It's that time again to have a stern word with Fido and insist he's on best behaviour.
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No chewing the power chord, no drooling, no chasing the cute poodle ... and definitely no discreet rubbing your backside on the carpet.
Now that's sorted, you're ready for Take Your Dog to Work Day this Friday.
The annual event was initiated by Pet Sitters International in 1999.
They believed there were far too many instances of people leaving their animals at home while they went about their workday. They wanted to help people understand the human-animal bond.
So here we are 20 years later. And if you're thinking about giving it a try - assuming the boss is on board of course - here are a few tips.
7 tips to Take Your Dog To Work Day success
1. Do an office check. Check with management and co-workers to see if anyone is allergic, afraid of or opposed to you bringing your dog to work on this special day.
2. Puppy-proof your work space. Remove poisonous plants, hide electrical cords and wires and secure toxic items such as correction fluid and permanent markers.
3. Make sure Fido is fit for work. Ensure vaccinations are current and your dog is bathed. Also, if your dog is aggressive or overly shy, it's best to leave him at home.
4. Prepare a doggie bag. Include food, treats, bowls, toys, and clean-up bags.
5. Plan feeding times carefully. And choose an appropriate area for your dog to relieve himself afterward.
6. Avoid forcing co-workers to interact with your dog. Dog lovers will make themselves known. Also monitor the amount of treats your pet is being given from your co-workers.
7. Have an exit strategy. Should your dog become overly boisterous, agitated or withdrawn, consider taking him home. Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle while you work.
With Grace Ryan