Sharing Office Space with Pets - Page 3

Banish for misbehavior.    Your cat or dog may stop unwanted attention-seeking behavior if such behavior leads to banishment from your office.  For example, if a dog starts digging the carpet, "mark the behavior by saying 'time out' and put him out of your office for a minute or so," recommends Schade, creator of the DVD New Puppy, Now What? "If your timing is good, it should take only a few attempts before your dog makes the connection between his digging and the resulting banishment."

Reward good behavior.   A dog or cat will do what works, so if mischief and misbehavior get your attention (even though angry), the animal will keep that behavior in his repertoire.  "If your dog repeatedly puts his paw on your lap and you respond by taking him for a walk, he's just learned what it takes to 'break' you!" says Schade.  "The secret is to reward what you like and ignore what you don't."