In our office, every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day! At K9 Natural, we’ve been sharing our workspace with our furry friends for years, and it's proven to be a great way to boost morale and foster a positive atmosphere. With nine ‘regular employees’ of the four-legged variety and three ‘part-timers’, our office is always buzzing with wagging tails and happy barks!
Bringing dogs to work isn't just a trend here—it's a way of life. Of course, being a responsible dog parent means making sure your pup is ready for office life and handling this privilege with responsibility and consideration for their coworkers. Being a responsible dog owner in the office means understanding and following office policies, preparing properly, and ensuring that your dog's presence positively impacts the workplace.
So, how can you make the office a rewarding place for everyone, two-legged and four-legged alike? Let's dive into some tips and tricks!
Maintain a clean environment
Just like us, dogs need regular toilet breaks throughout the day to stay comfortable and healthy. Planning these breaks ensures they can relieve themselves appropriately without any accidents indoors. Equally important is maintaining a clean and hygienic workspace. Always clean up after your dog promptly, whether it's outside on a walk or in the office. Accidents can happen, so being prepared with waste bags and access to cleaning supplies is essential for promptly tidying up any messes. This not only keeps your office environment fresh and pleasant but also shows respect for your colleagues.
Make time for a lunchtime walk
One of the ways we make the office rewarding for everyone is by organizing lunchtime walks. These walks serve multiple purposes, creating a more engaging and pleasant work environment. For employees, it provides a much-needed break from their desks, allowing them to step outside, enjoy the fresh air, and get some light exercise. This midday break helps in resetting their minds, reducing stress, and boosting overall productivity. For those with dogs, it’s a perfect opportunity to ensure their pets get enough exercise and stimulation, which can contribute to a calmer and more pleasant atmosphere for the rest of the day. These walks allow them to release energy, stay healthy, and avoid boredom or anxiety that can arise from being indoors for too long.
Have emergency plans in place
As responsible pet owners, we understand the importance of being prepared for any circumstance that may arise, ensuring a smooth experience when bringing our dogs to work. This involves not only anticipating daily needs like regular toilet breaks, but also having emergency plans ready, such as arranging for a trusted individual to look after our dogs during meetings or when we need to step away from our desks for extended periods. These preparations extend beyond typical workday scenarios to encompass unexpected events like fire drills, lockdowns or the occasional earthquake. By ensuring that both our human and canine colleagues are safe and cared for, we uphold a workplace environment that prioritizes the well-being of all its members, fostering a sense of security and support throughout the day.
Enjoy the extra time you have together
Bringing your dog to work can make the work day more enjoyable for all. Throughout the day, offering treats to the office dogs not only reinforces good behaviour but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Treat-based positive reinforcement not only promotes good behaviour but also fosters a positive association with being at work.
Our K9 Natural treat range is always a hit amongst our furry coworkers, with a format for all of your treat needs. The enthusiasm and eagerness your dog shows when performing tricks for a tasty reward are adorable and enjoyable for everyone in the office. Remember, just like all training, getting used to being at work is an ongoing journey that should be enjoyable for both you and your pup. With consistency, patience, and a well-stocked supply of irresistible treats at your desk, you can nurture a well-behaved and happy companion, making every workday a delight.
The presence of our canine colleagues not only brings joy and companionship to the office but also encourages employees to engage in healthy habits, such as taking regular breaks and going for lunchtime walks. However, this privilege comes with responsibilities that we know for many workplaces are just not practical. Although it’s not always perfect (afternoon zoomies around the office, unexpected barking that gives you the fright of your life, sloppy kisses, the occasional accident…) we wouldn’t have it any other way. With thoughtful preparation and a commitment to responsibility, bringing dogs to work can truly be a rewarding experience, enriching the daily lives of both employees and their furry friends.
Follow us on our socials to keep up with the antics of our K9 Natural office dogs.