Employees of many companies are lucky enough to be allowed to bring their dogs to work. However, there are a few guidelines that dog owners should follow when bringing their pups to work.
For instance, even if you have an enclosed office, always have a safe place for your dog to relax. In particular, dogs like den-like enclosures to make them feel safe. Bringing a portable kennel can give your dog a much-needed break.
Remember: Not Everyone Likes Dogs
Some businesses only allow dogs that are defined as service animals by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which includes service dogs or emotional support animals.
However, a rising number of employers are also allowing well-behaved dogs to accompany their owners to the workplace. That’s because, for many people, dogs help boost morale. Plus, research shows that having a pet might reduce stress and anxiety, at home or at work.
With that in mind, as a dog owner, you may find it hard to believe that not everyone adores them. For reasons ranging from allergies to past traumatic experiences with canines, some of your acquaintances just aren’t dog people. Keep this in mind when introducing your four-legged friend to others.
Dos of Taking Your Dog to Work
Even if your employer allows your pooch to come to work, there are still certain ground rules to keep in mind to ensure that the dog doesn’t create an unpleasant experience for your coworkers:
1. Get the okay
Obviously, you need permission from your boss to bring your pet to work. But, go the extra mile and run the idea by your coworkers, as well — in case one of them is allergic or simply uncomfortable around dogs.
2. Keep up on vaccinations
No matter what, your dog should be up-to-date on all its vaccines, but being in direct contact with others makes this even more important. Ensuring that your dog is in good health also makes it safer for anyone who interacts with them.
3. Mind your (doggy) manners
Granted, your dog shouldn’t be nipping at anyone because employees should only bring well-trained dogs into the workplace. Specifically, this means your dog should be socialized and comfortable around other people. It also means that your dog should be potty-trained, know basic commands and not bark excessively.
4. Exercise your dog before the workday
A tired dog is a good dog. Exercising your dog before you take it to your workplace can help keep it from getting too playful or disruptive.
5. Clean up after your pup
Accidents happen. If your dog does have an accident or chews something it shouldn’t, clean it up. Your dog is your responsibility, not your coworkers’ or the cleaning crew’s.
Don’ts of Dogs in the Workplace
To maintain a professional environment and ensure you don’t disrupt your coworkers, avoid these behaviors when bringing your dog to work:
1. Don’t be a distraction
A dog that barks excessively or wanders between workstations unattended could be a workplace distraction. Your dog shouldn’t prevent anyone — including you — from working.
2. Don’t bring an aggressive or skittish dog to the workplace
Just like some people don’t like dogs, some dogs simply don’t like anyone but their owner. If your dog is uncomfortable or skittish around people, it probably won’t enjoy the workplace environment. Bringing an aggressive dog to the workplace is also a major faux pas.
3. Don’t let your dog eat from the garbage can
Dogs love to raid floors and garbage cans for tasty treats. However, you never know if there’s something toxic to dogs in the garbage or a choking hazard on the floor. So, keep an eye on your furry friend and don’t let it eat anything on the floor or in the trash.
4. Don’t force your dog on your coworkers
If your coworker doesn’t like dogs, don’t try to change their mind by forcing them to interact with your dog. On the flip side, if your dog avoids a certain person, don’t try to make your dog “warm up” to that person, either. Trust your dog’s instincts and respect the wishes of others.
5. Don’t leave your dog unattended
If you’re in meetings all day as part of your job, asking a coworker to dog sit for you is just rude. Not only are you disrupting their workday, but you’re also putting your dog at risk. In all honesty, no one is going to watch your dog like a hawk or take as good of care of it as you do.
If your dog isn’t well-trained or comfortable with other people, it’s best to leave it home. However, if your pooch is full of love and well-behaved — and your company agrees to it — there’s nothing better than having a little (or big!) piece of home with you all day at the office.
