Take Your Dog To Work Day on 21st June is a great way to have a fun, interactive day with your dog, and can have benefits for you both. But are you and your dog ready for work? Here are some to consider when taking your dog to work.
Read our Trainer Mel’s five top tips for taking your dog to work
- To ensure your dog is going to be happy to settle at your work, make sure they’ve been to the toilet in the morning. You don’t want any accidents happening in the office.
- Take your dog’s bed to work with you. Having a nice comfy bed that smells of home will not only be reassuring to your dog, but it also promotes relaxation and gives an opportunity to have a snooze during the day. Make sure you position the bed near to you, but out of the way of constant foot traffic – your dog won’t get much snoozing done if they’re right next to the photocopier!
- Take some toys and bones with you to keep your dog’s mind occupied during the day so they don’t try and find their own entertainment elsewhere! Also, you could prepare a Kong by soaking some kibble in water the night before and then putting it into the Kong and freeze it. Giving it to your dog frozen will ensure it takes longer to eat and will be also mentally stimulating.
- Make sure you take your dog outside for regular toilet breaks. Being in a new environment can be a slightly stressful for some dogs, so an opportunity to toilet and have a little stroll outside will help to settle them.
- Don’t expect too much of your dog; meeting new people in a new place can be challenging for some dogs. Keep your dog as calm and relaxed as possible but also allow them to take in the sights and the sounds of your workplace, as you want it to be a positive experience.
Consider your colleagues
As well as the welfare of your dog, it’s important to also consider the humans you work with when taking your dog to work… so don’t forget to prepare your colleagues, too!
- While you may love your dog jumping up or licking you, your colleagues may find it a bit frightening or just plain annoying. Take the time to talk to colleagues and gauge their confidence and preferences around dogs before introducing your dog to them.
- Ask your dog to sit when greeting people or even hand out small pots of treats to get your colleagues to reward your dog for polite greetings. Note: Don’t forget to reduce the amount of food you give your dog that day to take this into account!
- Think about the treats you’re bringing in for your dog, as while your dog may love fish-flavoured treats, your work colleagues may not be so enthusiastic!
Most importantly, have fun!