For most dog owners, taking the dog to work sounds perfect. After all, ‘Sparky’ is a wonderful companion and would make the workday go that much smoother, right? Let’s see if taking our fur buddies to work is a good idea. A lot depends on your office environment, and checking all the details.

Before approaching the boss with this idea, do a quick survey of your co-workers. According to an informal poll I took among dog owners, allergies are the number one reason there are not more dogs in the workplace.The second most common reason dogs aren’t allowed in the workplace is cultural differences among the workers. One person I spoke to said he had a co-worker who was afraid of dogs, but she was willing to try to work through it. He put a sign on his door when his Jack Russell Terrier ‘Dante’ was in the office, and she would text him before entering. Over time, she became Dante’s biggest fan. Allowing her to take her time, and making sure Dante minded his manners, were the keys to success.

Your dog must have some training and good canine manners. You might think your dog is the cutest thing walking on four legs, but not everyone feels the same way. You’re more likely to get work colleagues on your side if Sparky doesn’t create a disturbance. A dog that jumps up or continues to bark after being told to be quiet will not be welcomed. In fact, the best office dogs seem to be those with a few years under their belt. The company that supplies my printing has a wonderful Brittany Spaniel that meets everyone at the door; after an initial greeting, she goes back to her bed to act as an observer rather than a participant.

Work time can be quality time

A trainer friend put it well. She said that as her dog ‘Rosie’ gets older, it is even more important to be able to spend time with her. She takes her on the transit system, which also provides stimulation for the dog. (If you use public transit, be sure to check the times dogs are welcome – it’s different in each city.) If you’re faced with an escalator, take the stairs to avoid caught paws. If your dog is not used to public transit, take small trips first and keep your dog enthusiastic with lots of treats and praise en route.

The good news is that the pros of bringing your dog to work seem to far outweigh the cons – not only for you, but for your dog and the workplace.

Dogs seem to be able to form connections and stimulate conversation. Dogs that accompany their people to work in places that deal with special needs or counselling services, sometimes take it upon themselves to create their own jobs, and are soon considered a valuable asset to the office.

A corrections officer noted that when her dog accompanied her to work, the workplace seemed calmer. A dog in the office can change the tone of the environment and make it much warmer.

Bringing our dogs into work daily, or even occasionally, means that they get stimulation and exercise during work hours. Many dogs seem more tired from being in the office than after an hour at the park. (I’m not sure what that means about the workplace.) For some workaholics, having their dog to tend to and take out a few times a day ensures they take much-needed breaks.

For many dogs, going to work provides much-needed socialization. The day-to-day office sounds and sights are a great way to expand your dog’s social experience and help him learn there’s more to life than the kitchen and local park. We can also provide education about responsible dog ownership to co-workers who might be thinking of adding a dog to their own family.

For some enthusiastic dog owners, having their dog at work turned into extra opportunities for training. A friend who works at a horse barn takes her Rottweilers to work and spends her breaks doing mini training sessions with them. Although they have over 100 acres to romp in, their favorite spot is the muddiest part of the field. In fact, her licence plate is “muddrotts”!

It does sound ideal, and most of the time it is. In saying that, the dog professionals all agree that the occasional day home alone is a benefit. Taking your dog to the office or on every outing doesn’t him give enough practice at being alone. Your situation might work well at this time, but always prepare for things to change. If you change jobs, or the situation changes, your dog may become anxious at being left alone.

Having our dogs more involved in our day-to-day lives only enhances our experience. Time with our dogs can be short, so let’s take advantage of every minute.