Friday, June 25th 2010 is Take Your Dog to Work Day.
This special day was created by Pet Sitters International to celebrate our canine companions and to encourage employers to allow people to experience the value of well-mannered dogs in the workplace.
In addition to tail wags and fun, studies show that dogs can help to boost morale and productivity and may even improve employee relations.
Perhaps most importantly, this is a day to show off our well-socialized and mannerly dogs in an effort to encourage people to adopt a dog from a shelter and have a loving canine companion of their own.
If your office is participating in this day of celebrating our dogs and raising awareness about animals in need of loving homes, consider some of the following tips to make the most of this opportunity: * Be realistic about your dog's suitability for your work environment.
Adult dogs who are housetrained, enjoy new experiences, do not suffer from separation issues, and are mannerly in regards to the way they greet and interact with people make the best candidates for office visits.
If you feel your dog would be most happy staying home, then bring in a photo or two to show them off and consider organizing a fundraiser for a local shelter.
* Burn off some of your dog's energy prior to heading to work with a round of fetch or a brisk walk.
This may help to prevent excessive excitability and energy in the office due to pent-up energy.
* Make a favorable first impression by arriving at the office with a clean dog which reflects well on your responsible pet parenting skills and makes your dog that much more likely to be a great canine ambassador.
* Make your office area as comfortable as possible by bringing a dog bed, towel, or crate where your dog can rest.
This will make it easier for your dog to settle quietly as you focus on your work.
* Keep your dog happily occupied with a variety of chew toys.
While you work, your dog can work to get their food out of toys like the Bob-a-Lot, Twist n' Treat, and Gimborn white sterilized bone.
* Practice proper petiquette by keeping your dog on leash and asking them to sit to greet people.
Keeping your dog under your control at all times will also prevent them from disrupting the office or from interacting with people who may not be as fond of dogs as you are.
* If other dogs are coming to the office as well, try to introduce them in an open area and then manage each dog's time so that they can rest quietly in a designated spot where they can be carefully supervised by their human companion.
If you are confident that your dog will be a great canine ambassador to raise awareness about the benefits of having a dog as part of the family (and in the workplace!), then pick up some pamphlets from local shelters so that when a co-worker asks where they can get a dog as wonderful as yours, you can send them to the right place.