Dogs In The Workplace

Some people have the option of taking their dog to work with them.  For others, they may be able to take their dog to work on special occasions.  Dogs in the workplace have some special needs.  If you plan ahead, you and your dog should have a productive and fun time at work together.

Before You Take Your Dog To Work

Check With Your Boss

Before you take your dog to work it’s a good idea to make sure everything is cleared with your boss.  Make sure you know your company’s policy about taking dogs to work as well as your supervisor’s or whoever you directly report to.  You don’t want to take your dog to work only to have to turn around and take him back home.

Check With Co-Workers

It’s also a good idea to ask the people who you work closely with, to see if any of them have allergies to dogs.  If your nearest neighbor in the office is allergic to dogs then you may have to give up your idea of taking your dog to work with you.  Most people like dogs and they won’t mind you bringing your dog with you but it’s also possible there could be someone who is scared of dogs.  Please be considerate and don’t take your dog to work or work out some way to keep your dog away from that particular person.

Make Sure He Is Well Behaved

Dogs can be a distraction at work so you should only consider taking your dog to work with you if he is well-behaved around other people and he can be trusted when you take him places.  Don’t take a dog to work with you if he has bad manners or is too noisy as this will disturb others around you.

Make Sure He Is Well Groomed

Before you take your dog to work with you, you should give your dog a bath and make sure that he doesn’t have fleas or other parasites.  Your dog should be a good reflection on you.  Make sure your dog is well-groomed and looks nice.  The last thing you want to do is bring your dog into work if he smells as this will upset others around you.

While At Work

Introductions

Once your dog is at work with you, it is fine to introduce him to some of your colleagues but don’t let your dog be pushy or bother people.  Not everyone likes dogs and some people may actually be trying to get some work done!  It’s a good idea to have your dog lie down next to where you work most of the time so he won’t bother anyone.  Don’t let him wander around as chances are that he won’t be invited back if he interferes with people too much.

Make Sure He Is Comfortable

Be sure to bring something for your dog to lie on along with some of his favorite toys.  You should also make sure that he has a bowl of water  he gets thirsty.

Schedule Potty Breaks

Be sure to walk your dog and tend to any potty needs.  Hopefully there won’t be any messes but, if there are, you should clean them up quickly and thoroughly to avoid any odors. 

Get Your Work Done

Dogs are usually conversation-starters so you may not get a lot of work done when you take your dog to work with you, so be sure to keep his visits to a minimum.