When Your Pup Wants You, But You’re Busy

Right as you’re about to give the quarterly fiscal report, your dog starts to bark. They’ve brought you their favorite toy and now it’s time to play! But you can’t. You have to give this presentation. So you continue on, only to have your dog nudge your arm or stare at you with those big, pleading eyes. It’s the worst feeling. We’d play with our pups all day if we could, but sometimes we can’t.

Many dogs crave attention when their humans are busy, especially during virtual meetings or when you’re trying to make dinner, help with homework, or clean the house. It won’t help your guilt, but understanding why this happens can help strengthen the bond between you and your best furry friend.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Sorry Pal, Not Right Now

A Natural Desire for Connection 

Dogs are incredibly social animals. For centuries, they’ve evolved alongside humans, relying on us for food, shelter, and companionship. When you’re at home, your dog likely sees you as their primary source of interaction. So, when you suddenly become quiet and focused on a screen or a task, your dog may interpret that as a shift in attention away from them — and they’re determined to get it back.

Curiosity and Confusion 

From your dog’s perspective, meetings are pretty puzzling. You’re sitting in one spot, talking (sometimes enthusiastically) to seemingly no one, and making gestures without engaging them. Dogs are naturally curious, and your sudden change in behavior can trigger their need to investigate or participate. After all, if you’re talking, surely it must involve them, right?

Boredom and Energy Release 

A meeting or chore often means long stretches of quiet or inactivity from your side, and this can be frustrating for a dog with pent-up energy. Dogs need physical exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. When they see you sitting still for a long time or otherwise occupied, they might decide it’s the perfect moment to seek attention or prompt a play session.

Routine and Reinforcement 

Dogs thrive on routines. If you’ve ever responded to your dog’s nudging or barking during a meeting with pets, treats, or even a quick "not now," you may have unintentionally reinforced the behavior. Over time, they learn that interrupting you results in attention — exactly what they wanted.

How to Help 

Providing a good walk or playtime before meetings or getting housework done can help burn off excess energy. Setting up a cozy corner with a favorite toy or puzzle feeder can keep them occupied. Training cues like "settle" or "place" can teach them to relax while you work.

If your dog needs a bit more comfort, placing their bed near your workspace allows them to stay close without being disruptive. And don’t forget to schedule little breaks to give them the attention they crave — it’s a win-win for both of you.

Doggie Breaks

A desire to connect is at the heart of your dog’s busy-time antics. They’re not trying to sabotage your work — they just love you and want to be part of your day. It’s alright that not every moment is a “pay attention to your dog” moment. But it is also important to take breaks, especially from work, to ensure your pup knows they’re still your #1.

Like newsletters? Here are some newsletters our readers also enjoy. Explore

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure

• Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

The Smile Section

If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendation — Reduce the Anxiety

For some pups, your being busy and not paying attention to them feeds their separation anxiety. There are a lot of ways to help alleviate that and make you and your pup feel better. Simple things, like providing a cozy spot to retreat to or using calming aids like soothing music or anxiety wraps, can make a world of difference. Pet CBD treats or oils are also helpful aids that can relax your pup while you’re busy working.

Treats

• 🐶 Getting Pups to Open Up: Read this heartwarming story about a shelter volunteer who helped an aggressive pup open up to people again.

• ✍️ Join Our Facebook Group and Share Photos of Your Pup(s)!

Want your dog to be featured?

We’d love to!

Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] with your dog’s name and reference Sit & Stay for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!