New Series: How to Best Work Alongside Your Dog

Brought you to by Charley Perkins and Romi  

At Orvis, we have been lucky enough to be able to bring our dogs to the office for years, and we have learned a lot of things about working productively alongside our four-legged friends. This series will dive into maximizing your time together–not only for your dog’s health, but for yours, too.

Over the past few weeks, all our lives have changed in one way or another. For me, and for most everyone I know, it’s been a really stressful time, one in which we are all looking for ways to remain positive and upbeat while dealing with the strain of adapting to new working conditions, a new schedule, and the “new normal” of being stuck at home. This does come with its pro’s and con’s–the opportunity to wear PJ bottoms all day can easily be offset by ongoing ZOOM audio issues–but more importantly this also means about 65% of us are now finally allowed to work alongside our dog(s).

As I am writing this at my makeshift kitchen/work table, I can look over at my dog, Romi, who is lying on her bed on the floor. When I stop to think about it, I realize that her life has been disrupted just like mine. There is no doubt that Romi is confused about our new schedule. She is subject to and sensitive to the stresses I am feeling, and I can tell that these long periods of time confined at home are making her a little bit stir-crazy. Recognizing the need we all share to adjust to these changes in our and our dogs’ lives, I have decided it is a great time to share a series of tips, tricks, and philosophies that I am using to make my time at home with Romi as positive as it can be for her, while as productive for me as possible. I am certain that, like us, our dogs are happiest and healthiest when they have the following: plenty of exercise, mental stimulation or engagement (a.k.a. a job to do), fun and play, and a clear understanding of what is expected of them. 

Interestingly, as I adjust to working from home, I am trying to meet these needs for myself, as well, so that I too can stay happy and productive. These tips and tricks will address a range of the following topics and more:

• How to understand your dog’s mind and learning process a little better
• How to set up your home workspace to best meet the needs of you and your dog
• How to teach some basic behaviors like sit, place, heel, and hold, all of which will help make your dog a better companion in the home. 
• What items you need to gear up for some simple indoor training. 

Romi and I are certainly excited about digging into this together, and our plan is to deliver one tip and trick each Monday, so you can take the rest of the week to practice and to dial in some of these techniques and skills.  Social distancing can be a bit lonely, so please stay connected by leaving comments, finding me on social media (@cperks21) and or post your own with the hashtag #Betterforbothofus. We are looking forward to sharing this time with you and with our dogs, learning our way through these times!

Charley Perkins is Orvis Brand Marketing Manger, and a member of the third generation of family ownership.