During Tough Times-Even Your Dog Can Pitch In at Work!

June 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Oxford, MS, June 8, 2011 – June 24th is Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog To Work Day® (TYDTWD) this year and many businesses across the country will be adding to their staff by encouraging employees to bring their furry, four-legged best friends to work.  Pet Sitters International (PSI) established TYDTWD to promote pet adoptions and celebrate dogs as great companions.  Along with PSI, and 2011 event partner the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), The DogSmith National Dog Training and Pet Care Franchise will provide businesses and pet owners with advice on participating in a successful TYDTWD.  

“You shouldn’t just grab the leash and drag Fido off to work,” says  Niki Tudge, the  founder of The DogSmith Dog Training Franchise, “You need to prepare yourself, your workplace and your pooch once you’ve convinced your boss to join the over 5,000 businesses nationwide who will participate in TYDTWD.  For starters, you will need to make sure your pet is ready for the rigors and daily grind of a workday.  At a minimum, your pooch should be well socialized and housetrained.  It is also a good idea to crate train your pooch so he/she will have a safe, quiet place to escape the pressures of the office while you are in that ‘endless’ budget meeting.  And crates become essential if you have to deal with an emergency.”

Once at work with your dog, according to PSI, “Avoid forcing co-workers to interact with your dog. Dog lovers will make themselves known.  Sally from accounting and Joe in human resources may not want to play fetch or offer belly rubs, so be mindful of fellow employees’ time and space.  To avoid pet accidents, monitor the amount of treats your pet is being given from your co-workers.  Remember that chocolate, candy and other people food should not be shared with dogs and that not all non-dog owners will be aware that these items can be very toxic to your pooch.  Finally, have an exit strategy.  Although most dogs enjoy TYDTWD, your pet may not.  Should your dog become overly boisterous, agitated or withdrawn, consider taking him or her home or plan in advance for your professional pet sitter to offer a midday check-in visit.  Never, under any circumstance, leave your pet alone in a vehicle while you work.”

To commemorate TYDTWD, local DogSmith Franchise owners will provide free consultations to business owners and animal lovers on how to prepare for a successful event.  In addition, free instructions on housetraining, crate training, and puppy socialization are available for download at www.DogSmith.com.  For tips on how you can participate in “Take Your Dog To Work Day” visit www.takeyourdog.com or contact your local DogSmith Certified Pet Care Expert and ask for a free “Take Your Dog To Work” consultation

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About The DogSmith - The DogSmith Franchise Services Inc. is a Florida based company whose mission is to enhance the lives of pets and their owners by improving their relationship, and the quality of the life they share, through providing professional support and training to pet dog owners, supporting and assisting animal shelters and rescue organizations to minimize the number of unwanted animals and offering affordable and professional care to family pets so that pet ownership is never a burden. To learn more about The DogSmith or to become a DogSmith Dog Trainer, visit www.DogSmith.com or call 1-888-364-7648.