Fellow Furbaby Reports for Duty: Bringing Your Dog to Work

From hunting and gathering over agriculture and the industrial revolution to the service society featuring the home office: The working world has evolved and undergone considerable change, especially in the past twenty years. Likewise, and in fact closely linked to this, the role of dogs has also changed. Initially, the wild predators turned into working and utility dogs, who had to earn their food. Today, only very few dogs are kept as working animals. Instead, Rover, Fido and Co. are not only most dog owner’s best friends, but fully fledged members of the family with a rightful claim to the nicest spot on the sofa.

When the human goes to work, the dog does not want to stay at home

Throughout the evolution of the canine species, one thing has not changed: Dogs are social beings, who need to be active and do not like to be alone. The heartbreaking howl of the hound when the human leaves the house makes the start into the working day a difficult undertaking for many owners. Many Dogs become sad, stressed, and bored when left alone for too long. Persistent barking and whining are the result and often cause trouble in the neighbourhood. Furniture is chewed up and cushions are torn as a means of self-occupation - which can considerably reduce the joy of returning home after work for everyone involved. Yet the solution is so simple: Just take the dog along to work!

However, that not all jobs are equally suitable for a canine coworker. In sheep breeding, in the security industry or in hunting, the dog needs to receive the right training first – just like the human. In trade and commerce, in factories, in restaurants or on building sites, the presence of a furry friend is often not possible due to safety or hygiene reasons. However, when it comes to a desk job, there are plenty of possibilities for a pooch. After all, even the smallest office will have enough room to fit a dog basket. What is more, the presence of a four-legged friend at the workplace also has several advantages.

Happy pooches make for happy staff

Scientific studies prove it: Dog owners, who are allowed to bring their dog to work, are more stress-resistant and more satisfied with their job. Moreover, a pup’s presence also has benefits for everyone else on the office floor. A dog in the office makes for a more relaxed and affable atmosphere. Petting and playing with the four-legged teammate can lower stress levels, increase productivity, and improve the overall vibe. Dogs promote communication between people, improve team interaction and strengthen social relations. Walking the dog during lunch break or short games in between work sessions loosen up the working routine. And surely, a look into those big puppy eyes puts a smile on many faces.

With so many positive effects, it is hardly surprising that HR consultancies even recommend that businesses intentionally position themselves as dog-friendly companies to strengthen their employer brand. In the light of all this, no one could seriously object to having a furry fellow worker in the office. Or can they?

Ensuring the office pup does not come an office problem

In reality, of course, things are a bit more complicated. Hard to imagine from a dog lover’s point of view, but: Not everyone is enthusiastic about the presence of a barky little fluffball in the workplace. Naturally, the boss will have to give permission for the four-legged colleague to come to the office. Everyone else should at least be informed before dropping the dog basket on them. Allergies can be a solid reason to keep the office doors shut for pets. Fear of dogs or the simple fact that someone does not want an animal in their workspace are also valid points to be respected.

This does not automatically mean that dogs will have to be banned completely, but it does make it necessary to agree on certain rules. For example, common rooms and shared spaces can be declared a dog-free zone. A sign on the entrance door can prepare customers and delivery companies that they may be greeted with joyful barking upon entering the premises. In addition, other questions need to be addressed, such as: How can disturbances be minimised? Who is liable in case of damage? What happens if the human is in a meeting and the dog needs a toilet break? How many dogs can one office take, and what happens if several employees want to bring their animals with them?

Home office with hound remains a trend even after the pandemic

However, there is one place of work where most of these issues do not matter: the home office. During the Corona pandemic, many dog owners got the opportunity to spend the whole day with their beloved animal for the first time ever. For some dogs and their humans, the situation took some getting used to at first. Loud barking interrupting a video conference, the constant risk of distraction and the breaking of familiar routines presented some challenges not only for humans but also for dogs - the proverbial creatures of habit. With time, patience, and training, as well as a few treats, these could certainly be overcome - a process that in some cases now needs to be reversed as the pandemic has subsided and many workers return to the office. However, the home office remains a preference for many desk workers as they simply do not want to be parted again from their dogs for long hours every day. This contributes yet again to changes in office policies with regard to working-from-home-rules and the increasing number of pet friendly workspaces.

For many people, the home office has made it possible to keep a dog in the first place. This includes the author of these lines, who, due to long office days and frequent absences, was previously not able to keep an animal only to leave it alone in the flat all day. Working in one's own four walls not only ensures that the animal has company during the day, but also that petting, playing and walks can be well distributed throughout the day.

Social contact and time manager: Special tasks for the new working dog

The pitter-patter of paws around the desk has one huge advantage for home workers: It helps to overcome the "loneliness of the home office". Dogs become working animals again as they take over some of the social tasks, which in the traditional office environment are fulfilled by co-workers. For example, the meeting in the office kitchen is replaced by a cuddle break on the couch. Instead of playing around with ideas, human and dog play a round of ball – which also helps along the creative flow. Many good thoughts arise while walking – not into a meeting, but around the block. And when home workers need to get something off their chest, they do not moan to colleagues or turn to the personnel department but offload their concerns and worries onto their four-legged friend. Not only do the pups understand everything, but they are also always on the side of their humans, they never disagree, and they are one hundred percent discreet. Speaking of the personnel department: A dog also makes sure working hours are strictly observed, especially when it is time for a walk. Because when it comes to walking, dogs are even less willing to compromise than any trade union.

This does not mean that there are no disadvantages. Depending on the breed and age of the dog, a furry friend sometimes needs more, sometimes less attention. Even if the dog promotes productivity, time spent with the animal is not automatically working time. Looming deadlines have to be met regardless of those pleading doggy eyes. And sometimes it's hard to concentrate when your furbaby snores loudly under the desk or decides a client meeting on video is a good time to lick your foot lovingly and extensively.

Numerous advantages and a lot of responsibility

From A for working atmosphere to Z for Zoom-meeting: Canine company in the (home) office has a lot of advantages. This is especially true if the workplace - whether in the office or at home - is organised and set up in such a way that not only the human but also the animal feels comfortable. In the office, sometimes a trial day helps to turn critical colleagues into caring animal lovers. In the home office, dog toys and routines help to prevent people and animals from constantly distracting each other. Important in any case: Even if the working situation today makes it possible to reconcile work and doggy life, things can also change quickly. This may happen when getting a new job, or when a company demand their employees to return to the office building. If the four-legged friend loses access to the workplace, it is the human's responsibility to ensure that it can cope with the change and is not left to its own devices from one day to the next. After all, dog ownership is a job that runs 24/7.

By the way, all the previous statements may also apply to cats. And what happens when dog and cat meet in the office... well, that would be worth a blog post of its own.

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Photo by Pavel Herceg on Unsplash