Dogs have had it pretty good in lockdown. With their owners WFH they have had more belly-rubs and midday snacks than they know what to do with.
But all that’s about to change.
As people slowly start to return to office life – either permanently or on a flexible schedule – dogs are going to have to get used to having more alone time. Unless, or course, you start bringing your dog to work.
The pandemic also saw a huge rise in pet ownership, going from 41% of households to 59% in just one year – so it looks likely that office dogs are going to become a much bigger part of the work environment post-pandemic.
Pet insurance provider, Bought By Many, has revealed that almost one in five (19%) dog owners are now planning to take their pets into work. Of these, 37% are planning to travel with their four-legged friend via public transport.
With 12 million dogs in the UK, this equates to 840,000 pups on trains, tubes and buses.
While three quarters say they will be adapting their working hours and commute so it’s easier to travel with their dogs, nearly eight in ten (77%) say public transport lacks suitable facilities, while over half (53%) are concerned about their canine commuting companions feeling anxious on public transport.
Other fears include annoying other passengers who don’t like dogs (44%) and their dog going to the toilet on the journey (43%).
Getting yourself to work in the morning can be a bit of a palaver, never mind also bringing your four-legged friend.
So, how can you make sure your dog is happy and safe on your commute?
Veterinarian Dr Joe Inglis, from home-cooking platform VetChef.com, explains how you can help your dog through this huge transition in their life.
His first suggestion is to make sure your dog is very well trained.
‘Will the dog sit quietly at your feet if you tell it to?’ asks Joe.
‘A train is an amazing place for a dog and if the dog is excitable at home, or insists on greeting everyone when out on a walk, it will not be calm in on a busy train and you will annoy your fellow commuters. It can also be quite dangerous.’
You also need to check that your dog is happy travelling.
‘Some are terrified of getting on trains and some get car sick or will howl the entire journey,’ says Joe. ‘Take the dog for a couple of trial runs, where you can go in for an hour and straight back home again, without any pressure on either of you.’
Another top tip is to try taking your pup out for a walk before you start the commute.
‘That gives them a chance to go to the toilet and run off some energy,’ adds Joe.
‘Review your dog’s diet, too. Behaviour, as in children, is linked to diet. A dog exclusively fed on processed food will be less happy, healthy and well-behaved than a dog that is getting a varied diet of fresh food and supplements.’
Joe adds that it’s worth considering whether you can walk parts of the journey rather than get the bus or underground.
‘In London it is only a 54-minute walk from Kings Cross to Waterloo, so most journeys in London, that people make by underground and bus, are walkable.
‘The dog will get more exercise and will much prefer it. You just need to build in extra time. Google maps will tell you how long your journey would take on foot.’
So, you’ve nailed the commute. What about when you actually make it to the office? Joe has got some more pointers to consider:
‘Only consider it if your boss and other employees are happy for you to do so,’ he says.
‘Check no-one has an allergy. How many other people will be bringing in dogs? Are there times people would rather the dog was not there (e.g. Client meetings)?’
Similarly to the commute, making sure your dog is really well trained is really important.
‘No-one wants a dog in the office if there is a risk of them barking at the wrong time or jumping on visitors,’ says Joe. ‘You may think it’s adorable; most people won’t and you’ll find yourself very unpopular.
‘Does the dog sit quietly at your feet while you work, or does it often distract you? An office is a fascinating place for a dog, full of lots of interesting smells and people.
‘If the dog is not chilled at home, it will not be calm in your office and you and everyone else will find it very distracting.
‘Also, make sure to check there is somewhere safe nearby for the dog to exercise and relieve itself.’
How to prepare your dog for separation
What about for those unlucky people who aren’t allowed to take their dogs with them to the office?
Your dog will likely need some help adjusting if they have become used to having you around all the time. Here are Joe’s top tips for preparing for the separation:
There will be fierce competition for dog walkers
‘Book yours now as a whole day without exercise, or the chance to use the toilet, is too much to expect from your dog.
Start leaving your animal alone for a short time now
‘Gradually build to longer periods.’
Crates are not recommended for dogs over long periods
‘Such as the typical working day. However, if you intend to use a crate for your dog for some of the time, start by leaving the crate door open and fill the crate with their bed and favourite toys so they learn to see the crate as a place of comfort and security.
‘Once they’re happy in the crate, shut them in for short periods with food and give them lots of rewards and attention when they come out.’
Adapt your routine to what it will be when you start work
‘For example, walk your dog at the beginning and end of the day so they get used to the idea of less activity in the middle of the day.’
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