This is an I-Heart podcast.

Good morning. This is Laura.

Welcome to the new corner office, the podcast with strategies for succeeding in the new world of work,

where location and hours are more flexible than in the past.

Today's tip is about how to work more effectively when your dogs are accompanying you to work.

While a few organizations allow people to bring dogs to the office, it's been a fairly rare perk.

But with millions of folks suddenly working from home for the first time in this era of

social distancing, lots of people are now sharing office space with pets, who care about as much

as toddlers do that you're making an important presentation. I don't have dogs myself, but my friend

Lowell, who does sound production for both this podcast and before breakfast, has two dogs and has

some great tips to share.

As he notes, your dog is going to be thrilled that you are working from home. Your dog likely

believes that this will translate to extra attention. Your job is to satisfy this need while

maintaining space to focus. Lowell says that the old adage goes that a tired dog is a good dog,

so here are a few tips for keeping your dog tired and happy. First, a morning walk will do wonders

to expend some of your dog's physical and mental energy. It will benefit you as well by getting

you out of the house for some exercise and outdoor time.

On days when it's raining or you don't have time for walks, you can stimulate your dog's mental energy.

Food is a great motivator.

Instead of serving up their breakfast into a bowl like normal, use a food puzzle toy so your pet has to work to access their food. You can also do this with

treats throughout the day, Lul says. Stuff a Kong toy with peanut butter and freeze it, or purchase

a snuffle mat that you can drop treats in, which will force your dog to work to access them.

...