But how can you make it as stress-free as possible when you have a puppy, and you also work from home? Qualified Pro Dog Trainer Niki French has the following top ten solutions to make life as stress free as possible and your pet as happy as can be:
One of the easiest ways to have a calm and happy puppy is to make sure they have had some mental and physical stimulation before you expect them to settle down so that you can work. A pleasant walk with lots of opportunity for sniffing can be great if your puppy is ready to be out and about. But playing training games in the home and garden can be equally effective.
Using your puppy’s daily food allowance is a great way to keep them motivated to play games that help them develop into a confident and happy dog. Conversely, too much excitement means they get over-excited or over-tired (much like children). Both states can make it difficult for your puppy to settle down afterwards. Look for a balance of having some fun and exercise but not going crazy!
Especially if they are very young, or they struggle to be in a different room to you. That way you can drop the odd piece of food into their crate or bed from time to time, to reward them for being calm and settled. The old fashioned advice of ‘letting them cry it out’ isn’t very kind or teaching them that they can feel secure and happy at home. Just being near you can make it easier for them to settle down.
If your pup is happy settling in another room to you, having some music on in the background can be comforting and help reduce the likelihood of ‘alert barking’ at noises they might hear outside.
Puppies are often not that good at knowing when they need to rest. You can encourage quality rest time by using a crate (some pups prefer it cosier with a light covering over them) or their bed in a quiet area of the home. You can use calming foods, like natural long-lasting chews, and tools, like lick mats in this space to help them transition into a state ready to settle down for a sleep. Grow their love of being in a crate with positive rewards. Please don’t just shut them in there if they find it punishing.
Make sure you schedule in enough toilet training breaks. Young puppies can need to go every one to two hours (and after eating, drinking, playing, waking etc.). The more focused you can be on toilet training early on; the quicker toilet training will be nailed. If your working day doesn’t allow for this, do get some help where you can.
You can help your day go more smoothly by having some calming distractions ready before you start work. Think of it like preparing a packed lunch. Then you’re ready when, mid important telephone call, your puppy starts yipping or whining loudly!
Play a couple of games with your puppy every time you take a quick break, like putting the kettle on. This is the perfect way to train. Short bursts mean training stays fun for both of you. And helps them settle back down again ready for your next Zoom meeting. There’s the added benefit of you getting to move around for a few minutes, meaning you’re probably more focussed and productive when you sit back down to work.
If you really need to be ‘in work’ without any interruptions, can you organise some help? A friend or family member, puppy drop-in service, puppy walker or good quality doggy day care could be the answer. Expecting any dog to have no interaction from us for more than 3-4 hours a day is tough for many dogs. They are sociable creatures, that’s normally why we want them in our lives in the first place.
Above all, be patient with them and be kind to yourself. Not all days will go smoothly. Get support from like-minded people and advice from a dog trainer or behaviourist where you need it. A little professional help can go a long way.
Niki French is a Professional Dog Trainer, running Twickenham Dog Services and her new book Stop Walking Your Dog is out now on Amazon. For more tips and games, you can find Pup Talk at www.puptalk.co.uk
Are you struggling to walk your dog or puppy? Do you feel stressed or overwhelmed with your dog right now? Is your puppy struggling with walks? Do you have a scared, nervous or reactive dog? Does your dog get over-excited when you go for a walk? Have you got a dog that can’t go for a walk due to surgery or illness or old age?
It might come as a surprise, but traditional ‘walks’ are a human invention and aren’t helpful for many of our dogs.
June
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.