Guest Blog Post by: Jessica Brody
Launching a business is an exciting experience, but it’s also a lot of work. And if you’ve just adopted a new pet, you likely have your hands full already! How are you supposed to divide your attention between your budding business and your new furry friend? To help you juggle your business while raising a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted pet, check out the following tips from A Dog’s Eye View!
Delegate Your Responsibilities
First, look for ways to delegate your business responsibilities so you can free up some time. Those first few weeks with your new pet are important for establishing household rules, forming a strong bond, and getting started on your training. The more time you can spend with your pet, the better!
Automation tools are a great option for small business owners looking to save time without spending a lot of money. You can find apps that automate invoicing, project management, accounting, lead generation, social media posting, email marketing, and more!
Outsourcing to freelancers is another great way to delegate your work without breaking the bank. Whether you need a web developer or a virtual assistant, it’s easy to find contractors at a rate you can afford by searching around on freelance job boards. For example, Upwork reports that the website designer hourly rate ranges from $15 to $30. You can also outsource non-work tasks, like home cleaning or grocery shopping, to carve out some extra time in your day.
Stick to a Routine
Routines are important for pets and people. Establishing a routine will help your new pet learn when they should expect walks, playtime, food, and attention. This will help you avoid issues with your dog whining for attention while you’re working or begging for food at all hours of the day. A solid routine is also important for house training puppies!
At the same time, your routine will help you stay on task when you’re working on your business. It’s easy to let the day get away from you when you’re working from home! With a set routine, you should be able to breeze through your daily work without too many distractions.
Commit to Consistent Training
As you go about your day, try to make time for regular training sessions with your new pet. Regular obedience training will help you bond with your new pet and ensure they develop the skills they need to become a well-adjusted member of your family.
Since dogs can be a major source of distraction when working from home, you might want to start by training your pet to rest quietly or play independently. Set up a comfortable space for your pet in your office where they can relax while you work. If you need help establishing these behaviors, don’t hesitate to consult a professional trainer!
Schedule Time for Walks and Interactive Play
Besides training, try to also make time for interactive play and daily walks with your pet. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are important for keeping your dog healthy, but also for preventing boredom and the destructive behaviors that result. Take regular breaks from your work so you can reward your pet for relaxing quietly with a quick play session. You can keep your pet occupied while you work with some interactive toys like treat toys or puzzle toys.
You may even want to drop off your dog at a doggy daycare center once or twice a week. This is a great way to help your dog maintain their social skills with other people and pets, and you’ll get a little break to focus on your business!
Pets make great companions for home-based business owners. Nothing’s better than plugging away at a computer with a furry friend curled up at your feet. And when your business gets stressful, your pet will be there to offer a play break or get you out of the house for a walk. Start looking for your new pet today!