How to Make Your Dog into a Good Office Dog

More and more workplaces have started welcoming dogs to accompany their owners to work. Not only is this good for your four legged friend since she no longer has to stay home alone all day, but studies have repeatedly shown that dogs in the office are good for business too since they can help reduce stress and build connections among coworkers.

If you are ready to have your dog join you in the office, there are a few steps you should take first to be sure that both you and your dog will experience a rewarding new arrangement without upsetting any of your coworkers.

Preparing the Perfect Office Dog

Before bringing your dog into work, you should also be honest with yourself about whether or not your dog is suited to your office environment. Many offices will have other dogs present, can have a lot of activity, and can require your dog to stay still and quiet for a large part of the day.

If your dog is ready to go into the office, here are some steps you should take to make the experience a good one:

Dog Proof Your Office - Organize any cords, put lids on trash cans, make sure any food left out is not available to your dog, and take any other steps necessary so that it is not easy for your dog to get into trouble during the day.
Have a Way to Secure Your Pet - Bring equipment into the office that gives you a means to secure your pet, such as a baby gate, leash, or crate. You do not always want your dog roaming freely about the office.
Bring in a Bed - Your dog will likely nap for most of the day, so provide her with a comfy bed. This also gives you a place you can send her with a place command.
Bring Toys - When not sleeping, toys can keep your dog out of trouble. Try to avoid any toys that squeak.
Find a Work Buddy - It can be helpful to identify a friend at work who likes your dog and can watch her for a few minutes if you have to step out. Have your dog play with this coworker for a few minutes each day to build familiarity.
Start Slow - As with any new thing, it can be helpful to introduce your dogs slowly. Try taking a half day the first time you bring your dog in or choose a day that is generally less busy in your office to keep your dog from being overwhelmed.

Unfortunately, not every office is dog friendly and not every dog is office friendly. If your dog cannot go to work with you, there are a range of other options to keep your dog comfortable during the day. Pet sitting is a chance for your dog to eat outside for a potty break and get some personalized attention and pets until you can return in the evening to make sure that your dog is cared for even if she cannot go to work with you.

Calvin and Colleen Sheehan (Assoc. Producer - The Oprha Winfrey Show)

Marc Goldberg with Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"

Our Philosophy & Goals

Our philosophy is simple. Improve the life of both dog and family. All too often, unruly dogs do not fully enjoy life because their families constantly become upset and frustrated with them. This is difficult for both family and dog.

Our mission is simple. Make both dog and family happy.

What does is take to make your dog happy? He will thrive when you give him leadership and attention.

Making the family happy is a bit more complex.

Families typically want their dog to:

Come when called, every time, on or off leash
Walk nicely on a loose leash without pulling
Sit until released
Down until released

Families also want their dogs:

Not to jump on people
Not to charge through doors
Not to dig in the garden
Not to bark and chew inappropriately
Not to climb on furniture you prefer they avoid
Not to sniff and eat off the table and counters.
Not to be wild and uncontrollable
Not to ignore you when you want their attention