Introducing Sheldon our office dog - not many will have seen him but I'm sure most of you will have heard him!! (he tends to bark a lot)

You may think that having a dog in the workplace might be a bit of a nightmare (and in Sheldon's case it sometimes is) but there are more pro's than con's to having a furry friend at work

Taking your dog to work is now more popular than ever. Some schools are even implementing therapy dogs in order to help children feel more comfortable in the classroom - however this wouldn't be suitable for Sheldon (he likes who he knows but tends to dislike anyone else shall we say)

Below I run through my top five reasons for introducing a pet into the workplace

1) Pets can reduce mental health issues

We can all feel "under pressure" in the office and we should all be encouraged to take a time out. It is scientifically proven that a pet can reduce a whole host of mental health issues such as anxiety, stress and depression

2) Calming worries

You could be in a room full of people talking to you and yet you can still feel worried. A pet in the office can certainly help with this. They provide a calming energy for you just when you want to get away from your worries. Dogs don't chat back or offer advice they simply sit and wait for you (In Sheldon's case he normally sits and waits for a biscuit)

3) Encourages exercise

This mainly applies to me in our office as I am the one that takes him for his walks. But in general having a dog means that you can take a break from your desk and have a walk outside. Did you know that having a dog can improve your cardiovascular health too? Well now you do

4) Improves moods and team bonding

Bringing a dog into the office brings people together. For example when a new member of staff arrives it can be awkward to strike up a conversation, simply add a dog into the equation and you immediately use the pet as a topic of conversation and more often than not the new person will get involved 

5) Safety and Security

This probably goes without saying but dogs can provide you with a feeling of being safe. With Sheldon in mind he barks at the postman, DPD driver, next doors staff, next doors dogs, a motorbike passing, and basically anything that he sees or makes a noise!!!! 

Pets don't always get the credit they deserve but they are always there when we need them - so after reading this if you have a pet go and show them some love!!! - As for me I'm off for a walk with my furry friend