Canine co-worker spotted in professional environment

Smooth Sailing with Canine Coworkers

For the past fortnight, Malena Stohler and Tino Tiede have warmed up your mornings on "Der neue Morgen" from 6 to 10 AM. But now, a slight disagreement: Tino's Academia Award-winning pup, Aaron, seeks a studio berth. Malena? Not a dog enthusiast. Similar challenges crop up in many workplaces. While some can't bear to leave their fur-buddies home for lengthy periods, others may not fancy pets coalescing within the work environment. So, what's the solution, you ask?

Wingman from the dog trainer's corner

Nina Reilmann, dog trainer and associate of celebrity "Dog Pro" Martin Rutter, schooled at her canine classroom in Hiltrup the unspoken communication junctures between humans and their furry friends. Here are her insights on harmonizing pets at work:

Pivotal Point: Engage in some old-fashioned dialogue! Converse with teammates on work conditions and potential phobias or allergies, sketching out a pet-free zone or scheduling mutually agreeable days/times.
Hometown Comforts: Allocate a cozy spot for your pet, like a blanket or basket. Ideally, this snuggeroo should carry an aroma reminiscent of home to make your pup feel relaxed and comfortable. The area should remain undisturbed, away from bustling paths or intruders. Nina's tip: Instruct colleagues to leave Fido be in his designated zone - no intensifying with petting or dialogue, allowing him to exhale with tranquility.
Mind Blowing Mental Exercise: A sedentary canine requires cerebral stimulation. Sniffing out hidden treats or "nose work" is ideal. You can find these intriguing training aids in pet stores, or contrive your own, quiet diversions. Nina's tip: In summer, provide frozen delicacies, such as a liverwurst & quark concoction, engaging Fido's concentrate and cooling him down.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise is non-negotiable. Schedule extended breaks or outdoor jaunts to ensure your furry colleague's energy levels remain optimal.

Please tune in to our interview with Nina Reilmann, the dog whisperer, for more insights:

Working with dogs in a corporate context can improve camaraderie, stretch productivity, and engender an equitable workplace. Consider the following advice for cultivating a pet-friendly cyberspace, inclusive of setting up a designated area, providing mental stimulation, and managing allergies or fears among colleagues:

A Designated Space

Space Allocation: Dedicate a specific area for pets, such as a pet-centric abode equipped with amenities like cushy couchings, toys, and water filtration systems. This chill space caters to both pets and their pet-loving employers.

Mental Stimulation

Pet Activities: Offer engaging activities or toys that challenge both the mind and body, like puzzles filled with treats or interactive play sessions, to keep our canine co-workers on their toes during break times.

Managing Allergies or Nervousness

Employee Poll: Pioneer a survey to determine colleagues with allergies or anxiety triggers prior to inducting pets into the work environment. This will enable personalized policy accommodations.
Mitigation of Allergens: Install air purifiers with HEPA filters in pet zones or confine pets to designated spots to reduce allergen exposure.
Anxiety Management: Observe protocols for colleagues feeling apprehensive around pets, such as providing quiet workspaces or training on appropriate pet etiquette.

Additional thoughts

Etiquette Guidelines: Elaborate on pet behavior, hygiene, and interaction boundary lines, fostering a harmonious work atmosphere.
Pet Care Support: Consider offering pet insurance or partnering with local pet care services to bolster employees and their furry friends.
Feedback System: Implement continuous evaluation of pet-friendly policies based on employee feedback to maintain a healthy balance.
Nina Reilmann suggests that employees should engage in discussions about work conditions and potential pet-related concerns, such as phobias or allergies, to create a pet-friendly environment that respects everyone's comfort.
To encourage mental stimulation and prevent boredom in pets at work, Nina Reilmann recommends providing engaging activities, like puzzles or nose work exercises, during break times as a way to keep canine coworkers mentally active and content.