While we all may relish that picture of a dog resting quietly at our feet under the desk, or the cat snoozing on the desk corner; if you are not always going to work from home, it can cause anxiety when these spots are no longer shared with you. All people and pets need a place to relax and rest, undisturbed. Make sure that both your dog and/or cat have a special sleeping or resting spot that they enjoy and feel safe. Use both verbal praise and food rewards to teach your dog or cat to go to this spot several times a day and rest quietly. This should allow you to get your work done and for the pet to remember that there will still be times when they are by themselves.
These same ideas are especially important for a pet that arrives in your home during this period of constant togetherness. Teach the new pet to rest quietly in a location set aside for resting— perhaps in a room, pen or just a bed where the pet feels secure when they are alone. In both cases, initially keep the times required short, but vary those times that they are alone, as they learn that you will come get them soon.
