Top tips for preparing your dog for the workplace
Top tips for preparing your dog for the workplace
Follow our suggested steps on how to best prepare your dog for the workplace.
Step 1: Start at home
All great office dogs start their training at home! Teaching your dog basic skills, as well as getting them used to sitting or lying quietly while you work can be practiced at home. Some useful skills for your dog to know before entering the workplace are sitting or lying down when asked, learning to settle when you can’t give them attention, learning to “stay” and of course, knowing what it means to “leave it”.
Make sure your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations, deworming and flea or tick treatments too! If you’re not sure, contact your vet!
Step 2: Introductions to strangers
If your dog gets over-excited when greeting people, they would benefit from learning a calmer response so that they don’t over-do it in the workplace. Your colleagues and clients would benefit too! You can start training this either in your home or out and about on familiar walks. Your dog will soon learn that calm greetings, free from jumping up or barking, are rewarded with attention, and it will become their go-to response when meeting new people!
Step 3: Introduce the commute
Think about how you normally get to work. Do you walk, use your car, or take public transport? Is your dog familiar and comfortable with the method and length of journey? It’s important that your dog is relaxed with not at your workplace, but during the commute too. If your dog is not already confident with the method of travel, as well as the time of travel (rush hour, anyone?) you may need to begin taking them out, little by little, to help them get comfortable with your route to work. Try short walks, car journeys or trips on public transport at the weekend when it’s less busy, and work up to longer and busier journeys.
Step 4: Prepare your workspace
The next step is to prepare your workspace for your dog’s arrival. Have a think about the layout of your working area. Does your dog have somewhere to settle comfortably in a safe and quiet space? If your usual desk or workspace is close to a busy area with lots of footfall, can you move to a quieter area, like in a corner or close to a wall? Is the area hazard-free? Have you removed all wires and items that your dog might be tempted to chew on or get tangled up in? Is there appropriate (non-slip) flooring? If not, can you bring in a non-slip mat? Do you have a safe place to put your dog’s enrichment, water, food (if needed?) where it won’t get in the way, or be too close to other pups?
Step 5: Prepare your colleagues
We all need to work in harmony! Make sure to have clear and open communication with your colleagues and agreements in advance of how you will all work together when your pup is present. Some things to think about might be: Are your colleagues happy to have dogs at work? Does anyone have an allergy who your dog may need to avoid? Does everyone understand your dog’s needs and boundaries? Will colleagues be tolerant of the occasional bark or a little mess? Accidents sometimes happen! If your dog has any food allergies or intolerances, make sure your colleagues know about these, as well as what foods and substances are generally dangerous for dogs.
Step 6: Prepare a kit bag and back-up plan
Just like you pack your handbag, briefcase, or rucksack for work every day, your dog will need a pack with all the essential supplies to ensure they have a good day in the office.
Make sure you have a back-up plan for if anything goes wrong! Can someone at work care for your dog if you need to step into an important meeting where they can’t join you? If your dog appears to be stressed or sick, can you leave work and take them home?
Step 7: Gradual introductions to the workplace
Introducing your dog to your workplace is best done gradually, to avoid your dog becoming overwhelmed. You could start by bringing them in for some half-days, if possible, before trying to bring them in one or two days spread throughout the week. Gradually build up the number of days you bring them in during the week until they are fully familiar with your workplace and routine, and are showing signs that they are fully relaxed in their new space! Head to our Introducing your dog to the workplace page to for tips on how to spot positive body language and signs that your pup is happy.
Step 8: Try a full week (watch for signs of frustration or anxiety)
When your dog is not showing signs of anxiety or frustration on the days they’re in the workplace with you, you can try bringing them in every day for a week and see how they react.
Remember, your dog might cope very well on Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday might become fed up or a little overwhelmed, and this could mean that Thursday or Friday might be too much for them to cope with.
Step 9: Enjoy your companionship!
Once you have successfully completed all the steps and your dog is a happy, healthy hound in the workplace, you can enjoy their wonderful daily companionship, including the great excuse to pop outside for some fresh air for you and a bathroom break for your dog. Establishing a routine for such breaks will help your dog stay settled and enjoy their time with you.
Now you know what to do to prepare your dog for the workplace, why not explore some of the best ways of keeping them entertained while you’re at work?
Up next:
Preparing your workplace
Preparing your workplace
Have a think about the layout of your working area. Do you need to make some changes to your workspace to prepare for your dog joining you? To help you prepare, below are some questions to ask yourself and things to consider before bringing your dog in.
Where will your dog settle?
Your dog needs to have somewhere quiet but close to your work area to settle down and get comfortable. Make sure you have enough space for them to have a bed or comfy blanket to lay on during the day.
Do you have space for bed, water bowl, enrichment?
Ensure your set up has enough space for your pup’s enrichment, food and water where it won’t be a trip hazard to your colleagues and won’t be too tempting for other dogs who might share the office space?
Is their settle area away from busy spaces?
If your usual workspace is close to a busy area with lots of people walking past, consider moving to a quieter area such as in a corner or close to a wall. Make sure the space is as non-slippery as possible. If you’re lucky enough to work in an office with a shiny new floor consider bringing in a non-slip mat for your dog.
Is the area hazard-free?
Next, think about what other hazards there might be in the area. Are there cables they could chew, bins they could raid, or toxic plants they could nibble? Are your colleagues’ bags stored away safely? If you or any of your colleagues take any medications, even over-the-counter medications such as ibroprofen, make sure they are securely stored where your pup can’t get to them.
Have you checked for temptations?
Your dog’s settle area should ideally not be close to places people might prepare food, such as a communal kitchen. Where do your colleagues store their lunches and snacks throughout the day? Might your dog be tempted to go digging in a colleague's backpack for that bar of afternoon pick-me-up chocolate that they’ve hidden in there? If any of your colleagues run or cycle to work and change when they arrive, make sure your dog can’t find their sweaty socks as that might be embarrassing for all involved (except your dog, they will probably be delighted with their trophy).
Likewise, any bins should have secured lids. The last thing you want is for your dog to dive in after someone’s chicken satay skewer. This could lead to a big mess in the kitchen and, much worse, pose a big injury risk for your dog!
Up next:
Preparing your colleagues
Preparing your colleagues
We all need to work in harmony! Make sure you have clear communication with your colleagues, agree in advance of how you will all work together when your pup is present.
Some things to think about might be:
Are your colleagues happy to have dogs at work?
Does anyone have an allergy who your dog may need to avoid?
Does everyone understand your dog’s needs and boundaries?
Will colleagues be tolerant of the occasional bark or a little mess? Accidents sometimes happen!
If your dog has any food allergies or intolerances, make sure your colleagues know about these, as well as what foods and substances are generally dangerous for dogs.
Day 1: Introducing your colleagues
The first time a dog comes into the office will be incredibly exciting for everyone, including your dog.
Ensure your dog isn’t crowded or feeling trapped at any time and be prepared to politely remind your colleagues how they should behave around canine colleagues.
Your dog might cope well with the first two or three visitors, but by the fourth or fifth, might begin to feel overwhelmed. Avoid this by paying close attention to your dog’s body language and communication signals. Don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues to come back a little later once your pooch is settled in.
Being able to recognise when a dog might be feeling worried or scared will help to keep you, your dog, and others safe.
If at any time you feel your dog needs some space, be sure to politely tell any would-be visitors to your desk. You could communicate this by saying things like “She’s a little tired now, perhaps we can come by your desk later when she’s feeling up for it” or “He’s a little overstimulated at the moment, I think he needs some quiet time”.
Avoiding illnesses
Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Sometimes dogs can be carriers of germs and can even spread them to humans without showing any signs of sickness themselves. The risk of dogs spreading disease is minimal, but may be slightly higher in people with a compromised immune system from disease or medication.
Therefore, it’s important to protect those around you from any potential bugs your dog could be carrying, particularly if you share a workspace with an immunosuppressed person. Be aware that immunosuppression is not always visible, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and not assume everyone in your workplace has a strong immune system!
Some tips to help prevent spreading illness:
Don’t allow your dog to lick your, or others, faces
Practice good hand hygiene, washing hands after touching your dog, their bowls, or toys
Cleaning up accidents quickly and thoroughly with a good quality enzymatic cleaner
Regularly washing blankets and toys your dog uses to keep everything fresh and reduce any potential nasty germs hiding in them!
Doggy manners
If you are bringing your dog into the workplace, we know you will have already assessed and decided they are ready. But even the most well-mannered pups can slip up now and again. Remember, they are in a new environment where they don’t yet know the rules of engagement, so they might appear to act in a way that they wouldn’t at home. Let’s look at some possible problems and what to do if these situations arise.
Resource guarding:
If something is important to a dog, they might feel the need to protect or ‘guard’ it, which can lead to conflict, for example if the object in question belongs to one of your colleagues and they try to retrieve it, or another feisty fido fancies that particular object for themselves! It’s important to recognise your dog’s communication signals and act to prevent any problems developing around these items.
If your dog is eating (a treat or a chew for example), make sure your colleagues know not to approach, touch, or try to interact with them. Your dog is already in a new environment with lots of unknown people, so even if they are not protective of their food at home, their natural instincts could lead them to be more wary of strangers around their treats.
If your colleague drops something near your dog (for example a pen, a name tag) offer to retrieve it for them. If your dog goes for the object, distract them with a high value treat and move them away from the object, for example by tossing the treat away from your dog, before picking the object up and handing it to your colleague. If they have already grabbed it, this could be a good time to practice the “leave it” or “drop it” skill. Make sure to reward them with something very tasty when they do drop the object in question.
Be sure to avoid a “tug of war” that your dog might find very exciting and rewarding, as it may encourage them to steal objects in the future for this fun game!
Giving your dog attention
Dogs have evolved over thousands of years to observe, communicate with, and co-operate with humans – social connection with us is generally incredibly important for dogs. They will seek out our attention, often by gazing at us, vocalising for attention, or attempting to get up on our laps!
Make sure your colleagues understand that if they ‘reward’ your dog with attention, whatever your dog was doing at the time is more likely to keep happening! So, if they respond to that distraction of whining or pawing at their leg, your dog will continue to do it as they realised it works in getting them some attention! The best thing to do in this case is encourage your colleague to ignore attention seeking behaviour, and only look at and speak to your dog when they are sitting quietly and not demanding attention with unwanted behaviour.
Up next:
Introducing your dog to new places
Introducing your dog to new places
Although first experiences are often the most important we still need to support our adolescent dogs when they are experiencing new things. We need our dogs to experience new things in a way that they feel comfortable with. This will help them learn that new things and situations are fun to explore!
As adolescents get older, they may become less able to adapt to new things, but they can still learn if you help them. Just take more time when introducing something new. You can look at the body language topic for useful advice on understanding your dog’s body language.
Top Tips
It’s important to help your dog get used to the things that they’ll experience in their everyday life
Remember to watch your dog’s body language and if they’re finding the experience hard, give them time and space
Avoid overwhelming your dog with lots of new experiences on the same day.
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Commuting to work
Commuting to work
Think about how you get to work each day. Do you take your car, travel by public transport, or walk? The commute is rarely anyone’s favourite part of their day, with busy roads and crowds of people rushing to get to work on time. If you’re dog is to join you, you will need to get them accustomed to the journey, and this is best done in gradual steps.
Training your dog to travel in the car
Car travel is an important part of life for many dogs as it enables them to explore new and exciting places. But it can also lead to them visiting the vet – which might not be quite so much fun! It’s important to make sure dogs are always safe and feel confident when travelling in the car, regardless of where they might be going.
Safety first
The Highway Code stipulates that dogs are suitably restrained so even before travelling you’ll need to teach your dog to feel relaxed in a comfortably-sized seat-belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or in the boot behind a dog-guard. These must be securely fitted and positioned so your dog can’t interfere with the driver or hang out of windows. You can purchase a Boot Bed from Dogs Trust’s website to travel in style, while remaining safe.
Never leave your dog alone in the car and keep them as cool as possible while travelling – non-spill water bowls are helpful, as is planning toileting/exercise breaks for longer journeys.
Make the car an enjoyable place to be
Start by using your dog’s favourite treats to reward them for being calm whenever they’re near the car, even just walking around it to begin. Reward your dog for sitting calmly before you’re ready to open the door and invite them inside.
Getting in and out safely
If your dog has travelled before and enjoyed it, they might be very excited about jumping into the car and out of it when you arrive at the park – but this isn’t a good idea as it can put them at risk of injury or accident.
Ask them to sit while you slowly open the door and give them a few treats to keep them sitting as you do. If you do this every time you arrive at the car they’ll soon start to automatically sit and wait patiently before you guide them in safely and under your control. Once they’re in, simply spend a little time sitting inside with them; giving them a safe and long-lasting chew to enjoy can be a good way for them to learn the car is an enjoyable place to be.
Likewise, teach your dog to get out of the car calmly and quietly by slowly opening the door just a little way and waiting for your dog to sit or stay still before you invite them out. Always reward your dog for their patience with their favourite tasty treat, or two. Our doorways training provides guidance for teaching a dog to pass through an open door while giving their owner full attention, and this teaching can be applied to the car door too!
Gradually introduce your dog to travelling in the car
It’s important to introduce car travel carefully, because for some dogs being in this confined space while it’s moving might feel very unusual to begin with, especially if they’ve never been in a car before. For example, all sorts of movement and activity happening outside, that they can neither get involved in nor get away from, might be worrying or frustrating.
They’ll need to get used to the sound and movement of the car slowly, because it’s a lot for their senses to take in. Giving your dog extra tasty treats whenever the car starts up and starts to move means they’ll begin to associate these changes with good things happening.
On the road…
Start with short, slow and gentle, familiar journeys that will allow your dog to get used to car travel in a positive way. Having a friend accompanying you, who your dog knows well and is comfortable with, can be helpful so there is someone to be beside your dog if necessary while you are driving. Drive smoothly allowing plenty of time for breaking, as a jerky or uncomfortable journey might make your dog less willing to travel next time!
If your dog is struggling in the car…
If your dog is showing signs of being frightened about travelling in the car never force them to travel, as this is only going to make them even more worried and they might feel trapped and panic. Either find someone to stay with them if you need to travel or avoid the journey/make alternative travel plans if possible. Avoid car journeys completely while you seek the guidance of an experienced behaviourist.
Travelling with your dog on public transport
Why we love travelling with our dogs on public transport
If you don't have a car, public transport may be the only option for you and your dog for getting to work. If they are not already comfortable with taking public transport, start at the weekend when you have lots of time and the routes are less busy. Many dogs thrive on new smells and sights, so use the public transport system to take them to a new park or walk somewhere exciting. If you live in a city or town, public transport can be an easy way to access rural open spaces outside town for your dog to explore.
Once your dog is comfortable on the bus or train at the weekends, try short journeys on busier days, and build up to a full commute to your place of work.
Why travelling on public transport isn't for every dog
Just as some humans are happier travelling than others, for dogs, travelling on public transport can be a stressful and scary experience. It's important that you consider your dog's needs and welfare before travelling.
Sometimes, public transport isn't an appropriate method of transportation, for example after an operation at the vet, or when it's hot.
What to consider when travelling on public transport with your dog
Mode of transport
First things first, always check whether the mode of transport you wish to travel on accepts dogs. These rules are generally contained in what's called the 'conditions of carriage.' Don't always assume all modes of public transport accept dogs, and if they do, there may be certain rules you have to follow. You should always check with the relevant travel provider before you travel, but we have set out a rough guide here:
Usually accept dogs, up to two per passenger.
Usually don't accept dogs.
Usually accept dogs at driver's discretion.
Sometimes accept dogs. Always contact the company in advance to let them know you will be travelling with a dog.
Dogs are permitted if they are carried up escalators. This may seem a silly rule, especially if your dog happily trots up and down escalators, but this rule is in place for a reason.
Using the London Underground
The ridges on escalators can really damage your dog's paws – we've seen lots of dogs with horrible injuries from this. Please be sure to either carry your dog on escalators, or if that's not possible, use the stairs or stations with a lift. You can use TFL's 'plan your journey' feature to plan a route using stairs not escalators.
Other factors
Ticket barriers: However small and agile you think your dog is, always take your dog through the accessible ticket barriers. This gives your dog more space and time to get through.
Time of day: Have a think about the time of day you will be travelling with your dog. It is always easier to travel with a dog when public transport is less busy. Crowds and small spaces can be very stressful for dogs.
Remember:
You are responsible for keeping your dog under control at all times, whether on public transport or not.
Not everybody loves dogs as much as we do, and sometimes you might come across someone who would rather not sit next to your pooch.
What to take with you
When travelling with your dog on public transport it's important to remember to take anything your dog might need with you:
Water: public transport can be hot whatever time of the year, so it's important that if you're travelling you take water and something for your dog to drink out of.
Dog poo bags: Hopefully your dog won't need to go while you're on the bus or train, but you should always be well stocked with poo bags.
Treats: We fully believe in reward-based methods, so it may be useful to have a stock of treats for when you need to ask your dog to do something. If you're taking a longer journey, you may want to consider taking an activity-based treat, such as a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat, to keep your dog occupied.
Meals: If you're going to be travelling all day, then remember your dog will need their usual meals.
Skills your dog will need
There are lots of basic skills that your dog should have mastered before you travel on public transport with them, which will not only make your journey much easier, but also ensure a more enjoyable, safe and calm experience for your dog.
We would always recommend that you get your dog comfortable with travelling on public transport gradually – don't expect them to travel happily on a rush hour train with you first time.
The key skills your dog should be familiar with before their journey on public transport are:
Sit and lie down: these are key skills that will help keep your dog safe when out and about.
Settle: On a busy train, bus or tram with lots of distractions, it's particularly important that your dog knows how to settle themselves.
Leave: public transport is likely to be filled with lots of distractions, including people eating, and rubbish.
Reading the signs your dog is giving you
Understanding how your dog communicates with you means you'll be able to recognise when they're feeling confident and happy, as well as times when they might be feeling worried or frightened.
This is important when travelling with your dog on public transport – you will be able to keep them feeling safe and secure. It's important to remember that many of a dog's actions can have lots of different meanings, depending on the situation in which our dogs show them.
For example, a dog might drool and lick their lips in anticipation of dinner being prepared, which is a perfectly normal bodily response. However, if they begin drooling and licking their lips when getting onto a train these actions might show they are feeling worried about the journey ahead.
Walking
If you are lucky enough to be able to walk to work, taking your dog with you will be a great way to add to their daily exercise. Just make sure that your dog can cope with the walk, if they are a little older, or have any conditions like joint problems, the extra walk to and from your office might take a toll on them. If you are unsure consult with your vet.
If you’ll be walking to work during “rush hour” take particular care. Your dog might be used to leisurely strolls in the evening or at the weekends and might find walking with you on a busy footpath with lots of cars passing by not as fun as their usual walks.
Also, keep in mind that your walk to work will take longer than normal if you have your dog with you, especially if it is a new route for your dog. They might need some extra time to stop and sniff to get their bearings, go to the toilet etc., so if you’re worried about being late for work make sure to leave earlier to give yourself more time so neither of you feel rushed.
We recommend walking your route to work a couple of times with your dog before you plan on taking them into your workplace, and if you can, try building up to busier times of day so your dog can get comfortable with the level of noise from traffic and the number of other people walking nearby.
Up next:
Introducing your dog to the workplace
Introducing your dog to the workplace
Introducing your dog to your workplace is best done gradually to avoid your dog becoming overwhelmed. Start by bringing them in for some half-days, if possible. Ease them in gradually by one or two days spread throughout the week until they are fully familiar with your workplace and routine and showing signs that they are fully relaxed in their new space!
Some tips to help with settling in:
Give your dog ample time to sniff around their surroundings
Bring a familiar bed or blanket from home for them to settle on
Make sure they have their own quiet area to settle in, away from busy walkways
Have something for them to engage with while you’re working, such as an appropriate long-lasting chew, an enriching toy, or something else they enjoy
Keep some treats locked away for rewarding desirable behaviour!
Consider a sign at your desk asking people not to approach, at least for the first while, so your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed with lots of new people!
Signs that they’re happy and comfortable to look out for:
Settling in quickly to their designated area
They seem relaxed and aren’t displaying any signs of stress, or anxiety
Mildly inquisitive of, but not upset or excited by, noises and movements around them.
When your dog is not showing signs of anxiety or frustration on days they’re in the workplace with you, you can try bringing them in every day for a week and see how they react.
Remember, your dog might cope very well on Monday and Tuesday, but by Wednesday might become fed up or a little overwhelmed, and this could mean that Thursday or Friday might be too much for them to cope with.
For example:
Monday: Arrive at work, many people stopping by your desk to ask how your weekend went and tell you what they got up to.
Tuesday: It was an extremely windy morning, causing disruption to your usual commute. You had to take an alternative route to work as a result. At lunchtime, your dog didn't get as long a walk as they’re used to.
Wednesday: There was a problem in the office and an electrician was called in. He had to use a drill and it was quite loud and high-pitched.
Thursday: It was your colleague's birthday, they are two desks over and everyone came by to sing happy birthday and give them a cake.
Friday: Everyone in the office is getting excited for the weekend. People are much more bubbly and talkative than usual so the noise in the office is a lot louder than normal.
Signs that your dog isn’t coping to look out for:
Avoiding interaction with a lowered head and averted eye contact
Showing signs of frustration or fear, such as baring teeth, growling, barking, or lunging
Showing anxious body language, such as ears back, wide eyes, lip licking, and tense body posture
Laying down exposing their stomach with their tail tucked in, ears back, and a closed mouth.
Yawning is to be expected if they’ve just had a walk or it’s late in the day and they’re feeling tired. But yawning could also be a sign of stress, so watch out for this.
Up next:
Meeting your dog's needs at work
Meeting your dog’s needs at work
The Animal Welfare Act (2006) outlines the welfare needs of domestic and captive animals, and as a responsible dog owner you must ensure your dog's welfare needs are always met. This includes whilst they are at work with you.
You can find more information on each of the five welfare needs, and how you can ensure you meet all of them for your dog to the highest standards consistently below.
Need for a suitable environment
Whilst your dog might be happy snoozing on the sofa, or snuggled up in bed with you at home, they will need just as much comfort in their environment in the workplace. A suitable environment doesn’t just mean a roof over their head!
There are some important considerations to make to ensure you’re providing your canine colleague with a suitable environment in the workplace. Remember every dog is individual so it’s important to tailor your workspace to meet your dogs specific needs.
A designated rest area. You can find out more about setting up a ‘safe space’ for your dog here
Sufficient space to stretch out, curl up, stand, sit and lie down within their rest area
An environment that is not too hot or too cold
Your workplace should be free from things your dog may find difficult to deal with. This is individual to each dog but some dogs may find loud noises, lots of visitors, or other dogs in the workplace emotionally stressful.
Always have a back up plan for your dog should the office environment become unsuitable for any reason at short notice
Need for a suitable diet
Your dog needs a well balanced diet to stay fit and healthy. Just like us humans, your dogs food intake may need to vary depending on their weight and activity levels to keep them in tip top canine condition! You will need to ensure your dog has a constant supply of clean, fresh water in the workplace that they can access easily. If you will be feeding your dog any of their daily meals during working hours then the kit list can help you prepare and ensure you don’t forget anything important when taking your pooch to work for the day with you.
Providing a suitable diet for your dog doesn’t just mean making sure they get their daily meals. It is also your responsibility, at home and in the workplace, to ensure that your dog isn’t being over fed. Obesity in dogs, caused by overeating, or eating the wrong types of food, can lead to lots of life limiting symptoms and health conditions. It is your responsibility to remind your colleagues not to feed your dog anything without asking your permission first. There are some simple steps you can take to remind everyone about dog feeding etiquette!
Don’t be afraid to politely ask your colleagues to refrain from feeding your dog – even if they give them their best puppy dog eyes!
Keep some low fat dog treats handy so that you can offer them to your colleagues to feed to your pooch if it is appropriate. This way you can control and keep track of your dogs daily intake.
Just because something is suitable for your dog, doesn’t mean it is ok for your colleagues dog. All office dogs should have their own food for both treats and mealtimes. Always ask permission before feeding another dog, just like you would expect others to do before feeding your dog.
If you are using additional food to keep your canine colleague occupied throughout the day, make their other meals smaller to compensate. Some people find it helpful to weigh out their dogs daily food allowance in the morning and use this throughout the day for training rewards, enrichment feeders, and their daily meals.
If you are concerned about your dog’s weight, nutritional intake or want any advice on suitable diet contact your local vet.
Need to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
Your dog has complex behavioural needs, some that might be obvious, and others that you might not even consider! Every dog is individual based on genetics, past experiences, age, lifestyle and health status and you know your dog best. Therefore you can tailor your dogs daily routine in the workplace to best suit their individual needs. Below are the important things to consider to make sure your dog can exhibit normal behaviour patterns and their days at your work can be a positive and relaxing experience.
Activities to avoid them becoming bored such as enrichment. Being bored is one of the leading causes of behavioural issues in dogs so minimizing the risk of this occurring in the workplace is vital for a harmouneous working environment for all.
Access to safe toys suitable for your dogs size that will not disturb your colleagues in the workplace.
Time and space to rest undisturbed when required (remember some dogs require more rest than others).
Regular opportunities for exercise. When planning your day factor in enough time to take your dog for their daily walks, toilet breaks, and play or training sessions if appropriate. Do you have a back up plan if your meeting over runs or you employer needs you to stay late to meet a deadline?
Ability to interact socially with humans and other dogs. Every dogs social needs are different and individual, but if your dog is used to lots of play sessions with you, daily training and cuddles 24/7 they may find going to work and not having your attention all day especially difficult. You can help your dog to prepare for the workplace.
Need to be housed with, or apart from other animals.
Dogs are social animals who learn how to interact with other dogs, and humans, from an early age through positive interactions. However, not all dogs are relaxed and have had positive interactions with other dogs previously and may therefore not enjoy socializing. Before bringing your dog into the workplace it is important that you can understand your dog and what their body language is telling you to avoid putting them in any situations with other canine, or human, colleagues that may make them feel uncomfortable or avoidant.
It is likely that your dog won’t be the only pooch in the workplace, so if your dog prefers to avoid other dogs and is more relaxed in human company you might want to consider other options for them whilst your are at work. Just because a workplace allows employers to bring their pooches into work doesn’t mean that it is right for every dog (or human!).
You, and your employers, can help make your dog and their four pawed pals more comfortable in the workplace.
Every dog should have their own space inaccessible to other dogs so they can retreat if they want to
Maximum dog numbers tailored to your workplace size and layout can help to ensure all dogs have enough independent space
Walking with other dog owners during breaks can be beneficial to some dogs who enjoy a play with their furry pals, but everybody should respect dogs and their owners if they wish to exercise their dog alone
It is advised to always keep dogs on a short (<2m lead) in the workplace
Introduce any dogs that will be sharing a workplace outside, in a neutral area, and on lead before taking them into the building
Need to be protected from pain, suffering and injury
You can take lots of preventative measures to help protect your dog from potential hazards in the workplace. Before taking your dog to work they should be free from any contagious disease, and be fully up to date with vaccinations. Speak to your own vet if you are unsure as to whether your pooch is due any vaccinations. Routine deflea, deworming and tick treatments should also be kept up to date. Every insurance policy is different, so ensure your dog is covered in the workplace, including for third party liability cover by checking the terms of conditions of your policy. If you are in any doubt consult with your provider directly before taking your dog into the workplace. It is particularly important that you are covered should you need to make a third-party public liability claim. That is when your dog causes damage to property, or injury to a member of the public.
Your individual employer may have additional vet care requirements for your dog to attend the workplace such as neutering or kennel cough vaccine. Check with your employer for specific conditions related to your individual workplace.
Incase of suspected illness or an injury whilst your dog is at work with you keep contact details of your workplace’s local emergency vet handy as this may not be your usual veterinary practice. If your dog has recently undergone veterinary treatment, or had an operation for any reason, they should not come into the workplace until they are fully recovered. This may be at the discretion of both your veterinary surgeon and your workplace.
You can learn more about hazards for your dog in the workplace here.
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Managing your dog while you’re working
Managing your dog while you’re working
Your attention is precious to your pup
Dogs love nothing more than attention from the humans that love them. It’s a valuable resource to them, and they will quickly learn the best ways to get it.
Some dogs really value your interaction – your voice, physical contact with you, or both. We can use our interaction to reward behaviours that we want, by giving our dogs attention when they’re doing something we like.
Often, dogs may seek attention through behaviours that we don’t want, such as stealing our slippers or barking at the neighbour. When we react to our dogs doing this by telling them to stop it or be quite, we’re giving them the attention they’re looking for. Although we don’t see it as positive attention, it’s still an interaction, and your dog will do this behaviour more often in the future.
We won’t always be able to give our dogs our full attention while we’re at work. The reports aren’t going to write themselves!
Next time you sit down at your desk, be prepared! Have an enrichment item to hand and be prepared to reward their calm settle. To begin with, this is easier to practice when you’re not working, so start at home. Reward your dog with a few of their favourite treats.
Below are some key tools to have at hand to manage your attention-seeking dog. Click each image to find out our top tips.
Enrichment feeders
Have a selection of ready filled enrichment feeders to hand so that when you're unavailable to your dog, you can give them one.
A safe place
Have a safe place set up where you can put your dog when you’re going to be busy. Make sure you’ve put some fun activities in there so they can entertain themselves.
Practice settle
Practise your settle at times when you’re busy and unable to give your dog attention. This way, your dog will learn that when there’s no attention available settling pays off.
Treats and toys
Use a variety of things to reward your dog with when they’re doing something you like. Rewards include your attention!
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Kit list
Kit list
Just like you pack your handbag, briefcase, or rucksack for work every day with all the essentials, your furry colleague will need some supplies to ensure they have a successful day at the office too! Our handy packing list provides the must-haves for your furry friend and those added extras you might want to consider too. When bringing your dog to work it’s important to be respectful of your colleagues. Your dog’s belongings should be stored safely and tidied up immediately when not in use.
Uniform
It’s a legal requirement when in a public place for all dogs to have at minimum a collar and ID tag, and that includes your place of work. They must also be under your control, and most workplaces will require dogs to always be on the lead, so a short lead for this purpose is vital.!
Collar
ID tag. This should have the owners name and address on it, but it is a good idea to also include your phone number. Details of the legalities surrounding dog ownership and what is required by law can be found in the responsible dog owner page.
Short lead
Harness. This may be required for travelling to work, lunchtime walkies if it is what your dog is most comfortable wearing, or for additional comfort to avoid attaching the lead directly to collar. Find out more about teaching your dog to wear a harness.
Coat. Some breeds of dogs, puppies, or older pooches may be more susceptible to cold and wet weather or air-conditioned offices. If your dog has a wardrobe of practical coats to keep them warm, it is a good idea to pack one just in case!
Food and water
Water bowl. Your dog needs to have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Food bowl
Medication. If your dog requires routine medication during your working hours it’s vital you pack it and have the means to administer to your dog. All medication should be stored securely out of reach of other dogs.
Meals. If you will be at work for your dog's usual mealtimes, it’s a good idea to pre-portion their food so you can easily keep to their usual schedule. Safe dog food storage is the responsibility of the owner. It is not appropriate to keep dog food in the office kitchen where human food is stored.
Training treats. The likelihood of your dog meeting new people, encountering new sounds, and experiencing different things is high while in your workplace. Having some dog friendly treats on hand to reward positive interactions and reinforce desired behaviours is a good idea. After all, would you go to work if you weren’t getting paid?
Enrichment. Food based enrichment allows dogs to express natural behaviours such as foraging. Snuffle mats, puzzle feeders or DIY food enrichment will stimulate your furry friend and prevent boredom. You can learn more about enrichment here.
Soft furnishings
You wouldn’t want to lounge around on the hard office floor all day, and neither does your pooch! Not only does it provide practical comfort but bringing familiar items from your home will help your dog to settle in a new environment as it will already have their scent on it.
Bedding. Choose something size appropriate for your dog and your office so that it can be placed in a quiet area to help your dog feel safe and secure.
Blankets. Additional blankets may come in handy to make your dogs bed extra cosy, but also for creating a safe space under a desk if needed, or to cover a crate.
Crate. If your dog is crate trained, then this is an excellent way to transport their safe space directly to the office.
Heat pads. Especially in air-conditioned offices it’s important to keep your dogs warm, and you know your dog best but puppies, older dogs or those with ill health may need some more help staying warm.
Cooling mat. Some dogs are susceptible to overheating in the summer months which can be very dangerous, and even life threatening so make sure you have provisions to help them stay as cool as a cucumber. Keep an eye out for more warm weather advice in our monthly Dogs at Work webinars in the coming months!
Entertainment
Most dogs love to play in some form, but your workplace might not be ideal for super squeaky toys or high energy games of fetch. When you’re packing your dog’s favourites for a day at the office, keep in mind that it is a working environment. Think about calm and quiet entertainment that your canine colleague can engage with independently so that you can get on with your work without being distracted.
Soft toys
Chew toys
Tug toys
Enrichment. If your dog loves toys, then you can create great enrichment using toys instead of food! We’ve got you covered if you’re stuck for enrichment ideas!
Cleaning
Poo bags.
Towels. Unfortunately, our great British weather often leaves our pups with mucky paws and nobody wants that wet dog smell wafting around the workplace all day. Having adequate means to dry your dog and wipe their paws after lunchtime walkies is essential. If you need support in teaching your dog that wiping their paws, and more formal handling, doesn’t have to be worrying or scary check out our advice on how to handle your dog.
Flannels. If your pooch is partial to running through muddy puddles or rolling in eau de fox poo a damp towel or flannel in place of a full bath can help to remove the worst of any foul-smelling dirty doggy mess.
Dog Friendly Enzymatic cleaner. Even the best-trained dogs sometimes have accidents in a new environment. Using a dog friendly enzymatic cleaner will get rid of any traces of urine and help to prevent scent marking in the same spot repeatedly.
Additional cleaning materials. Whilst most workplaces should have blue roll, brooms, mops, and essential cleaning supplies you should be well equipped to clean up after your dog as they are your responsibility in the workplace. Your workplace may have designated equipment for cleaning up accidents, rather than using the mop that is for general use, for example.
Use the check list below to make sure you've packed everything your doggy needs for a successful day at work!
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Toxic and poisonous plants and flowers
Toxic and poisonous plants and flowers
Plants are a great way to bring life to an office but check before you bring your favourite palm or shrub into the office that it won’t pose a hazard to your four-footed colleagues!
Here are some common office plants that could pose a danger.
Devils Ivy
Devils Ivy, among other popular ivy plants, has moderate toxicity to pets. If ingested, symptoms can include mouth and stomach irritation, excessive drooling, foaming at the mouth, swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, vomiting, diarrhoea.
Snake Plants
Snake Plants are common in office spaces due to their low maintenance needs. Although used as herbal remedies in some parts of the world, the plants are also poisonous if ingested and can cause the tongue and throat to swell. The plants are even more toxic to dogs, which can suffer from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Cacti
Cacti are not necessarily poisonous for dogs (although some types may be), but dogs can still be harmed by the spikes and thorns typical of this type of plant.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is often used as a medicinal plant for humans but can have a moderate level of toxicity for dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, depression, anorexia and tremors.
Peace Lilies
Peace Lilies are native to tropical rainforests of America and south-eastern Asia. These are evergreen perennial plants with large glossy leaves and flowers surrounded by white spathes that may cause, if ingested, oral irritation or burning, drooling and vomiting.
Dracaena
Dracaena, also known as the Madagascar dragon tree or cornstalk plant, is a common office ornamental plant from Madagascar, popular for its clusters of twisted stems at the top off which develop rosettes of long, leathery green leaves. If any part of this plant is ingested by a dog it could cause excessive drooling, vomiting, weakness and loss of coordination.
The Flamingo Plant
The Flamingo Plant is a tropical American plant characterized by waxy looking decorative dark green leaves and are commonly grown as houseplants. All parts of this plant contain poisonous compounds that can cause oral irritation and swelling, drooling, vomiting, and swallowing difficulties, if ingested.
Weeping Fig
Weeping Fig, also known as a Ficus or an Indian rubber plant, is native to India and Australia. It is a very common evergreen houseplant characterized by a brownish trunk (sometimes braided for ornamental reasons) surrounded by dense foliage. It has been used in indigenous civilisations due to its medicinal properties, but these same compounds can be quite toxic to dogs.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron has over 850 species, native to the more northern parts of southeast Asia. They may be deciduous or evergreen plants, with spirally arranged leaves, and the most common plants in households have clusters of large, coloured flowers. Historically, they have been used in traditional medicine, but some have also been used as poisons! Many of the ornamental shrubs are responsible for intoxication in pets, resulting in vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation.
Sago Palm
Sago Palm is native to China and Japan, and a common household ornamental shrub. Some countries use it as a source of food starch; however, it contains toxins that can be potentially fatal to dogs, causing diarrhoea, sometimes with blood, or constipation and liver damage.
Poinsettia
Poinsettia is a popular Christmas decoration in the UK and Ireland due to its distinctive red leafy bracts, bur depending on the variety can come in pink or cream. Although beautiful, ingestion of this plant can be very harmful to dogs, inducing vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Plant This, and other plants of the philodendron family, like heartleaf and fiddle-leaf plants, have a toxicity level of mild to moderate for dogs. They can cause irritation of the mouth and throat, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
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Treat etiquette
Treat etiquette
Your colleagues might be tempted to spoil your furry friend with treats!
But be careful, too many treats can have a negative impact on your pup’s health.
Apart from becoming overweight, you dog could also develop problems associated with lots of less-than-healthy titbits several times a day! Additionally, your dog may also have a sensitivity or allergy to certain treats which can cause problems like stomach upset or itchy skin.
Of course, how many calories your dog needs will also depend on things like activity level, whether they are neutered or entire (neutered animals tend to need less calories) and their age (puppies generally have different caloric needs than adult dogs). Your vet will be able to advise you on specific advise regarding your dog’s energy requirements.
So, what would happen if at 9am when you and your pooch arrive to work, and your desk neighbour greets them with a 50kcal treat to say hi?
Probably not much (as long as your dog has no allergies or dietary requirements!)
But then at lunchtime, one of your co-workers slips them a little bit of ham from their sandwich (100kcal)
After their lunchtime walk, you reward them for doing their business with a dog biscuit (70kcal)
And before they go home your boss gives your dog a little bacon flavour dog treat, they keep in their desk for being such a good boy all day in the office? (60kcal)
That means without even having their meals for the day, your little doggy has ingested a whopping 280 calories! If this is a small dog he has eaten well over half of his daily allowance, with much of his calories coming from non-nutritionally optimal sources! This is like you snacking on chocolate bars and packets of crisps multiple times a day!
Encourage your colleagues to ask you first before they give your dog any treats!
Toxic treats
We know it may be tempting for your colleagues to share their lunch with your furry friend, especially when your dog uses those famous puppy-dog eyes!
But not only could this act of kindness be unhealthy, but it could also be really dangerous for your dog, resulting in vomiting, diarrhoea or even death.
If you think your dog has ingested any of these, call a vet immediately!
Onions, garlic, leek, and chives
Onions, garlic, leek, and chives are commonly used as ingredients in many dishes due to their strong aromatic properties. In dogs, these ingredients can cause anaemia from red blood cell destruction and dogs are highly susceptible to poisoning from human food containing them, even when the food is cooked thoroughly. Common signs of poisoning from these ingredients include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and depression, but don’t wait to see! If you think a dog has eaten anything containing these, call their vet ASAP!
Ethanol
Ethanol is an alcohol found in a variety of products, such as alcoholic beverages, medication, perfume, mouthwash, some thermometers, and certain forms of antifreeze. It is also used as a disinfectant and in many hand sanitizers. Usually, ethanol poisoning in dogs comes about as a result of accidental ingestion of alcoholic beverages but can also be due to eating uncooked bread and pizza dough, which contain yeast that metabolizes carbohydrates to ethanol and carbon dioxide. Toxicity causes central nervous system depression, and clinical signs range from lethargy/depression and incoordination to tremors and death.
Grapes and their dried products
Grapes and their dried products (raisins, sultanas, and currants) can cause kidney failure in dogs. The fruits may be ingested raw or cooked as ingredients of fruit cake, mince pies, malt loaf, snack bars, scones, and other baked goods. Ingestion of any quantity of these fruits is potentially dangerous, and can result in vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain and even death is kidney failure is severe
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which dogs and some other animals struggle to metabolise. Most poisoning cases occur because of chocolate ingestion. Chocolate poisoning episodes are more common around the holidays, particularly Easter or Christmas time when there is a higher occurrence of chocolate products in the home, and most likely, in your office too! Small amounts of theobromine can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, but higher doses can cause seizures and occasionally death. A vet should be able to advise on how serious the situation is based on the size of the dog and the quantity ingested.
Xylitol
Xylitol (also known as E967) is a naturally occurring sweetener that is used in many food products instead of sugar, including sugar-free gum, mints, sweets, and some baked goods and peanut butter. It is also sometimes used in dental products, such as mouthwash and toothpaste. Xylitol can stimulate insulin release in dogs, leading to a dramatic crash in blood sugar levels. It can also cause liver failure in dogs and could be as fast acting as under an hour before signs appear, or it could be up to 12 hours before any signs appear. Therefore, if you suspect your dog has consumed anything with Xylitol, contact their vet immediately.
Avocados
Avocados have become very popular in recent years, but these fruits contain persin, a fungicidal toxin. It could cause serious health issues if a dog eats too much, so steer clear of any at all. Persin is mostly located in the leaves and bark of the avocado plant and in the pits and skin of the fruit, but it is also found in the flesh of the avocado in a less concentrated amount. Unripened fruits also contain higher amounts of persin. It’s best to err on the side of caution and treat all parts of an avocado as potentially be hazardous to dogs.
Tea and Coffee
Tea and coffee (and chocolate!) feature organic compounds that can be harmful to dogs, including caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These are also commonly found in a variety of foods, beverages, human medication, and other products in the home. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, guarana, and as an additive in many soft drinks. Theobromine is found in cacao seeds and in products manufactured from these seeds, such as chocolate. Theophylline is found in tea along with caffeine. Caffeine is also used in human medication to increase mental alertness, and theophylline is widely used in anti-asthma drugs. All of these are harmful if ingested by dogs so should be kept away (and dogs certainly shouldn’t be allowed a sip of tea/coffee with their own breakfast!)
Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are produced by trees of the genus Macadamia and are very popular as snacks for human consumption, both as plain nuts or when used in cakes, cookies, or in nutty chocolate bars. Even ingesting a tiny amount of macadamia nut can be very harmful for dogs. If a dog eats macadamia nuts they could become very ill, including showing muscle weakness (particularly hind limb weakness), depression, vomiting, co-ordination problems, tremors, hyperthermia, abdominal pain, lameness, and stiffness. Call a vet if you think they have eaten some so that action can be taken before signs occur.
Give a dog a bone?
Although popular culture would lead us to believe that bones are great for dogs, you need to be really careful not to give a dog any bones. Take care to ensure you and your colleagues know that they shouldn’t be giving the office dog leftovers, like the ends of a chicken drumstick at lunch! Bones can cause constipation, obstruction of the throat/gut or even pierce the gut which can be fatal.
What about other things a dog might be tempted to eat?
Most dogs love to CHEW! Some will chew anything interesting that they can get their paws on, even if it's not a good idea! Make sure you keep your bags out of reach of dogs, particularly if you keep snacks or anything else a dog might want to go nosing for, in there.
Make sure your colleagues are also aware of other objects left within reach of a dog, and pay particular attention to small objects that can fall from desks, such as pencils and pens, PPE (mask, gloves), phone chargers, small tools, medications (even common over the counter drugs such as ibuprofen can be highly dangerous to dogs!), and of course, small bottles of hand sanitizers that a dog could be tempted to chew on if they find them within reach!
These lists are NOT exhaustive! If a dog has ingested (or you suspect they have ingested) any of these call a vet immediately!