With International Take Your Dog to Work Day just behind us, you may now have a taste for having your best friend at the office with you. But before you decide to make it a regular thing, what should you know?
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It's awesome that more workplaces are becoming dog-friendly. There are lots of benefits to humans from having our dogs at work, including building more exercise into our work lives, going outside more frequently, and just enjoying spending time with our furry friends.
But it's important to make sure your dog is also happy at work, and has everything they need.
Assuming your workplace allows dogs in the office, here are some important things to consider and prepare for, before you bring your dog to work:
Not every dog will enjoy being in an office
If you work in a traditional office environment, it's important to remember that not all dogs will enjoy spending time at work.
Make sure you understand your dog's personality, their energy levels, and their ability to meet strangers and new dogs before you bring them to the office.
Dogs should be well socialised with new people and other dogs before you attempt to bring them to the office, and you should assess whether you'll be able to give your dog proper attention, regular toilet breaks and a walk around your work schedule.
It can be a good idea to bring your dog to the office after hours if you can, and allow them to have a walk around and smell everything so that they have some familiarity before their first day at work.
Make sure your work space is set up for a dog
It's important to make sure there are no potential hazards for your dog before they come into the office. Make sure cleaning supplies are shut away in cupboards, that bins are safely out of the way, and that your dog won't be able to access any wiring or cables.
Set up a space, ideally next to your desk, where your dog can have their bed or a crate, a water bowl, and bring some of their favourite toys for familiarity.
Make sure your dog is microchipped, their details are up to date, and that they have a tag on their collar with their name and your phone number, in case they get out of the office and get lost. Your dog will need to be wormed and have had preventative flea treatment, and it's always a good idea to also talk to your colleagues and make sure they're happy to have a dog in the team. Let them know how your dog behaves, and any training you'd like to keep reinforcing, so they know the do's and don'ts when it comes to interacting with your dog.
Have their leash, treats, and poo bags ready for your walks.
Do you have time to care for your dog while still getting your work done? Remember, spending time in the office needs to be rewarding for your dog as well as for you.
Before you bring them in, consider if you have time to take them for regular breaks and walks, if you might be able to squeeze in a play session, and if they have the temperament to enjoy lying beside you while you work. It might be the case that your dog is happier at home while you work, with the freedom to enjoy your backyard.
If they do enjoy being at the office, it's worth remembering that younger and more active dogs will need more frequent breaks, and more things to occupy them, so consider using a puzzle toy like a KONG to keep them entertained while you work.
Remember, puppies need a lot of attention and frequent toilet breaks, so factor this in before you consider bringing a puppy to the office.
If you're lucky enough to have the right environment that will suit your dog's physical and mental requirements, then you can enjoy all of the benefits of spending time with your best friend while also getting in a good day's work!
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