Proper Office Dog Etiquette

We allow office dogs at the workplace at Found Animals. At least a dozen dogs come into our office every day. Basically that makes us the Martha Stewart of office dog etiquette. Everyone in our office is familiar with the rules and we all know the best tips for helping our pooches adjust to a work environment. Here is our guide for bringing your dog to work!

Office Dogs are a Privilege

As much as we wish every dog could be an office dog, that simply isn’t true. And for some pups, they just aren’t ready. Before you bring your dog into the office, make sure they know the basics: They’re quiet, friendly with other dogs and are house-trained. If your pooch doesn’t fit these criteria, work on these behaviors at home before bringing them to your workplace.

Know the Rules

Every employer has different rules for bringing in pets — the most important being that your dog won’t be a distraction or a danger to you and your coworkers. It’s up to you to learn these rules and make sure you and your dog follow them. A poor-behaved dog doesn’t win over bosses and colleagues! Here are some of the rules here at Found Animals:

1. Consider your schedule. If you have a day filled with meetings, it might be best to leave your pup at home.
2. Animals must be restrained at all times. This can be done with a tether, closed doors, gates, pens or crates. Pets must also be leashed when entering or exiting the building and in common areas.
3. Dogs must be quiet. No whining, crying, barking or growling.
4. Check in with your colleagues. Is your pup bothering them? Is your dog well behaved when you leave them alone to go to a meeting or the bathroom? Don’t assume that coworkers will happily babysit your dog while you’re away from your desk.
5. Learn where the canine-friendly zones are. For instance, pets are allowed everywhere in our office, except the shared lobby and bathrooms.
6. Your dog must behave properly with other dogs. No lunging or biting.
7. Regularly take your dog outside to relieve themselves. Your lunch break is a great time to let your dog use the bathroom and take a short walk.
8. Dogs must be spay or neutered, vaccinated and free of illness.
9. All pups must be clean and not have any parasites.

How to Properly Introduce Your Dog to Other Dogs

The easiest way to make sure your dog gets along with other pups in the workplace is to introduce them on neutral territory. While some dogs might be defensive of a cubicle or bed, they will be more open to making friends if they meet on a walk outside. Read this article to learn more about amicably introducing animals.