All in a Day's Woof

By Eric Sparling | Photographs by Nick Craine

Water cooler conversation is changing these days.
"Rex's breath reeks of liver."
"I know, he's so delicious. But could he have his head any further up Buster's butt? I mean, come on!" "Now, now, don't get your hackles up. He's just bucking for a promotion to top dog."

First they were pets. Then they were family members. Now they're becoming colleagues. Dogs in the workplace are an increasingly common phenomenon. As dog lovers, we welcome this advance. But does your pet really belong in the office? With a little planning, a good portion of common sense, and sensitivity to your colleagues, the answer is a resounding "Yes!"

It's Bingo's first day at work. You're walking the Great Dane through the office, introducing him to everyone. It's going well. Until you reach the accounting apartment. For some reason, Bingo takes an intense interest in Bill, the payroll clerk. More precisely, Bingo starts sniffing the man's crotch intensely. You laugh nervously. Bill doesn't laugh at all. Looks like your cheque might be late this month. "Get him to sit," says Tara Szczygiel, the owner of Flying Dog Canine Training and Behaviour, based in Guelph, Ontario. She's referring to Bingo, not Bill. Interrupt the dog's quest with a Sit! command and then give him a food reward for his polite response.