Ten Dos and Donts" for Take Your Dog to Work Day: Friday, June 20, 2003

Dr. Cookie" shares her expertise on integrating dogs into the workplace. This year marks the fifth anniversary of Take Your Dog To Work Day on Friday, June 20, sponsored by Pet Sitters International.

Dr. Stefanie Schwartz, veterinarian and veterinary behavior consultant known as Dr. Cookie", shares her expertise on integrating dogs into the workplace. This year marks the fifth anniversary of Take Your Dog To Work Day on Friday, June 20, sponsored by Pet Sitters International.

Dr. Stefanie Schwartz known as Dr. Cookie" by many of her clients due to her tendency to spoil her patients with pet treats (to reinforce desirable behavior, of course!) has nearly 20 years experience in veterinary behavior practice.

1. Do make sure that your dog is reliably responsive to basic obedience commands (‘Sit/down/come/heel/stay-Good Dog!); it's important to know that your dog will be controllable even in an uncontrollable environment. After all, you do want to have a job to come back to on the day after Take Your Dog to Work Day!

2. Do make sure that your dog is socialized to all sorts of people from a young age. Dogs are most sensitive to forming lasting impressions of people and other dogs between the ages of 6 to 13 weeks, so you could start preparing your pup for next years Take Your Dog to Work Day now!

3. Do bring a blanket or portable pet carrier so your dog will have a spot to stay in that is out of the way of other workers but still close to you.

4. Do bring a water bowl, some dog biscuits, your dog's favorite toy, and a bone to keep your dog entertained while you work.

5. Do ask your boss' permission to bring your dog in! Make sure to bring your dog out for a breath of air periodically throughout the day, and don't forget to bring baggies to clean up after him!

1. Don't bring your dog to work if a co-worker is allergic to dogs, or is truly afraid of them; one day with your dog is not worth ruining your work relationships.

2. Don't allow your dog to wander about without you; dogs can behave aggressively toward strangers and can be more anxious in an unfamiliar place.

3. Don't forget to pet proof your office. You might need to move your wastebasket to a shelf or on your desk, and beware of puppies that chew on electric cords and cables!

4. Don't allow your dog to jump on anyone, even if it looks like a friendly greeting. This is a very dominant way to say 'hello', and your dog should learn to 'sit/stay' to meet anyone.

5. Don't get Take Your Dog to Work Day confused with Take Your Cat to Work Day!!!

ABOUT DR. COOKIE
Dr. Stefanie Schwartz (also known as Dr. Cookie), veterinarian and veterinary behavior consultant since 1984, offers guidance and support to bewildered, frustrated & outraged pet owners. Veterinary medicine, like human medicine, is becoming increasingly specialized. Veterinary behavior is the equivalent of psychiatry, and goes far above and beyond basic obedience training.

Dr. Schwartz, known as "Dr. Cookie" by many of her clients due to her tendency to spoil her patients with pet treats, is so strongly associated with this endearing nickname that Dr. Cookie is now her trademark. The award-winning author of many books, book chapters, and dozens of scientific journal articles, Dr. Schwartz continues to contribute new knowledge to the field of veterinary behavior. Her goal is to preserve and enrich the bond between pet and owner by resolving undesirable behavior patterns in companion animals. Dr. Schwartz treats dogs and cats primarily, but also is successful with pet rabbits, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, ferrets, captive wild animals, horses, farm animals and birds. Dr. Schwartz is Director of Behavior Services at VCA South Shore Animal Hospital in Weymouth, MA. She is also Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine of Tufts University and active in many professional organizations. Additionally, Dr. Schwartz is the veterinary behavior consultant to Antech Laboratories, a national veterinary laboratory headquartered in California that offers specialty consults to practicing veterinarians nationwide. For more information about Dr. Schwartz, pet behavior or her latest books, visit her website at www.dr-cookie.com.

Note to Editor –

For Jpegs of Dr. Cookie with pets, or to make arrangements for a phone briefing, please contact Steve Dubin, sdubin@prworkzone.com, (781) 878-9533.