Tips and tricks for a healthy working relationship with your canine colleague
Global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS understands the importance of bringing pet dogs into the workplace, a practice that is becoming increasingly common. Canine ‘Colleagues’ have been shown to contribute to a pleasant and productive working atmosphere in the office. And it’s not only the humans who benefit.
Dog owners can take great pleasure in bringing their dog to work, but likewise, the dog benefits, avoiding hours at home alone waiting for his owner to return. The office dog does not have to experience this separation at all, which for the animal’s psyche is extremely positive. On 21 June each year, employees around the world are encouraged to bring their dogs to their pet-friendly workspaces on the annual ‘Take Your Dog to Work Day’.
But before you do, in partnership with FOUR PAWS, here is some guidance on a healthy working environment for both people and dogs.
“Of course in this regard, employers are not obligated to permit dogs in the office. If you want to bring your dog in with you, you must first obtain your employer’s permission – preferably in writing. It is also advisable to consult with colleagues in advance to avoid conflicts,” says Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS.
Several dogs in the office
If two or more animals are present in the workplace, it is advisable to introduce them to each other beforehand in a neutral place. This can prevent conflicts such as lack of space or territoriality.
If the dogs do not get along, the owners must ensure that the animals do not meet. Room separation or alternating “work shifts” for the dogs – if only one office space is available – would be solutions here.
Dog-friendly office environment
If you’re bringing a dog into work regularly, it makes sense to arrange the office environment in such a way that the basic needs of the animal are met. The dog should have their own place (a basket, bed or blanket), which should not be in a noisy or busy place.
Fresh water and food should be provided, as should regular walks. With particularly energetic dogs, an extensive walk should take place before the start of the working day – reducing the risk of the animals letting off steam during working hours and distracting their human colleagues.
Rules for the dog in the office
- Consider in advance whether your dog will fit into the office environment. Can he behave inconspicuously and quietly for a while, or does he bark often?
- Only healthy dogs should be taken to the office.
- Making things clear to colleagues leads to good cooperation: Can the dog be stroked by everyone? When would you rather he was not disturbed? What command or discipline rules apply?
- Before starting work the dog needs an extensive walk as well as fixed walk times during the day. Stick to fixed feeding times and do not give him treats indiscriminately – you need to convey this to colleagues as well. A water bowl with fresh water should always be available for your dog.
- A dog in the office needs a fixed place to retreat to. Baskets, dog blankets or special dog boxes are ideal. The basket, dog blanket, bowl etc. must always be clean.
- Small play breaks bring variety for the dog as well as for the owner and colleagues in the office. But concentration and work performance must not suffer in the presence of your animal colleague!
- There will be dates when the dog cannot come with you. In these situations, try to work out an alternative arrangement in advance.
- Keep an eye on whether the dog feels comfortable in the office. If he seems under stress due to the number of people and amount of activity and cannot switch off, then another solution should be sought – the well-being of the animal must ALWAYS take precedence.
**Pics are of Moma and Lucio, the Switzerland office dog of Alexandra Mandoki. Picture shot by Nicolas Roeschli in the FOUR PAWS CH office.
