Between meetings, families and endless to-dos, our dogs can sometimes slip a little lower on the list. But making time for them doesn’t have to be hard – a few minutes of purposeful action each day can have a big impact.

Many working Australians juggle packed schedules, often without realising their dogs might be missing out on the attention and stimulation they need. But expert canine behaviourist, force-free trainer and bestselling author, Sarah Rutten, says a little time each day can not only transform a dog’s well-being, but also their owner’s work-life balance.

“Dogs are one of the only species to co-evolve with us humans. They crave stimulation, company, and the chance to just be a dog. A dog’s needs don’t vanish when work gets busy, and unmet needs are the biggest contributors to anxiety and reactive behaviours.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

5 Tips For Keeping Your Dog Happy While You Work

To help prevent anxiety and reactivity in dogs, Sarah offers five practical tips for busy owners to make each day happier for their pup.

1. Feed their brain

Sarah says dogs love to work for their food because it taps into natural instincts and relieves boredom.

Sarah recommends scatter feeding, snuffle mats, lick mats and food puzzles to turn mealtime into enrichment.

“Foraging and hunting games speak to your dog’s natural drives and keep their minds active while you’re away. Providing your dog with opportunities to sniff and work their brain can tire them out as much as a walk – though ideally, they should get both.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

2. Hire a dog walker

When schedules are full, getting help ensures your dog’s need for movement and socialisation isn’t overlooked.

“When back-to-back meetings make outdoor time impossible, a trusted dog walker can keep your dog exercised, content and less likely to develop restlessness or stress.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

3. Play calming music

Sarah explains that this small step can help fill the gap of human presence and is especially helpful for dogs prone to anxiety.

“Background music, especially classical or calming playlists, can help dogs settle and feel less isolated in an otherwise empty house.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

4. Try five-minute training breaks (for WFH owners)

“You don’t need hours of training to make a difference,” Sarah says. “Even a few minutes of force-free training during your breaks can strengthen your bond, reinforce wanted behaviours and help your pup feel included in your day.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

5. Go on a sniff-ari (your self-care wins too!)

Sarah says that a slow, mindful walk with your furry friend doubles as self-care and can help you decompress and reconnect after a stressful workday.

“A slow walk where you let your dog guide the way by stopping and smelling the world – I like to call this a ‘sniff-ari’ – can be as tiring and enriching as a long hike for them. A walk like this can help both dog and owner unwind. It’s essential for their emotional and mental well-being, and it’s just as restorative for us.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

Remember, consistency is key

Sarah emphasises that it’s not about doing everything perfectly, but showing up in small, consistent ways.

“Every small action adds up. When your dog’s needs are met, you’ll see a whole lot more joy from both ends of the leash. Each day might look different – one day you might have time for a long ‘sniff-ari,’ and the next it might just be a short walk and a lick mat before work. What matters most is being intentional and making sure their needs are acknowledged, even in small ways.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

How do you manage to squeeze in quality time with your pet when you’re schedule is packed? Leave us a comment below.