Pet Sitters International created Take Your Dog To Work Day back in 1999 as a way to introduce our dogs to our workplaces. Since then, more and more companies are recognizing the benefits of canine companionship. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, in addition to many stores, encourage their workers to bring their dogs into the office because studies have shown that workers are happier, less stressed, and more productive with dogs by their sides. Take Your Dog To Work Day takes place on the Friday after Father’s Day. You can enjoy a more successful experience with these Top 8 Take Your Dog To Work Day Tips.
8. Give Yourself An Out
Perhaps spending the entire day with you at work will be too stressful and overwhelming for your dog. Have a plan in place to take your dog home or have someone pick him up from you if you decide that it is best to cut short Take Your Dog To Work Day. Your office is, after all, a place of business and your dog could be too much of a disruption for you, your co-workers, and your customers.
7. Bring A Doggie Backpack
On Take Your Dog To Work Day, pack a doggie backpack to take to the office with you. Be sure to pack a leash, some dog food and treats, food and water bowls, doggie waste bags, and some toys. You may want to include some paper towels and cleaning supplies in case your pooch has an accident.
6. Know Your Dog’s Temperament
You know your dog better than anyone else so you should make your own determination whether your dog can handle a day at the office. If your dog is aggressive, protective, territorial, or suspicious of people, then it may be better if he stays at home. Likewise, if he is shy and anxiety-ridden, then he may be too stressed to go to work. However, if your dog has been well-socialized, is not hyperactive, and can adapt to new situations, then he may have the right temperament to participate in Take Your Dog To Work Day.
5. Make Sure Your Dog Is Ready
Before you bring your dog to your workplace, make sure that he is up to date on his vaccinations. He should also be clean, groomed, and have his toenails neatly trimmed. Ideally, your dog should be well-behaved before his spends the day with you at your work—you don’t want him to be a distraction that keeps you from doing your job. Your dog should mind you, sit on command, and know how to control his barking.
4. Prepare To Meet The Needs Of The Dogs
Make your workplace hospitable to the dogs who will be visiting. Make sure to have a few water bowls available for thirsty pooches. You could add a blanket or two on the floor to give the dogs a comfy place to rest. The dogs will need to relieve themselves from time to time throughout the day, so you will want to situate them in a spot that is near an exterior door. You could provide a few tie-outs or leashes to make it more convenient for your co-workers and their dogs.
3. Make Your Work Environment Dog Safe
Prior to Take Your Dog To Work Day, be sure to puppy-proof the office to make it safe for the visiting dogs and to make sure that the pups don’t damage anything. Chemicals can be toxic to curious pups, as can some houseplants. Remove objects off the floor and tuck cords out of the way. If your work environment is a large, open space, then you may want to add baby gates to create a safe zone for the pups.
2. Make Sure All Your Co-Workers Are Aware
Be sure that everyone at work knows about Bring Your Dog To Work Day and that there may be dogs in the office on that day. Some of your co-workers may be allergic to dogs or have dog phobia so you need to be respectful of their feelings. Having a conversation with anyone who is opposed to the event will help you to work out a compromise prior to Bring Your Dog To Work Day. For example, maybe you keep the visiting dogs in one area or allow some employees to work remotely that day.
1. Get Permission From Your Boss
Before you show up to work with your dog, be sure to talk to your boss and ask for permission to participate in Take Your Dog To Work Day. Explain to your boss that employee job satisfaction increases and stress decreases in the presence of dogs. You could even offer to spearhead the company’s Take Your Dog To Work Day event by posting flyers, sending emails, and dog-proofing the office.
Take Your Dog To Work Day can be a positive experience for everyone at your workplace if you prepare for the event. Having man’s best friends with you at work can reduce stress and increase worker productivity as long as you plan ahead with these Top 8 Take Your Dog To Work Day Tips.