Bring your dog to work day is June 21. It’s an exciting day for the office, when you get to bring your dog. Studies show that employers who allow pets in the office are more likely to attract and retain employees. Ninety percent of employees feel highly engaged in their work and more connected to their companies’ mission with pet friendly work environments. When pets are encouraged in offices employees have an increase in longevity with their companies.
Here’s some tips on making your dog feel at home in your work environment and not a nuisance in the office.
No sneezes please-Check in with co-workers to make sure it’s ok to bring your pup. It would be a bad day if someone in the office were allergic.
The bark stops here-Make sure your furry friend isn’t the one barking in the background. Give them a long walk to tire them out. Bring puzzle toys to keep them busy and active on their own project.
Sleeping on the job-Pack their bed or blanket. After a long walk and some treats let sleeping dogs lie. In their bed, of course, so they are nice and comfy.
Train the trainer-It’s always the owner, it’s never the dog. Bad behaviors abound when a dog is in a new environment. Make sure you are both trained on how to handle the outside world. Leash and command training is an absolute must.
Prim and proper-Make sure that Fido is groomed. Shedding hair and smells can repel even the most open-hearted animal lover. Give them a good bath and brush before your dog clocks in. Don’t forget to brush their teeth. No one loves a smelly mongrel!
Do your duty-Be the conscientious and courteous dog owner and make sure to clean up after your pet. There may not be stations that have bags available so be sure to bring your own. This has to happen 100% of the time!
Luckily, Wave Productivity’s mascot and CFO (Chief Fido Officer), Jonnie Be Good gets to join me each day in the office as I coach clients. Will you be bringing your pooch to work?
Margo Crawford is a Productivity Coach and Professional Organizer with Wave Productivity. She works with entrepreneurs, small business owners and business professionals to help them get more focused, organized and productive in their workplace. She coaches by phone nationally and in person in Phoenix, Providence and Boston. If you’re having some dog days at work call 602-677-8275 or email [email protected] for a consultation.