Lucky for us at LATF, we bring our dogs to work everyday! But for other dog lovers across the region who can’t, they will be taking their pets to work the week of June 22-26. The annual “Take Your Dog to Work” event celebrates the bond between people and their canine companions and demonstrates the joys of being a pet parent.
Bringing your dog into the workplace requires thought and preparation, say the experts at Canine Company, where staff dogs come to the office every day. They offer some tips to ensure the experience is a pleasant one for everyone – pets and coworkers included.
First, think about your dog’s temperament and training. “Not every dog is a candidate for a day at the office,” says Traci Simo, head of training for Canine Company. She suggests thinking about the following before deciding to introduce your pet to the work setting:
- Is your pet friendly and relaxed around both people and other dogs?
- Is he reliably housetrained? (marking the office carpet is a no-no!)
- Does she cry from separation anxiety when you leave the room, or just lie down and take a nap?
Second, be courteous of co-workers’ needs. A colleague with severe allergies or an overwhelming fear of dogs won’t be comfortable around the best-behaved canine. “And remember,” adds Simo, “behaviors you find cute may not be well received by co-workers.”
If you decide your dog is a candidate for an office visit, she recommends being prepared to bring the following equipment:
- A pet gate, so you can restrict your pet to your office area or cubicle.
- A water bowl and treats, plus a plastic mat for under the bowl (to prevent carpet stains).
- Plastic bags for cleaning up after your pet — just in case there’s an accident.
With a little planning, the day can be a success for everyone involved. For more information on dog behavior, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-DOGS (3647).
