More and more people are realizing the amazing benefits of having their pets beside them while working. Many companies are also acknowledging this by implementing dog-friendly work policies. If you're one of the lucky ones who work for these companies, here's a list of the not-so-obvious tips for bringing your dog into your office:
1. Have a Trial Run at Home
Before you bring your dog to the office, do a trial run at home. Practice how a typical day at your office goes with them in tow. From this, you can gauge your dog's behavior and give you an idea of what to expect.
While the scenario may be totally different, doing this can help you prepare for the unexpected. You'll be ready and aware of what you need to bring or do when bringing your pup to your office.
2. Familiarize Your Dog with the Office
You may also want to extend your trial run by bringing your doggo to the office after hours. This will help them get familiar with the environment. This will also help them get used to the scents and sights sans the people you work with.
Since the office is quieter with only the two of you, you can practice your workday with your dog more efficiently.
3. Meet the Other Office Dogs
Once the trial run has ended and you bring your dog to the office, it's time for introductions. If there are other dogs around, introduce them gradually. Make sure to do this in a neutral space, meaning not your workspace or the other dog owner's.
Observe your dog's behavior and monitor their interactions to ensure the atmosphere remains positive and friendly.
4. Designate a Quiet Space
Find a small space in your work area that you can designate as your doggos' quiet space. If you can, bring their dog bed with you, a few of their toys, and their water bowl. This will be their go-to place if they feel scared, overwhelmed, or tired.
This will also serve as their rest area if they feel a need for a quick nap. And also a place where the scent is familiar, like home.
5. Doggy Etiquette Reminders
Before you bring your dog to your office, it's only proper that you inform your colleagues about it. You may do so by sending a friendly email telling them that you'll be bringing your dog with you. This will be the perfect venue to encourage them to approach with caution or ask if there are any objections about it.
6. Be Mindful of Allergies or Phobias
Your email reminder can also be the perfect venue to ask if anyone in your office is allergic to dogs or if anyone has phobias. This way, you can prepare both your dog and your co-worker about it and make the necessary adjustments. You will also know which areas of the office to avoid and where you and your dog can freely visit.
Being mindful ensures your dog is welcome and will open more opportunities for you to bring them again.
7. Establish Puppy Business Protocols
It's ideal if you can have your dogs do their business first before bringing them to your office. If, however, they still need to do it, establish a plan for bathroom breaks. Always be responsible for cleaning up after your dog. You should designate an area outdoors for their breaks.
Also, bring cleaning materials should an accident happen, such as spills and such. A lint roller would also be a good item to bring with you. Being mindful of others means constantly being alert about any possible mess.
8. Teach Basic Commands
Prepare your dog for their visit to your office by teaching them a few basic commands. Teach them to "sit," "stay," and "come." When you're in a professional setting, it would greatly help if you know how to control your pup.
It would also be helpful if you could manage their behavior by teaching them to observe these commands. If your dog already knows these, you can always practice them or add more useful commands to their repertoire.
9. Take Note of Noise Sensitivity
Some dogs are sensitive to loud noises, such as loud conversations or the sounds of a copying machine. If your dog is one, it would help if you can have them accustomed to loud noises in your trial run at home.
Do it gradually to avoid traumatizing your dog. You can start by exposing them to ringing phones and rewarding them for their calm behavior. This will help desensitize them and be office-noise-ready.
10. Ensure a Distraction-Free Work Zone
Bringing your dog to the office means causing a stir. You don't want to cause a distraction among your colleagues, so be sure to provide your dogs with toys to keep them occupied. You can bring puzzles, chew toys, and feeders that can get your pets busy while you work.
11. Have an Emergency Plan
Create an emergency plan for any unexpected event that may happen while your dog is in your office. This will be helpful if you see some signs of stress in them or if they exhibit unusual behavior. You can ask someone to come to your office and bring your pup home or look for an empty office or room where you can go if the need arises.
12. Take Breaks
Like us, dogs also need to take breaks. Take your dog to regular breaks in between work where you can both relax. Take them for a short walk outside or go visit co-workers who appreciate them. These can be perfect opportunities for others to get to know your dog and spend a few moments playing with them.
Wrapping Up
While many dogs would love to be with you wherever you are, not everyone has the temperament to socialize with everyone. If this is the case with your dogs, think twice about bringing them to the office. Always think about your dog's welfare first before anything else.
