For many dog parents, leaving their pup at home during the workday can be the hardest part of the morning routine. That’s why Take Your Dog to Work Day is such a special occasion.
At Play Pet Brands, we’re fortunate to have a pet-friendly office where dogs are welcome guests. To learn more about what it takes to successfully bring a dog to work, we spoke with two team members who regularly bring their pups into the office: Bill, pet parent to Kowi, and Lisa, pet parent to Shiso.
From puppyhood preparations to managing office playdates, here’s what they’ve learned along the way.
Starting Young: Bringing Puppies Into the Workplace
Both Kowi and Shiso began accompanying their people to the office at a young age.
Bill started bringing Kowi into the office when he was just three to four months old. Now about a year and nine months old, Kowi has spent much of his life becoming used to the office environment.
Lisa’s experience was similar; she began bringing Shiso to the office shortly after the pandemic, when Shiso was around eight weeks old.
Safe to say, these dogs are office-going pros!
Preparing for a Successful First Day
The first day in the office can be exciting, but preparation is key.
For Kowi’s first visit, Bill packed breakfast, toys, and a food puzzle to keep him mentally engaged throughout the day. He also made sure Kowi had a bathroom break before leaving home. Since Bill’s commute is over an hour, he planned an additional stop along the way so Kowi could stretch his legs and take a short walk before arriving at the office.
Lisa focused on creating a safe, controlled environment for Shiso. By setting up a designated puppy area in advance, complete with puppy pads and toys, she helped make the office feel comfortable for Shiso from day one.
What to Pack When Bringing Your Dog to Work
A little preparation can make a big difference in ensuring both you and your dog have a productive day.
Bill recommends packing:
Lisa’s essentials included most of the same things, but also included:
- Special treats that fit Shiso’s dietary restrictions
The Importance of Planning Your Commute
Getting to the office is part of the experience.
Bill keeps a crate in his vehicle for safe travel and maintains a travel bag stocked with extra leashes, collars, and bowls. He also intentionally parks a short distance from the office, which gives Kowi an opportunity to enjoy a brief walk, sniff around, and burn off some energy before settling in for the workday. To keep things interesting, Bill sometimes varies their walking route to the office, providing additional mental enrichment through new sights and smells.
Lisa thinks ahead about comfort and social planning. Shiso travels in a cozy car bed, and Lisa checks which dogs will be in the office before deciding whether to bring her in. Since Shiso and Kowi get along particularly well, she often chooses days when Kowi will be there too.
Keeping Dogs Happy and Entertained Throughout the Day
One of the biggest challenges of bringing a dog to work is helping them stay content while you focus on your responsibilities.
Bill emphasizes that regular breaks are essential, and recommends scheduling bathroom breaks throughout the day and planning walks before long meetings. He shares that lunchtime is a great opportunity to give the dogs and their owners a break to walk together and catch up.
Bringing a Reactive Dog to the Office
Not every office dog is naturally outgoing, and that’s okay.
Shiso can be sensitive to new people and reacts to sounds such as the doorbell. Lisa manages these situations proactively; for example, when guests are expected, she places Shiso on a leash and provides a bully stick on her bed beneath her desk.
By understanding Shiso’s triggers and planning ahead, Lisa helps ensure that both Shiso and office visitors remain comfortable.
How Kowi and Shiso Became Best Friends
One of the highlights of a dog-friendly office is watching furry friendships develop.
However, according to Bill and Lisa, successful introductions don’t happen overnight.
When Kowi and Shiso first met, Kowi was a young puppy while Shiso was already an adult dog. Rather than immediately placing them together, their owners started by bringing them into the office on separate days. This allowed each dog to become familiar with the other’s scent before interacting directly.
When they were ready to meet, the introductions took place outside the office on neutral ground. This helped prevent either dog from feeling territorial about the workspace.
Even today, Kowi and Shiso aren’t together every moment of the day. They still have separate spaces where they can relax independently, and their playtime is managed with consideration for coworkers who are trying to focus.
The gradual approach paid off. Today, Kowi and Shiso are best friends who look forward to seeing each other at work.
The Benefits of Bringing Your Dog to Work
For Lisa, one of the biggest advantages is simple: Shiso doesn’t have to spend the day home alone.
Instead, she gets to interact with people, spend time with her pup friends, and enjoy a more enriching day.
For many pet parents, bringing dogs into the workplace can strengthen the bond between them while creating a more enjoyable environment for everyone in the office.
Final Advice for Dog Parents
Bill’s biggest piece of advice is to pay attention to your dog’s body language.
Every dog has a unique personality, comfort level, and set of needs. What works for one dog may not work for another.
The key to a successful Take Your Dog to Work Day, or a dog-friendly office routine year-round, is listening to your dog, respecting their boundaries, and setting them up for success.
With a little preparation, patience, and flexibility, bringing your dog to work can be a rewarding experience for both pets and people.
Nicole Melo
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