Some Dos and Don'ts for Bringing your Dog to Work

Dog lovers everywhere will be taking their canine companions to work this week. The annual Bring-your-Dog-to-Work event celebrates the bond between people and their pets.

But bringing your dog into the workplace requires careful preparation, say the experts at Canine Company, where staff dogs come to the office every day. They offer the following advice to make sure the experience is a pleasant one for both pets and coworkers.
First, think about your dog's temperament and training. "Not every dog is a candidate for a day at the office," says Heather Corum of Canine Company. "Ask yourself the following questions before deciding to introduce your pet to your co-workers."

• Is your pet friendly and relaxed around both people and other dogs?
• Is he reliably housetrained (marking the office carpet is a no-no!)
• Does she cry from separation anxiety when you leave the room, or just lie down and take a nap?

Second, be courteous of co-workers' needs. A colleague with severe allergies or an overwhelming fear of dogs won't be comfortable around even the best-behaved canine. "And remember," adds Corum, "behaviorsyoufind cute in your pup may not be well received by others."

If you decide your dog is a good candidate for an office visit, she recommends packing the following equipment to ensure things go smoothly:

• A pet gate, so you can restrict your pet to your office area or cubicle.
• A water bowl and treats, plus a plastic mat for under the bowl (to prevent carpet stains).
• Plastic bags for cleaning up after your pet.

With a little planning, the day can be a success for everyone involved. For more information on dog behavior, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-DOGS (3647).

About Canine Company
Born of a family's love for dogs, Canine Company has been helping families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy for 35 years. The company serves pet parents across New England, New York and New Jersey with the Invisible Fence® brand systems, Manners dog obedience training, and mobile grooming and pet sitting in select markets.