Friday, June 21st is the 15th annual Take your Dog to Work Day. This special day (with its very own acronym (TYDTWD), encourages dog owners to bring their canine companions to work with them. Here are some etiquette tips to help you and your dog make the most of this exceptional event.
- Talk to your manager or supervisor to get their permission to bring your dog to work. Despite its long record of success, many people are not aware of this national holiday and may be surprised to see you show up with Fido in tow. It’s better to get approval first and spread the word to your coworkers to make the day even more memorable.
- Make sure your dog is up to date on all their shots and is in optimal health. You may want to contact your vet to find out if they recommend a kennel cough vaccine before having your dog in close quarters with other canines for the day.
- Brush up on obedience training. Make sure that your dog knows (and responds to) basic commands to sit and stay. It’s important that he behaves properly when introduced to both new people (and dogs!). If your dog is extremely nervous about making new friends, work with your vet to determine low stress methods to help him acclimate more calmly to new situations. Sometimes an outing to a dog park on a quiet afternoon or inviting a friend and their dog over for a play date can help ease some of their anxiety.
- Prepare for the big day by bringing all your pet’s essentials: food, water, bowls, treats, a toy or bone to keep them occupied, and a leash. Think about where your dog will spend their time while they are at your office and how to make them comfortable. You may want to bring in a dog bed or crate for naptime or other amenities to make the day as delightful for your dog as it will be for you.
- Know when to go. If your dog is not behaving properly or can’t settle down in a new environment, take a break and bring him home to his regular environment. You can always try again next year!
- If TYDTWD won’t work in your office, there are still things you can do to celebrate. You may want to hold an office fundraiser to help a local animal shelter. You could have a pet photo or video contest or meet up with dog-loving coworkers at a nearby dog park over lunch or after work.