Tips for "Take Your Dog to Work Day": June 24, 2011

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Oliver Hard at Work at
5 Minutes for Fido

Do you work in an office that allows employees to take their dog to work this Friday? Sounds great, right? Maybe. Success may take a little planning. Here's a few tips to get you on the right track:

• Call a meeting of all employees who wish to participate. Discuss and vote on a set of guidelines--rules to keep everyone safe and happy.
• Consider giving your dog a job. And no, I don't mean he should be the "Town Cryer". If your Fido knows some tricks, allow him to perform at the opening of small group meetings or when you have a visitor. His concentration on this job will help calm him, while offering an activity that bonds him with you.
• Come prepared with everything Fido will need: water bowl, bed, leash, poop bags, and maybe one or two toys. Keep in mind that if another dog visits your dog's area, those toys should be placed up and out of reach. You don't want any food or toy aggression at work or you may find yourself heading home early, without combat pay.
• Rise early on Friday and take your best friend for a long walk before breakfast. A tired and well-exercised pup will be calmer and better behaved when he arrives at this new and exciting environment. And so will you!
• Begin the day with a stroll around the office to allow your pup to see the whole place, if he has not yet had the chance to be introduced to your workplace. Keep it quick and goal-oriented so that he understands that lingering anywhere away from you is not acceptable.
• If you plan on bringing treats or food, these too should be well out of reach of Fido at work. Offer these when your dog is alone and can finish them before a visitor arrives.
• Think through your dog's placement if you'll be receiving visitors throughout the day in your work area. He should be out of the walk through area of offices, and will often do best if his bed is placed near or behind you. He'll feel safe and you'll have more control.
• Refresh Fido's memory of his basic commands throughout the week. Spend some extra time on "Come when called". 
• Offer visitors some tips on how your dog prefers to be greeted. Giving input will help non-dog lovers learn a few new things on this most interesting and unusual day at work. You'll want to be an ambassador for good dog owners when presenting your Fido to dog newbies.
• If your dog is not spayed or neutered, think twice about participating in this event. It should be rated G for Good Dogs.
• Likewise, if you have a puppy that is not house-trained, think again. You really don't want to have to explain that new spot on your carpet.
• And this is a great spot to remind you of the lunchtime walk. Don't forget your poop bag and be sure to allow Spot (pun intended) to take care of all of his business while you're out.

Don't be surprised if your dog is exhausted after a long day at the office with you. Even though he may have done nothing terribly taxing, the new environment and people, as well as any dogs he encounters, will more than tire his active mind. Take some time to reflect, once home, on what you can do to improve next year's experience. Plan for it now and you'll both have an even greater time bonding over your work next year.