs prone to separation anxiety. A surprisingly simple solution can help fill the gap of your presence: calming music.
Background tunes, especially classical or specially designed dog calming playlists, help dogs settle down and feel less alone. It’s a gentle, constant comfort that helps soothe their spirits.
4. WFH Break Bonus: Five Minutes of Training Fun
4. WFH Break Bonus: Five Minutes of Training Fun
Working from home? Use those little breaks to your advantage! You don't need hours to make a difference. Even just five minutes of force-free training—like practicing a few basic cues or a fun new trick—can be immensely valuable.
It strengthens your bond, reinforces desired behaviours, and helps your pup feel actively included and valued in your busy day.
5. Go on a 'Sniff-ari' (It's Self-Care for Both of You!)
When the workday is finally over, your instinct might be to rush through a quick walk. Instead, Sarah suggests taking a "sniff-ari": a slow, mindful walk where you let your dog guide the way.
Allow them to stop, smell every intriguing scent, and explore the world at their pace. For a dog, this deep olfactory exploration is as tiring and enriching as a long hike. For you, it doubles as self-care. This simple act of decompression and reconnection is not only essential for their emotional and mental well-being, but it’s also a powerful restorer for you after a stressful day.
The Secret Ingredient: Consistency Over Perfection
The biggest takeaway is that consistency is key. As Sarah emphasises, it’s not about doing everything perfectly every day.
5. Go on a 'Sniff-ari' (It's Self-Care for Both of You!)
When the workday is finally over, your instinct might be to rush through a quick walk. Instead, Sarah suggests taking a "sniff-ari": a slow, mindful walk where you let your dog guide the way.
Allow them to stop, smell every intriguing scent, and explore the world at their pace. For a dog, this deep olfactory exploration is as tiring and enriching as a long hike. For you, it doubles as self-care. This simple act of decompression and reconnection is not only essential for their emotional and mental well-being, but it’s also a powerful restorer for you after a stressful day.
The Secret Ingredient: Consistency Over Perfection
The biggest takeaway is that consistency is key. As Sarah emphasises, it’s not about doing everything perfectly every day.
"Every small action adds up... When your dog's needs are met, you'll see a whole lot more joy from both ends of the leash."Some days you might have time for a long "sniff-ari," and others it might just be a short walk and a lick mat before your morning Zoom call. What truly matters is being intentional and making sure their needs are acknowledged, even in small ways.
Give them these small bursts of attention, enrichment, and calm, and your best friend will thank you with endless devotion and a happily thumping tail.
About Sarah Rutten
For more expert advice on dog behaviour and force-free training, check out Sarah’s website and her book, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Paw-tential.
For more expert advice on dog behaviour and force-free training, check out Sarah’s website and her book, The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog’s Paw-tential.
With a no-nonsense, science-backed approach, she's on a mission to educate dog owners, challenge outdated training myths, and advocate for ethical, force-free methods that strengthen the human-dog bond.
Follow Sarah Rutten and the Canine Perspective at:
on Instagram: @thecanineperspective
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