Take Your Dog to Work Day Winners

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Ready for Work Boss

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
3 Training Videos and a
Size-Appropriate Bandana

Thankfully Oliver enjoys accompanying me to work, whether we are doing a photo shoot, writing a post in my office or checking in shipments of prizes. Of course, he and Tanner especially enjoy doing product reviews and getting their rewards for good behavior at our photo shoots. There's nothing better than getting fed to do things that are fun like play with a new toy or try out a new bowl or bed.  Really? What could be better?! Well, maybe cleaning up the warehouse floor? Yeah! There are always nibbles of things that land there and my boys are eager to be helpful in keeping it need and clean.


On that note, I'd like to point out that I'm currently running a series on Tips for the Canine Good Citizen test, an AKC exam that officially gives your dog a certification of good behavior in public. This test is a 10-part exam that evaluates your dog's ability to respond properly in a variety of situations. 


The first in the series is at the link in the paragraph above. Join me each Saturday for the remainder of the series that will spread out over at least 10 weeks. I'll be sharing some of the tips I've found to be useful in getting through this tough test, especially with a young and energetic dog. 


Xena, our senior Retriever at the time, breezed right through at the tender age of 13, but did have a little trouble assuming the Down position because her aging hips had begun to stiffen. I was sure to praise her anyway, as she had no preparation since her puppy training, but she tagged along and took the test anyway. Good girl!


Now back to today's main event, the announcement of the winners of the Take Your Dog to Work Kits. Each pup will receive a set of 3 dog training videos and an All Things Dog Blog  bandana. I have 2 sizes to fit most any Fido. I'll be the first to admit, though, I don't think our Large will fit your Mastiff :( Sorry!


The winners of our Take Your Dog to Work Kits are Anne K, Danielle E, Nancy W. and Sharon G. You'll be notified by my AllThingsDogBlog.com email. Please reply quickly with your dog's weight and address for quick shipping. Thanks and congratulations!




The bandanas and videos given away in this event were provided by me. No purchase of required to enter.

Take Your Dog to Work Day: Get Ready to Look & Act Great

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© courtesy TakeYourDog.com
Is Your Fido Ready?

Take Your Dog to Work Day: It's almost here and you're probably wondering how you'll get Fido prepared. He needs 2 things: To look good and behave well. Ready my tips at this link. Then enter our giveaway, but you'll have to act fast. This giveaway will be gone in a flash, with entries ending Saturday, June 14 at midnight. How coincidental that Father's Day is the next day. 

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Tanner! A Latte Please

Will your dog wear a tie to work? Bandanas are good for casual Fridays, so we're offering ours up for your dog if a tie option does not exist. Our giveaway also includes a set of 3 dog-training videos with a television trainer (No, she doesn't whisper).


Don't waste any time. I'll need to collect addresses and ship these prizes Monday so that your dog will be looking and acting like the lady or gentleman that you want them to. Good luck!

© courtesy TakeYourDog.com

Doggie Misbehavior at the Office

by Carrie Boyko, CEB


Carrie:     "Oliver, it's okay if you work on the porch, but you must attend to the weekly preview, not the ladies on your Twitter account. And don't forget to post something at 5 Minutes for Fido. Off to work now, fella!"

© Carrie Boyko
Via Twitter:
"@PrettyFurryLady Oliver sends XXOO
Follow Me @AllThingsDog"

Carrie:     "Oliver, have you got the weekly preview done yet? How's it looking? Oh, Oliver! No more Tweeting!"


Oliver:     "Mom, at least I posted something at 5 Minutes for Fido. Go see."


Oliver:      "Tanner.....Get me a latte please. Make it iced. And check in at 5 Minutes for Fido to see my cool pic there too."

Tips for "Take Your Dog to Work Day": June 24, 2011

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Oliver Hard at Work at
5 Minutes for Fido

Do you work in an office that allows employees to take their dog to work this Friday? Sounds great, right? Maybe. Success may take a little planning. Here's a few tips to get you on the right track:

• Call a meeting of all employees who wish to participate. Discuss and vote on a set of guidelines--rules to keep everyone safe and happy.
• Consider giving your dog a job. And no, I don't mean he should be the "Town Cryer". If your Fido knows some tricks, allow him to perform at the opening of small group meetings or when you have a visitor. His concentration on this job will help calm him, while offering an activity that bonds him with you.
• Come prepared with everything Fido will need: water bowl, bed, leash, poop bags, and maybe one or two toys. Keep in mind that if another dog visits your dog's area, those toys should be placed up and out of reach. You don't want any food or toy aggression at work or you may find yourself heading home early, without combat pay.
• Rise early on Friday and take your best friend for a long walk before breakfast. A tired and well-exercised pup will be calmer and better behaved when he arrives at this new and exciting environment. And so will you!
• Begin the day with a stroll around the office to allow your pup to see the whole place, if he has not yet had the chance to be introduced to your workplace. Keep it quick and goal-oriented so that he understands that lingering anywhere away from you is not acceptable.
• If you plan on bringing treats or food, these too should be well out of reach of Fido at work. Offer these when your dog is alone and can finish them before a visitor arrives.
• Think through your dog's placement if you'll be receiving visitors throughout the day in your work area. He should be out of the walk through area of offices, and will often do best if his bed is placed near or behind you. He'll feel safe and you'll have more control.
• Refresh Fido's memory of his basic commands throughout the week. Spend some extra time on "Come when called". 
• Offer visitors some tips on how your dog prefers to be greeted. Giving input will help non-dog lovers learn a few new things on this most interesting and unusual day at work. You'll want to be an ambassador for good dog owners when presenting your Fido to dog newbies.
• If your dog is not spayed or neutered, think twice about participating in this event. It should be rated G for Good Dogs.
• Likewise, if you have a puppy that is not house-trained, think again. You really don't want to have to explain that new spot on your carpet.
• And this is a great spot to remind you of the lunchtime walk. Don't forget your poop bag and be sure to allow Spot (pun intended) to take care of all of his business while you're out.

Don't be surprised if your dog is exhausted after a long day at the office with you. Even though he may have done nothing terribly taxing, the new environment and people, as well as any dogs he encounters, will more than tire his active mind. Take some time to reflect, once home, on what you can do to improve next year's experience. Plan for it now and you'll both have an even greater time bonding over your work next year.