Dog in the office – Our experiences with Nela & Herrmann and what really matters
Share
For many dog owners, it sounds like a dream: simply taking their dog to work. No long hours alone at home, breaks together in the fresh air, and a four-legged colleague who brightens everyone's day.
Even at Wildfang, dogs are part of the daily work routine. Our Labrador retriever Nela He's been with us in the office for years and knows our daily routine inside and out. For some time now, a Cane Corso puppy has also been keeping us company. Hermann for a breath of fresh air and reminds us daily that an office dog also has a lot to learn.
But as wonderful as an office dog is – it doesn't work without any preparation.
Are dogs even allowed in the office?
The good news: Basically, in Germany there are There is no law that generally prohibits dogs in the workplace..
Whether a dog is allowed in the office is usually decided by the employer. At the same time, the interests of colleagues should of course also be taken into account – for example, in cases of allergies or fear of dogs.
Before the dog starts its first day of work, the following should be clarified:
- Do all colleagues agree?
- Is there a quiet place to retreat to?
- Is there enough time for walks?
- Can the dog stay safely and stress-free in the office?
If these conditions are met, there is often nothing standing in the way of having an office dog.
Why we wouldn't want to be without our office dogs anymore
A dog changes the daily office routine – in a positive way.
🐶 More exercise
Short walks not only give the dog exercise, but also help us clear our heads. Often the best ideas don't come at the desk, but outside during a walk.
😊 Better mood
A wagging tail in the morning sometimes works better than a cup of coffee.
Our office dogs bring joy every day – whether to our team or to visitors.
⏸️ More conscious breaks
Those who work with concentration quickly lose track of time.
Nela regularly reminds us to stand up briefly.
Herrmann reminds us of it even more frequently.
And it is precisely these short breaks that often make the workday more productive.
The right training for a relaxed office dog
Not every dog feels comfortable in the office from day one.
Puppies like Herrmann especially need to learn that playing isn't a constant activity in the office.
A good office dog should gradually learn:
✔️ to remain calmly in his place
✔️ To greet people politely without jumping on them.
✔️ to be able to relax despite phone calls or conversations
✔️ to remain calm even when visitors are present
✔️ not to consider every cardboard box or ballpoint pen a toy
Our tip: Start with short visits to the office and gradually increase the time. This way, your dog can get used to the new environment step by step.
The right equipment for everyday office life
An office dog needs more than just a basket.
To ensure your four-legged friend feels comfortable, the following should not be missing:
🛏️ A cozy place to rest
A designated resting place helps the dog to calm down and gives him security.
💧 Fresh water
Especially on warm days, sufficient water should always be available.
🦴 Activities for quiet moments
Even an office dog gets bored sometimes.
That's why at Wildfang we focus on long-lasting, natural chew treats, that keep our dogs meaningfully occupied while simultaneously satisfying their natural need to chew.
Our favorites in the office:
Ideal for longer rest periods. The long chewing time keeps the dog occupied and allows it to relax at the same time.
Especially popular with Herrmann. They offer a natural, calorie-free activity and are ideal for dogs that like to chew on wood.
Perfect for strong chewers and dogs who want to entertain themselves for extended periods of time.
These chew toys help our dogs relax and make everyday office life more pleasant for everyone.
🧸 favorite toy
A familiar toy can provide a sense of security, especially in a new environment.
Our office dogs
🐶 Nela – the experienced colleague
Nela knows the daily office routine inside and out by now.
She knows exactly when it's time for a break, greets visitors warmly, and enjoys her quiet periods between meetings.
🐶 Herrmann – the next generation
Herrmann is currently discovering the world.
Every box is exciting.
Every visitor could be a new friend.
And of course, new chew toys must first be thoroughly tested.
With each passing day, he becomes more relaxed and learns that an office can also be a place to rest.
Our conclusion
Having a dog in the office means responsibility – but also an incredible number of wonderful moments.
With some training, the right equipment and sufficient opportunities for retreat, an office dog can enrich the workday and create a relaxed atmosphere.
For us, Nela and Herrmann have long been an integral part of the Wildfang team.
They remind us daily how important short breaks, walks together, and a dog-friendly workplace are.
And if things need to be a little quieter in between, a comfortable place to lie down and a natural chew toy ensure that our four-legged colleagues can also enjoy the daily office routine.
📸 Is your dog allowed in the office?
We are curious:
Do you take your dog to work?
Or would you like to see more companies become dog-friendly?
Tell us about your experiences in the comments!