Workplaces are Going to The Dogs this Week

Good news for all dog owners! It’s bring your dogs to work week, which means if you work for any of the companies that support this special pet event, you don’t have to leave your furry four legged friend behind when you leave for work in the morning.

Corporations including Etsy, SalesForce, Pet Plan Insurance Company, Hitachi, Proctor & Gamble, Amazon and even Google are among some of the biggest names that support their employees bringing their dogs to work.

Having your dog with you at your desk is comforting, and adheres to the innate bond that is formed between a human and their furry companion. In fact, a report released by Wellness Natural Pet Food showed that companies seeking to higher a young demographic between the ages of 18 and 34, should pay special attention to observing bringing a pet to work holiday because this age group is especially attached to their pooches.

However, there are a few things to consider before leashing your dog up for a day at the office. Part of being a good co-worker and employee, as well as a responsible pet parent, is knowing how to prepare your pooch for a long workday.

1. Be Considerate. Before bringing your dog to work, make sure to discuss the idea well in advance to ensure that your co-workers won’t be bothered, or worse, allergic to your furry best friend.
2. Pack A Bag. Just like humans need to bring a bag or briefcase, lunch or lunch money, and maybe even a few snacks and something to drink, make sure to pack your dog’s food and water, bowls, a few favorite toys, treats, and anything else your dog might need, like possibly his bed, so that he or she can be comfortable and less distracting to you and those around you.
3. Pet Hygiene. Just like you take a shower, brush your teeth and hair, and make yourself presentable before going to work, be sure to do the same for your dog so that he or she looks and smells his or her best for your co-workers, and any other dogs you may meet.
4. Doggy Proof. Some dogs are well trained, are easy to manage, and/or can sleep through anything, anywhere. If you have one of those dogs, consider yourself very lucky. But most dogs will find themselves in some sort of trouble not long after entering a new environment. Make sure your work area is doggy proofed, so that both you and your dog don’t get in trouble for chewed up electrical chords, missing thumb drives, ripped up documents, or soiled floors or carpets.

Bringing your dog to work with you can be an exciting opportunity, but there are a few reasons why it may NOT be a good idea.

1. Bad Behavior. Some dogs just never learn to mind their manners no matter how many puppy classes they attend. If you suspect your dog will be jumping on everyone, having accidents, howling in the middle of meetings, or overturning garbage cans, it’s best to leave your pooch at home.
2. Sick Dog. While dogs rarely pass on illnesses to other humans, they can pass it on to other dogs, even if there are no dogs nearby. Your co-workers who come in contact with your dog will carry the germs on their clothes or skin home to their dogs, which could lead to many sick dogs in a very short amount of time. If your dog is sick with anything contagious, whether to humans or other pets, leave your dog at home where he or she can rest and recuperate.
3. No Adequate Space. Workspace is always limited, so when you bring your dog to work, make sure that he or she will have a defined space where it can hang out, lie down or even nap. Using baby gates, or short leashes is always a good idea to make sure your pup doesn’t wander off while you’re on an important phone call. If you can’t provide your pooch with a safe zone, it’s probably best to leave him or her at home.
4. Not Friendly. This may seem like a no-brainer, but your dog should be both human and dog friendly. If this is not the case, or you suspect there could be trouble due to a previous event, help to ensure your co-workers’, their dogs’ and you and your dog’s safety, by leaving your dog at home. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

There are many benefits to bringing your dog to work, including boosting morale, lowering stress, improving productivity and even making you healthier and happier.

According to an article in U.S.A. Today, only 12% of pet parents can bring their dog to work with them on a regular work day, but as many as 48% say they would, if only they could. And, up to 61% of the younger demographic said they would be interested in bringing their pets to work. Dogs are a huge part of our lives, and bringing them to work with us only adds another facet to the already sacred and everlasting bond we share with them.