Some days, you may feel that you work like a dog at your job. But imagine going to work with your dog in your cubicle, your office or your business.
In 1999, Patti Moran, founder International pet sittercreated the annual event Bring your dog to work day. This year it was celebrated on June 23 and it has now been expanded to Bring Your Pet to Work Week and yes, even Cat Day to Work.
“I wanted to find a way for PSI to give back to the pet community from which our members make a living and to find a unique way to celebrate dogs and promote adoption,” says Patti. “Since that time, the event has grown tremendously.”
Take your dog to work every day at these dog-friendly offices
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, headquartered in Texas, organizes Take Your Dog to Work Day every day. “Since Tito’s Handmade Vodka was founded in 1995, stray dogs have always found their way to the distillery in rural Austin, where Tito’s team will feed them, care for them and sometimes adopt them. them,” said Beth Bellanti, Tito’s manager. Tito’s Vodka for dogs programme. “By allowing humans to bring their furry companions to work, we have seen reduced levels of stress and anxiety, and improved work-life balance. in our workforce.”
Well-behaved dogs are also welcome at the dog supply house tough location. And that made Gabrielle Miller, a senior member of the pet operations team, smile. “I love being able to bring my dogs, Tuffy and Maddie, to work with me,” says Gabrielle. “When I take breaks, I take them for a walk and I love watching them model and work on set with other pet wrapers. It is great to work at a company with people who are knowledgeable about dog training and behavior.”
On a tour of the inside of the Dallas distribution center, you’ll encounter dogs sleeping on comfy beds next to their people’s workplace. One rule to be enforced: Dogs cannot be tied up and left unattended, even for a few minutes for their pet parents to get coffee or go to the bathroom. Another coworker had to stay with the dog until the pet’s parents returned.
Get your office dog ready for work
Teoti Anderson, former president of Professional Dog Trainers Association and co-owners Pawsitive results in South Carolina, encourage a candid assessment of your dog.
Before bringing your dog to work, ask yourself:
- Does my dog have good manners?
- Will he jump on people?
- Did he drag me down the hallway?
- Does he like people but not other dogs?
- Is he home-trained?
- Is he up to date on flea and tick vaccinations and prevention?
- Would he prefer to come work with me or become tense?
“Having a well-behaved dog makes it easier to bring him to work,” says Teoti, who is also the author of the book. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Training. “Keep training him, and he could be employee of the month!”
Tips to prepare your dog for a day at the office
Cara Armor, a professional dog trainer and agility instructor from Massachusetts, says giving your dog a test run can help you gauge how much he likes or dislikes the workplace.
“See if you can include it on a day off or a quiet workday so you can pay attention to your dog’s behavior at the office,” says Cara, and president of Cara armor consultation. “Make pet proof of the area your dog will be in every time he comes to work with you. Pay attention to anything on the floor. What if a coworker drops Advil and your dog finds it on the floor? Make sure your dog isn’t allowed to roam freely and rummage through your coworker’s trash can.”
How do you stay focused with the quad as your companion?
“It is important to teach your dog to self-soothe,” says Teoti. “Have a supply of ready-made, stuffed, frozen rubber toys that you can pull out to make dog pacifiers during your meetings. Make sure you take him out for removal in the designated potty area before you attend office meetings.
Beth from Tito’s shares these three strategies for a successful workday with your dog:
- Keep your pet’s needs in mind. Bring snacks, chew toys, water bowls, and a cushy pet bed so your pet can relax while you focus on work.
- She says: “Reserve ‘pet slots’ in advance. “Make sure that there are office-wide guidelines and policies regarding pets that address roaming, leash restrictions, the number of pets allowed per person, and anything else to ensure peaceful environment for pets as well as people.”
- Take a quick break during the day to step outside to give your pet some fresh air and a chance to play and recharge. “Quick breaks not only keep your pet happy, but they are also good for employee health and stress management.”
How to Start Your Dog to Work Day at your office
Before you join TYDTWD or introduce a pet-friendly policy in your workplace, follow these tips from PSI president, Beth Stultz-Hairston:
- First, make the request to your boss and/or human resources director. “Be prepared to address possible concerns management may have, including safety procedures,” says Beth. These issues may include building codes, liability issues, and employee allergies or phobias.”
- Respect your colleagues’ views about pets in the workplace. “Avoid forcing co-workers to interact with your dog,” she says. “Dog lovers will make themselves known!”
- Make your dog’s wishes your priority. “Although most dogs love TYDTWD, your pet may not, so have an exit strategy, such as calling your professional pet sitter, if your dog becomes a should be too loud, agitated, or withdrawn in your office.”
PSI also provides Free and downloadable TYDTWD ideas and toolset about ways to celebrate in your workplace.
Work from home with your dogs
Cara Armor gets a lot done in one day even with the challenge of working from home with not one but four enthusiastic Boxers named Debbie, Walter, Phoenix and Wendy. As a professional dog trainer and pet business consultant in Massachusetts, she also makes time for her dogs to compete in agility and teaches the sport to others.
What is her secret to working successfully in a house full of dogs? “From the very beginning, I trained them to see their crate as a reward place, a place to enjoy snacks and a place to relax and sleep,” says Cara. “I teach them to relax and reward their quiet with lots of rewards.”
Three tips for working from home with dogs:
Harness your dog’s anticipated needs. “Do your best to keep a regular schedule when working from home with your dogs,” she says. “I box from 10am to 2pm every day to maintain regularity. And, I take my dog for a walk every day before I start work.”
Use a marker or clicker to teach and reward your dog for being quiet. Don’t yell at your dog to shut up when he barks when a postal carrier approaches you while you’re on a live Zoom call.
“Dogs need to take a breath while barking and that quiet time with something super tasty,” says Cara. “Your dog will learn that when he is quiet, he will eat something really delicious. You can also lead your dog to a mat or a busy food puzzle in another room to keep him quiet and busy while you’re on that Zoom call.
What is Dog to Work Day? Quick summary
- 1999: The first TYDTWD event sponsored by Pet Sitters International was held on the Friday after Father’s Day – a tradition that is still maintained today.
- Spinoff pet celebration: Bring Your Pet to Work Week is from June 19 to 23, and Cat to Work Day is set for June 19.
- About 300 businesses participated in the first TYDTWD. Now, the number of companies grows steadily every year.
- PSI . Pet sitter locator is a tool to find local professional pet care or dog walking services for any days pets can’t go to work or if dogs need an afternoon walk on TYDTWD.
- Follow TYDTWD events and post your company’s participation using the hashtag: #takeyourdogtoworkday.
