What if Your Dog Could Nap During Your Zoom or Teams Calls?

There is nothing quite like starting a work call, introducing yourself, and just as the conversation begins, your dog chooses that exact moment to find their loudest toy or start barking at nothing in particular. You reach for the mute button. Someone chuckles awkwardly. You are left juggling the work you are meant to be doing with the very real needs of the dog beside you.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. The shift towards remote or hybrid work has changed daily life for many people, but for dogs it has brought a mix of confusion and excitement. Some dogs are thrilled to have their humans around all day. Others feel slightly cheated. You are home, but not fully available. That can be hard for them to understand.

What if your dog could nap during your calls. What if they chose to rest while you worked, rather than needing constant attention or play. It is possible. It does not involve gimmicks or leaving the television on with dog videos. It is about a few consistent and thoughtful changes to your day. Let us look at how you can get there.

Why Dogs Act Up During Calls

Dogs are social animals, but that does not mean they naturally understand human routines. When we are moving around, they can follow along. When we stop moving, sit down, and start talking without acknowledging them, things can quickly shift.

To a dog, your behaviour during a video call can seem strange. You are focused, talking to no one they can see, and ignoring them for long stretches. From their perspective, this is confusing. If they are already a bit under-exercised or just having a lively day, that confusion can turn into barking, pacing, toy-flinging or climbing onto your lap. This is not out of bad behaviour. It is simply that they do not know what else to do.

Napping Is Natural, but Timing Matters

Dogs, especially adult dogs, sleep a lot. But they do not simply switch off when you want them to. They settle when their needs have been met, when they feel safe, and when their day has a rhythm. Helping your dog nap during your calls starts long before you log in.

Your 10am team meeting is not just a 10am problem. If your dog has not had any physical or mental outlet before then, that call becomes their prime time for excitement. The bin. The doorbell. The sound of your voice. With a few changes, that same 10am can become the perfect time for a good nap.

Practical Steps to Help Your Dog Rest While You Work

Start the Day Right

It sounds simple, and it is, but it is often overlooked. A brisk walk before work can do more than tire your dog out. It sets the tone for the day. It gives them a chance to sniff, to move, to get things out of their system. If you add ten minutes of simple training, such as sit, stay or recall, you are giving them a sense of purpose too.

Mental stimulation can be more tiring than physical exercise. Scatter-feeding their breakfast in the garden or using a slow-feeder can add calm that lasts into the late morning.

Introduce a Rest Space They Choose

You do not need a separate room or a fancy dog bed, although both can help. What matters is consistency. A soft mat or a blanket placed near you, but not at your feet, can become a cue for rest. It should be somewhere they associate with quiet time. Not play. Not meals. Not chaos.

Pair this space with calm, low-energy activities. A natural chew or a food-stuffed toy before your call begins can help them settle in the right spot without needing constant attention.

Avoid Accidentally Rewarding Attention-Seeking

If your dog barks and you respond, even to say “no,” you have given them what they wanted. Your attention. This does not mean ignoring them when they need something. It means being mindful of when and how you respond.

Try to pre-empt the bark. If a certain call triggers excitement, set things up early. Offer a chew. Close a door if you need to. Cue them to their mat. If they do settle, even briefly, quietly praise them. That is the moment that matters.

Consistency Is the Secret

This is not a one-day fix. Dogs learn through repetition. If you consistently help them get their needs met before you log in, offer calm and rewarding options during your call, and avoid engaging while they demand attention, you will start to see changes.

Progress is not linear. Some days will be noisy. Some calls might still get interrupted. That is fine. Your dog is not a robot, and neither are you. But if you stick with it, those calls can start to feel much more peaceful.

What About Puppies or High-Energy Breeds

Not all dogs will sleep quietly for hours, and that is not the goal. Some will rest for twenty minutes and then look for something else to do. Puppies especially have short attention spans and light sleep cycles. For them, the aim is short rest periods rather than long naps.

Use those short windows wisely. Keep calls as brief as possible or group them together so you are not constantly splitting your attention. Offer age-appropriate enrichment, keep expectations realistic and be kind to yourself. Working with a young or active dog at home is not always easy, but it can work with a rhythm and a plan.

When Things Feel Too Much

If your dog is struggling to settle despite your efforts, there may be more going on. Some dogs find human voices stressful. Others may have separation issues that are amplified by your partial presence. You are there, but not truly with them.

In these cases, a qualified trainer can help. You do not have to handle it all yourself. A few sessions with someone experienced in home-based behaviour work can make a big difference.

Let Us Be Honest

No one wants to feel like they are choosing between being a good employee and a good dog guardian. The truth is that you should not have to. With the right approach, you can make space for both. It will not be silent all the time, and your dog will not behave perfectly. That is not the point.

What matters is creating a home environment where your dog knows what to expect, and you feel more in control. A place where you can get through your call, do your job, and glance over to see your dog peacefully resting. Not because they were told to, but because they feel safe and satisfied enough to do it on their own.

That is not just practical. That is good living.

💬 Want Personal Help with Your Dog?

Book a 15-minute virtual consultation via Microsoft Teams for just €15.

In this one-on-one session, we’ll talk through your dog’s behaviour and see if ongoing support is the right fit.  💡 If you decide to book a full session or package, your €15 fee is fully refunded.   It’s a no-pressure way to get expert advice and take the first step toward a calmer, happier dog.

Curious about what Paws Academy has to offer? Have a look at our online training hub and see what might work for you and your dog.