The pros and cons of an office dog: these are our findings

Since April 2021, Golden Retriever 'Pippa' has been strolling through our hallways. We got her for free along with our new content marketer, Linda. 10KB is our second living room, and we are always open to new ideas or insights. That's why we decided to give the phenomenon of 'the office dog' a chance.

That a dog can be a great addition to the office is supported by a bunch of studies, such as this one and this one. Looking at a dog can reduce stress, having a pet nearby can improve performance, a dog facilitates social interaction, petting a dog releases oxytocin (the happiness hormone), and taking walks provides a breath of fresh air and clears the mind. That all sounds wonderful, but how do we experience it at 10KB ourselves?

We find Pippa in the office to be incredibly enjoyable. When she enters, she always makes a round to greet all colleagues, wagging her tail enthusiastically and stopping to be petted by those who want to. She knows exactly who to approach for a treat and often chooses her resting place based on who has leftover treats on their desk. We often notice that when someone is feeling frustrated or stuck with their work, Pippa is the first one to sprint over and sit next to them. A hand will usually go over her head, a few deep breaths are taken, and the person can continue working. We see that "playing with Pippa" is often used as a moment of relaxation during the day, and the walking moments provide a great opportunity to share deeper personal things instead of just work-related matters. We also notice that having a dog in the office serves as a great icebreaker for clients and job applicants. It gives them something to talk about right away, which definitely improves the atmosphere.

Quite simply, not everyone is a fan of dogs. And we're not just talking about Pip's character, but also the amount of hair she sheds and the drool that can end up on clean clothes. Since Pippa arrived, our robot vacuum cleaner has been working overtime, the carpet needs to be swept more frequently, and there are cardboard piles in various locations at the end of the day because she loves shredding empty egg cartons. Pip is very good at sensing who is receptive to her greetings and who might be less charmed, but it's definitely something to consider. So far, we don't have anyone in the office who suffers from allergies, but if the perfect candidate comes along and happens to have an allergy, it's something we need to think about.

For us, the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages, but before your company 'fixes' an office dog by tomorrow, it might be wise to mention a few caveats. Not every dog is suitable as an office dog. Pippa is a relaxed, social dog who hardly ever barks, listens well, and gets excited about all the attention she receives. She has plenty of resting spots and has one owner she goes home with at the end of the day and spends weekends with. We consulted a Canine Behavioral Therapist to ensure that it's not just a pleasant place for us, but also for the dog. Finally, we have clear agreements regarding lunch (and the food Pip doesn't get from the table), everyone knows how to send the dog away (if they don't feel like having her around), and we inform visitors that they can expect a dog. Ultimately, a dog is a living being with a unique character and not just a "nice marketing tool" that may potentially contribute to happier employees.

We adore Pippa and enjoy having her happily wagging her tail around the premises. She truly adds something to our sense of well-being at work, all in exchange for an occasional treat or an intense cuddle session. Even though she works part-time and often naps during work hours, we hope she can join us at the office for many years to come.