If you can’t do without Bruno or Rover, you aren’t alone. No wonder that plenty of companies and start-ups are allowing employees to bring their pets to work. The list of pet-friendly offices worldwide includes Google, Etsy and Ben & Jerry’s. The trend is catching on in India too, with start-ups such as InMobi, Chumbak and DriveU allowing pets into the office.
It’s a fact that four-legged Fido can do a lot of good to the office environment. A study by Virginia Commonwealth University, published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, revealed that people who bring their dogs into the workplace are less stressed, and that sense of job satisfaction extends to people who come into contact with the pet. Over time, this can reduce employee absenteeism, low morale and burnout.
But what do you do if your workplace hasn’t jumped on to the pet-friendly bandwagon? Wait for June 23, Bring Your Dog to Work Day, when you can happily take your furry friend to your cubicle. This day, created by Pet Sitters International, was first celebrated in 1999 and celebrates the companionship dogs provide to promote adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies.
Most often than not, people often have a favourite breed, which they end up bringing home. Continued research has shown that pet owners often share their dogs’ personalities. A study at Bath Spa University in the United Kingdom has revealed that you can read a person’s personality from their dog and that “certain personality types are subconsciously drawn to certain breeds”.
So as you prep your pooch for his day at work, do you know what your dog’s breed is saying about you and your style of working?
Sporting Dogs
Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Spaniels
Sporting dogs are the most common types of dogs people choose to bring home. Those who like them tend to be friendly, agreeable, gentle, easy to please and high spirited.
At work: You’re intelligent, hard working and serious about work but also enjoy playing the fool. Confrontation is not your thing.
Herding Dogs
German Shepherds, Collies and Sheepdogs
People who pick herding dogs tend to be extroverted. They’re confident, courageous, balanced, able to work a crowd easily and ready to lend a helping hand.
At work: You’re fearless, but not looking for trouble. Eager and alert, you’re extremely outgoing.
Hound Dogs
Beagles, Greyhounds, Bassett Hounds, Dachshunds
If you ain’t nothing but a hound dog, that’s good news. Hound dog owners tend to be emotionally more stable. They are calm, committed, consistent, and have a reasonable degree of self-esteem.
At work: Deadlines and other stresses fail to ruffle you and you go about things proactively. That’s why people often turn to you during crisis for your take.
Toy Dogs
Chihuahuas, Poodles and Pugs
Chihuahuas popping out of the purses of starlets have given toy dogs a bad name. Fact is that people who own toy dogs are more likely to be intelligent, creative and conscientious.
At work: You’re agreeable, spunky, open to new experiences and more likely to be an out-of-the-box thinker. Your even temper and vivacious personality makes you a crowd pleaser.
Utility Dogs
Dalmatians and Bulldogs
People with utility dogs tend to be extroverted and extra conscientious – they’ll always be willing to go the extra mile. They have gentle dispositions, and tend to be calm, friendly and dignified.
At work: You are equable and resolute, even when facing a mountain of files. Your easy-going nature and deadline-oriented nature makes you a team favourite.
Working Dogs
Dobermans, Boxers, Great Danes and Rottweilers
Taking care of huge, strong dogs needs an intelligent and sharp mind. So people living with working dogs tend to be agreeable, composed, energetic, quick and extremely active.
At work: You enjoy challenges, physical and mental, and tend to be a speedy worker. You have an even temperament, and are alert and extremely loyal.
