As end-of-year business routines ramp up, working professionals across Australia are juggling back-to-back responsibilities, with some often unwittingly leaving their beloved canine companions lower on the priority list than usual.
But expert canine behaviourist, force-free trainer and bestselling author Sarah Rutten says just a few moments of purposeful action each day can not only transform a dog’s well-being, but also their owner’s work-life balance.
“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,” Sarah says.
“A dog’s needs don’t vanish when work gets busy, and unmet needs are the biggest contributors to anxiety and reactive behaviours.”
To help avoid this, Sarah offers five practical tips for time-poor owners to make each day happier for their pup.
“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.
5 Tips For Keeping Your Dog Happy While You Work
1. Feed Their Brain
Sarah says dogs love to work for their food because it taps into natural instincts 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.
Sarah recommends scatter feeding, snuffle mats, lick mats, and food puzzles to turn mealtime into enrichment.
"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
When schedules are full, getting help ensures your dog’s need for movement and socialisation isn’t overlooked.
“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,” Sarah says.
3. Play Calming Music
Sarah explains that this small step can help fill the gap of human presence and is especially helpful for dogs prone to anxiety.
“Background music, especially classical or calming playlists, can help dogs settle and feel less isolated in an otherwise empty house.”
4. Try Five-Minute Training Breaks (for WFH Owners)
“You don’t need hours of training to make a difference,” Sarah says. “Even a few minutes of force-free training during your breaks can strengthen your bond, reinforce wanted behaviours, and help your pup feel included in your day.”
5. Go on a Sniff-ari (Your Self-Care Wins Too!)
Sarah says that a slow, mindful walk with your furry friend doubles as self-care and can help you decompress and reconnect after a stressful workday.
"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,” Sarah says.
“A walk like this can help both dog and owner unwind. It’s essential for their emotional and mental well-being, and it’s just as restorative for us.”
Consistency Over Perfection is Key
Sarah emphasises that it’s not about doing everything perfectly, but showing up in small, consistent ways.
“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.
“Each day might look different – one day you might have time for a long ‘sniff-ari,’ and the next it might just be a short walk and a lick mat before work. What matters most is being intentional and making sure their needs are acknowledged, even in small ways.”
..//ENDS
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More Information:
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.
Contact details:
Ellen Hill
[email protected] | 0424 791 904
