Eighty per cent of UK office workers are currently unable to bring their pet to work, according to new research. This is costing more than a third of Brits (39 per cent) on average £5,000 annually on pet day-care.
With nearly a quarter (22 per cent) of pet owners saying they would consider looking for a new job that allows pets in the office, the importance of pet wellbeing should not be undervalued by employers. Six in ten Brits said if offices across the UK were more pet friendly, they would take their dog into work with them rather than leave at home or put into pet day-care.
Yet the survey by raw pet food company, Bella & Duke found that up to 22 per cent of pet owners have to leave their pets alone at home all day whilst at work. Now as more offices become pet friendly, Bella & Duke’s Natural Canine Behaviourist, Caroline Spencer, lists her top 10 tips for helping your dog become 'office-ready' and ensuring they are comfortable in the new environment.
1. What does your pet want?
Think about your individual dog’s needs, it is important everyone in the office is aware of your pet’s temperament and preferences. If they are not keen on being stroked by strangers, let your colleagues know before you take your pet into the office.
2. Quiet walk around the office
On your dog’s first visit to the office allow for time to explore the new surroundings when there are not many people or other dogs around. This helps your dog familiarise themselves with the new environment in their own time.
3. Walk before you go inside
Mindful activities keep your dog’s adrenaline and heart rate down, so they are able to settle with ease. Try 10–15 minutes of sniffy walking around outside the office before you go into work.
4. Avoid your pet's 'triggers'
You may wish to relocate your workspace if your desk is near a throughway and your dog prefers peace and quiet. Another example could be avoid sitting near a window if your dog becomes excited/protective/anxious by passers-by.
5. Keep introductions stress-free
Best practice for greeting a dog is to ask a colleague to step away and quietly call your dog for gentle affection under the chin. Your dog should always lead the interaction.
6. Help them to relax
There are a number of strategies to help your dog relax when they are getting stressed in the office. Tips such as taking your focus off what your dog is doing with no verbal or eye contact can be effective, as can placing your palm on the side of their body – it is about knowing what works for your dog.
7. Creating calm
You could try some herbal calming remedies or a comfort sleeve, alternatively, a long-lasting chew is also great, like our antlers for dogs.
8. Bring your dog's bed
If your dog has something that smells like home which they can relax in, they will feel much more comfortable in a new environment.
9. Meeting other pets
When you introduce your dog to a new friend at work, ensure you keep direct eye contact to a minimum initially with some parallel, on lead, walking. They will say hello in their own time. If they do not seem to be getting on, calmly walk your dog away at 90 degrees and create some distance so your dog can relax.
10. Signs your pet is stressed
Some signs to look out for include: Lip and nose lick/whale eyes, stress yawn, head turn, freeze/standing stiffly, motionless, tail tucked under – by knowing signs to look out for will help you know when to respond.
Caroline added: "As more offices become pet friendly, taking your pet to work should be fun for you and your dog, as well as your colleagues. However, it’s really important to make sure your dog is comfortable in its new environment.
"Implementing a few simple tips, can make sure your dog is office ready and a welcome member of your team."
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