Office Job? Tips for Bringing Your Dachshund to Work

If you work a 9-5 (or more) office job, it can mean long days away from your Dachshund.

Have you ever thought about bringing your Dachshund to work with you?

At the very least, your dog is probably bored at home alone. At the extreme, your dog may have separation anxiety so having to spend any time away from their person, or people, can be upsetting.

Bringing your Dachshund to the office with you could be potential solution. It could make your dog happier and it’s almost guaranteed looking down at your feet to find your pup sleeping will put a smile on your face.

Benefits of Bringing Your Dachshund to Work

There are often concerns about bringing pets to work that range from safety, to allergies, to work efficiency.

However, recent studies have shown that the positive benefits often outweigh any potential negatives.

For example, the University of Southern California reports, “Pets in the workplace create benefits for employers and employees alike… [such as] improved office morale, [decreased] absenteeism, and a healthy work-life balance.”

On a more personal level, there can be a benefit for you and your pet at home.

Dogs left home alone for long periods without exercise can become obese and develop ailments related to a sedentary life.

Also, Dachshunds are social dogs and tend to be very attached to their people. Being left home along for long periods can lead to anxiety orders including obsessive chewing and separation anxiety.

Bringing your Dachshund to work with you several times a week, or for at least part of the day, can help make your dog happier and you happier with their behavior.

How You Can Bring Your Dog to Work

Not every office allows dogs to come to work with employees. However, unless you have been given a hard no before, or your office policies clearly outline that dogs are not allowed, it never hurts to ask.

Some offices don’t have a strict no pet policy. It may that no one has asked to bring their dog in before so it was never given thought or addressed.

Simply asking your boss or your supervisor if you can bring your Dachshund to work with you may be all you need to get permission.

Other offices may have a general no dogs policy but may make an exception if you have an office with a closed door or promise your dog will stay in a pen or crate and be quiet.

At the very least, your boss may allow you to bring your pet to work one day a year on Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Tips for Bringing Your Dachshund to Work with You

When you and your dog aren’t used to hanging out together in an office environment , trouble can ensue and suddenly that “great idea” wasn’t as great as you thought. 

“It’s an etiquette nightmare waiting to happen,” says Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert, author and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach.

Whether your boss wholeheartedly accepts your Dachshund into the office, or they begrudgingly lets you bring your furry family member one day a year on Take Your Dog to Work Day, there are some important things you should consider.

Whitmore offers these seven ‘petiquette’ tips:

1. Practice makes perfect. Make sure your dog can interact politely and adapt well to unfamiliar surroundings before you take him to the office so that he can put his best paw forward.
2. Be respectful of others. Don’t be surprised if some of your co-workers are allergic or uncomfortable around dogs. Honor their wishes and refrain from introducing your dog to them.
3. Don’t allow your dog to wander. Teach your dog to lie down quietly under your desk or at your feet while you work. Keep your dog off the office furniture and don’t allow your dog to jump on people whenever they greet him. An ill-mannered dog can be a nuisance and may not be invited back to the office.
4. Proceed with caution. Just like people, some dogs are shy and introverted. So don’t assume all dogs want to meet your dog. Allow the other dogs some time to get to know your dog before you let them play together.
5. Ask permission. Even friendly dogs can get excited and play too rough if not carefully supervised. Use your best judgment before you introduce your dog to a new dog. It’s never hurts to ask, “Is your dog friendly?”
6. Try not to leave your dog alone for a long period of time. It’s a moot point to take your dog to work if you have to be in meetings all day. Make sure you have plenty of quality time to spend with him.
7. Give your dog a break. Even dogs get bored if they are inactive for too long. Be sure to pack plenty of toys for him to play with. Also take your dog outside for a couple of walks during the day. The sunshine and fresh air will be good for both of you.

I will also add two things:

Dachshunds have a tendency to vocalize and bark.

If your dog is one of those, work on a “quiet” command, or getting them to settle patiently, before you introduce them to a stimulating workplace environment.

Bringing something to help keep your pup busy while they are sitting under your desk or in your cubicle

If everything goes smoothly, your boss might consider welcoming your pet every day You never know.

What I can guarantee is that, if things go bad, your boss will probably never want to let dogs come to work again.

To ensure bringing your Dachshund to work is a happy experience for everyone involved, be sure to follow these tips.

About the Author: Through her 17 years of owning and caring for Dachshunds, and almost 10 years researching and writing about them, JW has become a respected expert in the Dachshund community. Read more about her here.