How do I stop my dog from photobombing Zoom calls?

If your coworkers know your dog’s face better than your Q2 numbers, welcome to the club. Ranger thinks “Join Meeting” means “Launch Chaos.” Tank believes “You’re on mute” is his cue to bark at the void. The good news: you can turn your pup from meeting crasher to model citizen without losing your sanity or your clients.

The game plan that actually works

Pre-call workout

• Dogs crash Zoom when they’re bursting with energy. Give them a 10 to 15 minute fetch session or brisk walk. Tired dog equals quiet dog.

Portion, do not pour

• Use high value, healthy treats as payment for good behavior, not as an open buffet. One or two pieces, or a small handful total across the call, is enough.

• Start with Tank’s Freeze Dried Chicken Meatballs, single-source protein and clean ingredients. Break each piece into smaller training bits.
  Link: https://www.amazon.com/Snarky-Pets-Delights-Preservatives-Grain-Free/dp/B0F13YTRV6/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4

• Rotate flavors to prevent boredom so your dog keeps working for rewards: beef liver and salmon are clutch.
  Shop the lineup: https://snarkyhumans.com/collections/dog-treats

Create a “Place” your dog actually wants

• Set a comfy bed just out of frame and teach the “place” cue. Mark and reward for staying there. Pay a small treat every 30 to 60 seconds at first, then fade to every few minutes.

Quiet enrichment, not squeakers

• Hand your dog a quiet chew or slow-treat puzzle during calls. No squeaks, no jingles, no chaos. Pair with tiny bits of freeze-dried treats to keep interest high.

Stage the room like a set

• Close the door, use a baby gate if needed, park the bed away from the camera path. White noise helps if outside sounds trigger barking.

Set a Meeting Mode routine

• Five minutes before the call: quick potty break, short fetch, water refresh, bed down, treats ready. Same order every time, so your dog predicts chill time is coming.

Emergency plan

• Keep a tiny stash of training bits within reach. If your dog breaks the fourth wall, guide them back to place, pay one piece, and carry on like a pro.

Bonus de-fur before camera

• Roll the shirt, not the dice. The Snarky Pets Pet Roller pulls hair from clothes and chairs fast.
  Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXCCSSJT

Why this works

• You are trading polite behavior for high value rewards, and paying just enough to keep the habit strong.

• You are meeting biological needs first, then asking for focus.

• You are making “Zoom time” predictable, calm, and worth it for your dog.

What to feed and how much during calls

• Use clean, limited-ingredient, freeze-dried treats so small portions still feel rewarding.

• Typical call budget: one or two pieces total, or a small handful of broken bits spread over the meeting.

• Flavor rotation keeps motivation high: chicken meatballs, beef liver, salmon, peanut butter hearts in the bundle.
  Bundle option: https://snarkyhumans.com/collections/dog-treats

Exercise first, set a place, pay tiny but mighty treats, keep enrichment quiet, and run the same routine every time. Your dog gets paid, your meeting stays professional, and your coworkers stop meeting Ranger’s nose.

Shop treats that make meeting manners easy

• Full freeze-dried lineup: https://snarkyhumans.com/collections/dog-treats

• Tank’s Chicken Meatballs: https://www.amazon.com/Snarky-Pets-Delights-Preservatives-Grain-Free/dp/B0F13YTRV6/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4