5 Tips For How to Train A Well-Behaved Office Dog
Discover five effective tips and tricks to train a well-behaved office dog to create a harmonious work environment.
Advantages of Allowing Pets in the Workplace
There are so many advantages of having pets in the workplace and I feel so lucky to have a job that lets me bring my dog! Personally, I love bringing her along and not worrying about her being lonely at home. Many research papers have been published proving that allowing pets in the workplace improve employee well-being.
Pets provide companionship and emotional support, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable work environment. They can also help employees cope with work-related anxieties and improve overall mental health. Bringing Charlie also forces me to take regular breaks and sometimes I’ll invite a colleague for a walk too.
Pets in the workplace can also contribute to a more positive and friendly atmosphere. They can serve as conversation starters and icebreakers, fostering social interactions among employees. I have made so many friends at work with people I don’t normally work with thanks to bringing my dog in with me!
How to Train a Well-Behaved Office Dog
If you’re fortunate enough to work in a pet-friendly office and want to bring your furry friend along, make sure you train your dog to come to work. You don’t want to become a distraction for everyone else who is trying to get their work done. Here are my top five tips for training a well-behaved office dog with positive reinforcement:
1. Master basic commands
Start by teaching your dog the basic three commands – “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Practice these in different environments so your dog learns to obey them no matter where they are at. Start with training at home in a controlled environment. Then gradually level up to locations that provide more distractions, such as a dog park.
2. Teach your dog its “spot”
At home, mark a consistent “spot” that is your dogs area to relax. It can be it’s bed, crate, or something similar. You can use commands such as “go to bed” or “go to your spot”. Dogs love having a spot of their own and they love routine, so this should be an easy habit to teach. When you get to the office, bring your dogs bed or crate and continue to call it your dog’s “spot”.
3. Teach your dog good manners around food
At the office, your dog might be exposed to people eating food at lunchtime. Train your dog to wait patiently and not jump or bark at someone eating. You can start by training your dog at home during your meal times. To level up this training, take your dog to a restaurant with outdoor seating or host a dinner party and invite your friends.
4. Teach your dog “leave it”
There will be many distractions at the office so you should master the command “leave it” with your dog. If your dog is bothering a coworker who doesn’t want to socialize, you should be able to use the commands “leave it” and “come” to call your dog back. The “leave it” command is also helpful if there are other dogs in the office but it is not an appropriate time for the dogs to socialize or play.
5. Establish an office buddy
Establish a coworker who is willing to help watch your dog from time to time. It was not difficult for me to find many volunteers at my workplace! Teach your dog to be comfortable with their office buddy in case you have an important meeting or other matter that requires you to leave your dog behind for a short amount of time.
Conclusion
If you’re lucky enough to work in a pet-friendly office and want to bring your dog to the office, make sure you follow all of our tips on how to train a well-behaved office dog. Master the commands, teach your dog manners, and socialize them well with your coworkers. There are a lot of benefits to bringing your pets to work and we want to make sure it stays that way by training our dogs well.
