Taking a new puppy with me to work

[Catharina Hjorth]

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Hi everyone!

I just want your opinion on something.
I picked up my 10 weeks old poodle puppy this sunday, so 4 days ago. So far he's handling everything like a pro; sleeps through the night, doesn't bite (much) and is settling in very nicely.

I have of course been home with him for the past couple of days and was then planning on, from tomorrow, to take him with me to work. It's a dog friendly office and I have my own office-space with a closed door and access to a garden. But is it too soon?
He seems to do well with new things and loves people, but I'm suddenly seeing all over the internet that you should stay home with your dog for at least 2-3 weeks.

I would hate to mess such a sweet dog up, at the same time, I'm not sure how else I can handle the situation as I need to go to work. In your honest opinion, should I avoid taking him with me to work so soon?

Thank you in advance for your advice.

 

[Kara 1]

A puppy shouldnt be left alone for more than 2/3 hrs at this age ...as long as he is safe and you can take him outside for toilet breaks then taking him to work is far better than him spending time alone

 

[Caro Perry]

Far far better than leaving him at home but I suggest you get a puppy play pen for your office if you expect to get any work done!

 

[JudyN]

He sounds well adjusted so as long as you're able to avoid anything being too overwhelming for him (people cooing over him, scary sounds from the coffee machine, etc.), it sounds ideal. Remember that with socialising, quality is much more important than quantity.

 

[Alanward87]

Agreed with all the posts. My dodsley is a 15 week old boxer. We run a business and dodsley has always come to work with me. He has always taken it in his stride. I dont want to be repetitive but it can't be stressed enough about quality over quantity when it comes to socialising. Make sure you have plenty of toys to help occupy him if you want to get anything done throughout the day.

 

[Ari_RR]

My 2 cents - I would look very hard at other options. Are there any family members nearby, for example, who can keep the puppy company during the day? I can hardly imagine an 11 week old spending days in the office. Even with private office space and access to garden... this can’t be very good for the puppy, or for the office career.

If nothings else works - then this can work, for me this would be the last resort. Maybe at 11 weeks the puppy mostly sleeps, but give it another month or 2 and he will be mostly causing troubles (as he should be, of course).

 

[Alanward87]

I personally find that a morning walk, plenty of interaction at break time with a walk at lunch and play at afternoon break keeps my boy more than happy.

Obviously at 11 weeks it's unlikely that walking is an option but at 11 weeks some vigerous play will be more than enough to encourage a nice long nap. I wouldn't be without my boy being at work with me now. I also find that him being there makes me take breaks away from the desk. This can be great for clearing the head and ensuring a good level of productivity is maintained.

 

[excuseme]

Lucky puppy being able to come to work with you, I'm sure both he and you will work out a good routine. Much better than being caged alone at home, my puppies/dogs always used to come to work with me, they were quiet happy and very quickly learned the routine.

 

[Rinkydinkydo]

All my pups have gone to work with me, they soon got in to a routine. I just told people not to go overboard with them. It worked out well because meeting new people was never a problem for them.

 

[Josie]

We’re very lucky that our office building is dog friendly. There is a chap there who has been bringing his sprocker puppy in from the get go! He has a cage for her in his office for down time and she gets to socialise and meet people.

Not many places allow it so take full advantage! Then you don’t need to worry that he is on his own.
He will soon get into a routine

P.s Dennis comes with us and all the cleaners love him! I don’t think they even know my name

 

[Josie]

I personally find that a morning walk, plenty of interaction at break time with a walk at lunch and play at afternoon break keeps my boy more than happy.

Obviously at 11 weeks it's unlikely that walking is an option but at 11 weeks some vigerous play will be more than enough to encourage a nice long nap. I wouldn't be without my boy being at work with me now. I also find that him being there makes me take breaks away from the desk. This can be great for clearing the head and ensuring a good level of productivity is maintained.

I agree. Our boy comes to the office with us and he gets you away from your desk and makes you take some fresh air and a break.

 

[Catharina Hjorth]

Thank you so much everyone. I can tell you that he is currently sniffing around on the floor, happy and content.
Taking him with me so far seems like the right choice.
Perhaps ask me in a couple of hours how much work I got done though

 

[Alanward87]

He will soon become a little pro, I will always operate a dog friendly office.

 

[Josie]

He will soon become a little pro, I will always operate a dog friendly office. View attachment 111978225

He’s so handsome!