Maybe you’ve found the perfect job — one that lets you bring your furry best friend to work. Maybe your office is celebrating “Bring Your Dog to Work Day”. In either case, in order to keep your coworkers and your pup safe, your dog needs to be an exemplary citizen.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Your pet should be under your control at all times. Keep him on a leash when you are moving around the office — or keep the door to your office closed so your dog can’t get out.
- Give your dog several walk breaks throughout the day — and always clean up any messes afterwards. Leaving doggy doo piles around the building is a good way to ensure that dogs aren’t invited back to work again.
- Make an effort to keep your dog quiet so you aren’t disturbing other people at work. A “tag bag” can keep ID tags from jangling. Leave the squeaky toys at home. Think twice about bringing a barky dog to the workplace.
- Do bring some distractions with you — a stuffed (squeaky-free) toy or a tasty chew. Remember that you do still need to get your work done!
- Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
- Before you bring your pet to work, make sure he is clean and free of fleas. No matter how casual your office may be, nobody wants fleas or a stinky dog around for too long.
- Help your dog practice her manners. An office dog should at least know “sit” and “stay” — the more commands your dog knows, the better.
Above all, know your dog’s personality. A shy, nervous dog may not do well coming to the office with you. An aggressive dog — whether aggressive to other dogs or to strangers — can be a danger.