Scientific studies have shown that dogs in the workplace have a positive effect on well-being and productivity. However, the prerequisite for this is that the dog and owner are a well-coordinated and responsible team.
The American professor Randolph Baker came to the conclusion in a study that having a dog in the office lowers the stress level of employees. This has a positive effect on their concentration and performance. In addition, there is less sick leave and a reduction in the risk of burnout. So both employees and employers benefit. This is also noticeable in the working atmosphere: A dog provides something to talk about, promotes team spirit, makes it easier to make contact with other employees and offers variety. It also shows that a company is modern and open-minded. In the battle for good employees, permission to keep dogs can tip the scales. This is why more and more companies are deciding to allow office dogs.
There is no right to bring your dog into the office! This is decided solely by the employer. Once they have given their general permission, they are free to decide whether to issue an individual ban on dogs due to certain incidents. This is because the employer has a legal duty of care for all employees. So if a dog disrupts certain work processes, barks frequently, is very restless, smells unpleasant, frightens colleagues or triggers an allergy in an employee, then the dog owner must accept that they can no longer bring their dog into the office. It is therefore important to take a well thought-out approach to the "dog in the office" project.
Calm, well-behaved dogs are best suited to the office. It can also be an advantage if the dog is not too big, as some colleagues may be afraid - even if the four-legged friend is perhaps lamblike. Puppies and young dogs are unsuitable for a long day at the office. They still need a lot of attention, are very playful and still need to be trained. If you don't want to take the risk that your dog will soon be over at the office, you should make sure that the dog listens and obeys well. All basic commands should work perfectly, even when distracted. And if you have to leave your workplace temporarily, it is important that the dog remains calm and does not disturb anyone.
Tip: It is also important that the dog has all the necessary vaccinations, has no infectious diseases and is wormed regularly.
If you have been given permission to take your dog with you, it would be best to test this out first and take it slowly. Perhaps you have the opportunity to come into the office for a few hours on a day off or only work half a day. If this is not possible, you need to test the office day under normal conditions. In any case, you should be well prepared: Take a dog bed or perhaps even a comfortable dog crate with you to serve as a retreat for the dog. Also a water and food bowl, chewing bones and plenty of toys. Make sure that nothing squeaks and that the food does not smell strong. Once in the office, you should choose a place near you where the dog feels comfortable. People should not constantly pass by, nor should the dog be in a draught or right next to a frequently used printer. It is also important that all employees accept the space as a place of retreat - i.e. do not disturb the dog while it is sleeping.
As you will certainly be doing your work as undisturbed as possible in the office, it is all the more important that the dog is as relaxed as possible before the day at the office. A long walk could be the solution, preferably with a few play sessions. Dogs often sleep most of the day anyway, but sooner or later they will wake up again. Then you can keep him busy for a while with a chew bone or an intelligence toy. And when it's time for the lunch break, it's time for another short walk. Perhaps you also have a colleague who likes to take the dog for a short walk in the morning or afternoon. Of course, the dog needs to be perfectly socialized for this, which should be the case with an office dog anyway. And when the office day is finally over, the dog deserves plenty of praise and another walk. It is the reward for lying in his basket for hours on end and looking forward to another day at the office tomorrow.