Canine co-working is taking off and more businesses in UK and around the world are becoming dog friendly as they welcome well-behaved pooches into the office. Last year thousands of dogs took part in the annual Bring Your Dog To Work Day and more dogs are accompanying their owners to work throughout the year.
Taking a dog to the office can be very enriching for dogs as well as the staff in the office and since its launch in 2014 Bring Your Dog To Work Day has grown in popularity with lots of celebrities and large organisations getting involved as everyone benefits from having their four legged best friends with them during the working day.
Our top tips!
1. Pack your bags
To make sure your dog has the very best first day at work, there are a few things extra that you are going to need to bring with you to work.
Things to think about;- Water/food bowls
- Food/treats
- Toys/games
- A towel (It may be a wet day and mucky pups aren't likely to be welcome at work, no matter how cute they are)
- Poop bags
- Bed/Bedding
2. Plan your Journey
Before you and your best friend can enjoy your time together at work, you need to think about how you are going to get there. Your usual commute may be very different with a dog in tow. You may need to take a different mode of transport.
Things to think about:- Traveling with your dog in rush hour on public transport could be stressful for you and your dog.
- Not everyone on your train or bus will love dogs as much as you do.
3. Pee & Poops
Let's talk toileting. Puppies in the office are cute but while they might be housebroken at home, it might not be the same at work. Remember this is a new environment for your hound and your office's funky use of artificial grass in place of carpets could cause issues no one wants.
Things to think about:- You know your dog, watch out for toileting ques
- Take regular toilet breaks.
4. Pooches Personality
Take into account your dog’s personality - are they people dogs, friendly or reserved? If they are shy or not that friendly warn colleagues, like people some dogs can be overwhelmed by the attention and too much petting.
Things to think about:- Sometimes it can be a good idea to put a cute jacket or jaunty bandana on a nervous dog and tell your colleagues to be cautious with the dog with the bandana.
- Remember some of your colleagues may not love dogs as much as you do.
5. Avoid chewing
Even if your dog is not a chewer at home the office cables might be irresistible – bring lots of chew toys to distract them from having a nibble on interesting tasty looking wires
Things to think about;- Keep them occupied, and while filing or data entry might be out of the question some puzzle toys to stimulate their brains will keep them busy at their desks
- Keep them calm, some familiar items including bedding and toys will help your dog relax
- Take them out for plenty of breaks but don’t let colleagues take your precious pooch out without you unless they know each other very well.
6. Have fun
Don't forget bringing your dog to work should be a fantastic and fun experience, for you, your dog and your colleagues.
Many scientific studies have concluded that the presence of pets can substantially reduce a person’s stress level in the workplace.
Increased job satisfaction, team co-operation and morale have all been reported in employees that spend the workday with their pets.
In fact, a study published by the International Journal of Workplace Health Management (2010) concluded that the presence of dogs in the work place even had a positive effect on those employees who didn’t have a dog of their own.
So in addition to raising for animal welfare charities, Bring Your Dog To Work Day is likely to boost the productivity and happiness of the employees within your company.
Who knows, Bring Your Dog To Work Day could be the start of your dog becoming a more permanent fixture in your workplace.
About the event
This pupular day out always trends at number 1 on Twitter – it’s a great day out and our hall of fame on our website is packed with some pawsome pictures of dogs having a lovely time at work with their owners.
Sign up now, get your company to sponsor your workplace for £100 that will go directly to All Dogs Matter & Animals Asia, then you can donate just £10 and post your ‘pooch selfie’ for a chance to feature and be eligible to win this year’s mega prize from our sponsors.
Once businesses have donated via the website, they can upload their logo, URL, description of their company and an optional prize. If a business wishes to raise additional funds for their own charity too, they simply need to use the hashtag #bringyourdogtoworkday and we will repost their internal events.
Let’s work
together
