It’s Take Your Dog to Work Day

Offices across the South Coast might sound a bit different today - as it's Take Your Dog to Work Day.

With over a third of UK households now having a dog, the chance of having a dog in the office is more likely than ever before.

Taking your dog to work with you can be incredibly exciting for you, your colleagues, and your four-legged friend.

Dogs Trust - the UK's largest dog welfare charity - is offering its top tips, to make sure your dog becomes employee of the month in no time and is a paw-some addition to the team:

Consider if it is the right move for you and your dog:

Not every office is a good fit, with 45% of dog owners saying their office isn't suitable for a dog. If your dog might struggle with the environment or the workplace isn't dog-friendly, make sure your dog is relaxed and confident to stay home alone, or arrange care for them while you're out. Their well-being comes first.

Start at home:

Laying the groundwork at home is key. By teaching basic skills, how to settle quietly and understanding your dog's body language, you can make the experience easier for all. A well-prepared dog is a happy office dog.

Introduce them to strangers:

Meeting new people can be exciting – so it is important to have experience of this before arriving at the office. Showing your dog that calmly greeting people without jumping up is rewarded with attention, this will quickly become their go-to way to say hello.

Know the commute:

Check if your commute is dog friendly. If your dog isn't confident with the way you get to work, ease them into it, little by little, during quiet times of day, to help them feel relaxed and confident with the experience. If your route to work is unsafe for a dog, it might not be realistic to bring them to the office with you.

Prepare your workspace:

Create a safe, quiet area for your dog with a bed, water and enrichment. Make sure to remove hazards like wires so they can have a space to call their own. Make sure you have access to a safe outside area to take your dog when they need a toilet break or some fresh air.

Prepare your colleagues:

Let your colleagues know your dog will be joining you. Make sure to check everyone is happy, without allergies and understands your dog's needs and boundaries. After all, we all need to work in harmony.

Prepare a backup plan:

Have someone who can look after your dog if you need to step into a meeting and be prepared to head home if your dog is feeling stressed or unwell. A backup plan helps reduce the pressure of unexpected challenges.

Take it easy:

Gradually introduce your dog to your workplace to avoid overwhelming them. Try a short visit, building up to a half-day, and then slowly increase until they are familiar and fully relaxed in their new space.

Enjoy:

Once everyone has settled in, make sure to enjoy the experience! Take breaks, head outside, and enjoy the benefits of a happy hound hanging around during the workday.

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