Pet animals have long been a source of comfort and companionship for people all over the world. A survey by the National Pet Products Association showed that 66% of American households include a pet, which roughly translates to 86.9 million households.
For people who run a single-person-household, leaving their pet at home during work hours can be a difficult arrangement. If you are grappling with the issue of planning your pet dog’s transition to your workspace, you have come to the right place!
Having furry companions in the workplace can reduce stress, give comfort and provide emotional support to the pet owners. Pets, on the other hand, get an opportunity to socialize, ease their separation anxiety and engage in physical and mental activities that are stimulating. Sousa and colleagues (2022) found that presence of pets in the workplace has a positive impact on organizational life.
However, introducing pets in the workplace requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth transition and a positive experience for everyone involved. In this article, let us look at how to prepare your pet dog to accompany you to the office, and maintain a harmonious work environment.
Assessing the workplace environment
Assessing the workplace environment includes becoming familiar with your organization’s policy for pets, and scanning the physical workspace for health hazards or objects that might cause harm when your dog is around.
Read pet policy and obtain permission
Initiate and encourage discussion on the benefits of having a pet friendly office. Yolande (2006) has written about the benefits of a pet friendly workspace to enhance employee assistance programs. Your company might allow pets only in limited locations in the office. Some employers may set a limit on how many pets can be in the office at one time.
Find out whether your workplace has a pets-at-work program, or whether they would be open to one. If not, at least obtain written permission to bring your pet to work. If your coworkers are planning to bring pets, check with them to avoid clashing dates.
Prepare your workspace
Evaluate the office layout to see what areas are suitable for your pet to move about. Look at your workspace from your pet’s point of view, and dog-proof it. Secure cables and wires or elevate them instead of keeping them on the ground. Hide small objects like paperclips or rubber bands that your dog might swallow.
Cover trash cans and lock cabinets that your dog doesn’t rummage through them. Protect furniture using covers, put rugs on the floors. If possible, block staircase entrances using a baby gate, if your think your dog might run down the stairs. Lastly, provide your dog with a designated area with a crate or chew toys, and maintain a routine for feeding, bathroom breaks and playtime.
Preparing your dog
Behavioral training, gradual exposure to the workspace, setting daily routine, completing vaccinations and carrying your pet parent gear are crucial for a safe and comfortable transition to the workspace.
Behavioral training
Ensure that your dog is trained to follow simple commands and socialize. You can take help from a certified dog trainer. Some dogs are naturally uncomfortable around new people, and may manifest symptoms of anxiety in unfamiliar places, leading to bizarre behaviour and toileting accidents.
Your dog can benefit from socialising with new people, like friends or relatives, as a part of their training. Ross (2020) has discussed how the old, dominating and strict methods of dog training are being replaced by newer methods emphasizing on early socialisation and positive reinforcement.
Familiarize your dog with the workspace
Start by bringing your pet on short visits on quiet days to minimise stress. Reward good behaviour with toys and treats so that they associate the workspace with positive memories. Introduce your dog to your coworkers and other pets in the office to make them calmer and friendlier. Familiarise them with office sounds like ringing phones and clicking keyboards to reduce anxiety. Ensure good leash habits, like walking without pulling, jumping and excessive barking.
Set a routine
Schedule fixed times for feeding, bathroom breaks, outdoor breaks and playtime. It will ensure that your dog is not bored, and has an outlet for all their energy and enthusiasm. Also, laying down a routine helps them understand that play is limited to certain hours, and they won’t disturb you when you are preoccupied with work. Luna-Cortes (2022) showed that a consistent routine is associated with reduced behavioural problems among dogs, which in turn leads to higher owner satisfaction.
Health and vaccination
Kansas State University found that 34% of dogs nationwide are affected with gastrointestinal parasites, and the figure is 54% for southeastern states. It is important to take care of your dog’s immune and physiological health to prevent new infections and also to safeguard the health of you and your co-workers. Get a thorough health check-up done and ensure flea and tick prevention and other vaccinations are up to date.
Assemble your gear
Pack a bag with all the essentials you will need for taking care of your dog at work. You might need a dog bed for napping and resting, bowls for drinking and feeding, and food packets. Bring along their favourite toys and treats to keep them occupied and to reward appropriate behaviour. Keep dog poop bags handy when you take them out for a walk. Don’t forget a leash and harness to make sure your dog doesn’t run to off limits spaces. If you think it is necessary to confine them to a specific area due to space constraints, or when they get hyperactive, have a crate or pen.
Managing interactions with colleagues
Inform your coworkers in advance
Talk to your coworkers to see if they are comfortable with you bringing your pet to work. If they have allergies, phobias or cleanliness concerns, give them assurance and see what you can do to avoid those problems. Ask for tips and advice from pet parents who have brought their pets to work in the past. After all, your coworkers’ support will play a huge role in making your pet feel welcome in the workplace.
Set boundaries and guidelines for interacting
Inform them about the triggers, fears or anxieties that your dog may have, e.g., anxiety about new places, fear of unfamiliar dogs and humans, reactions to loud noises, etc. Some dogs like to be petted, while others feel uncomfortable and get restless. Even though you have taken efforts to train your dog, minor accidents may happen. Let your co-workers know about how to safely interact with your dog.
Bringing your dog to your workplace cam be a difficult process for you, your pet and your co-workers as well. There are several challenges involved, like your dog’s stranger anxiety, the allergies, fears and hygiene concerns of your co-workers, and the demands placed on you to take care of your dog while meeting your deadlines at work.
Assessing your workspace in terms of pet policies and health hazards, preparing your dog through behavioral training, vaccination, and establishing routines, and taking support from your co-workers will go a long way in making this transition smooth. You can use the tips from this article to decide on a plan, prepare for setbacks and failures and remain calm and patient during the process. Go ahead, make your workspace fun and relaxing by inviting your furry friends!
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