You can’t take another day of your pampered pooch whimpering as you leave her behind. She’s your baby! As you drive away feeling broken-hearted, you decide that today is the day you’ll talk to your boss about the possibility of bringing your dog to work. But, before your pup applies for the office assistant position, be sure she’s a good candidate for the job:
- Make sure your pet is current on her vaccinations. Not only is keeping your pet current on her rabies vaccination the law, it’s also good medicine. Traveling with your pup to a workplace where there are people and potentially other dogs makes it vital that she’s current on all recommended vaccines, deworming protocol, and flea and tick prevention. This keeps both your pet and other animals and people safe because many of these illnesses and parasites are easily transmitted. Call Palm City Animal Medical Center to make sure your pet is up-to-date on her vaccines and to obtain a copy of her medical records.
- Consider your pet’s normal behavior. Is your pooch a couch potato or a whirlwind of chaos? A mellow, older dog who will enjoy lounging next to your desk or a rambunctious teenage Lab? Also, assess your dog’s behavior around other humans and animals. Is she friendly and social, or will she bark continuously until the stranger danger is out of sight? Both your coworkers and your dog will appreciate not being put in situations they don’t enjoy.
- Think about your pet’s obedience and training. Pets are great at reducing stress in the workplace, but sometimes they can bring the workday to a halt. An untrained pup has no place in an office and will just lead to distraction if you’re constantly having to go over the ground rules of proper behavior. Ensure your dog is fully house-trained before bringing her to work with you—if she pees on your boss’ high heels, you might get knocked out of the running for that big promotion you’ve been hoping for. If your dog isn’t house-trained and doesn’t know basic commands, like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” leaving her at home might be the best choice.
While your dog is at work
Now that you’ve managed to convince upper management that having pets in the workplace increases creativity, reduces stress, fosters stronger coworker bonds, and promotes activity, you need a job for your dog. Some dogs won’t mind just lazing around all day next to you, but others would like to be a little more paws-on throughout the workday. Check out these ideas to keep your pooch occupied:
- Long-lasting chews — Long-lasting chews can provide a heavy chewer with hours of entertainment. Be sure to supervise your pet while she is chewing on rawhides and throw them away when the pieces become small enough to swallow.
- Treat-containing toys — Rubber Kongs, Nylabones, and treat puzzles are all great ways to keep your dog’s mind occupied while you have your own projects to handle. Filling a rubber Kong with peanut butter or cream cheese and freezing it the night before will provide your pup with hours of enjoyment as she tries to get every last morsel of her treat. Or, fill a treat puzzle with your dog’s breakfast so she can keep an active mind and not add any extra calories with supplemental treats.
- Exercise — If you’re fortunate enough to have a lunch break, you and your pup can hit the streets and recharge before buckling down for the afternoon workload. And, your colleagues will probably clamor for a jogging buddy, so your dog may be busy escorting employees around the park for the entire lunch hour.
Unsure if your dog is cut out for the corporate life? Call our office at 772-283-0920 to discuss if she’s ready to join you at work.
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