Training Your Dog for the Office: Essential Commands for a Calm Workplace Pup

Heading into the workplace with your dog sounds like a dream, right? But a well-behaved office dog takes more than puppy dog eyes—it takes the right training. Whether you're bringing your pup into a dog-friendly office in Auckland or a co-working space in Christchurch, it’s important to ensure they’re confident, calm, and well-mannered around new people, sounds and smells. In this guide, we’ll cover the must-know office dog commands to help your four-legged colleague succeed. Because at Petdirect, we get pet—and we know that with the right prep, every pup can be the star of the office.

Why Office Training Matters

Office life is full of surprises: the elevator dings, people pop by your desk frequently, and there are plenty of tempting lunch smells wafting about. For your dog, this can be both exciting and overwhelming. Proper training not only helps your pup settle in and stay safe, but it also ensures they’re a respectful and welcome guest in your workplace.

Training your dog with helpful cues lets you prevent unwanted behaviours—like jumping up on co-workers or begging during meetings—and gives them tools to feel confident in unfamiliar environments.

Key Commands Every Office Dog Should Master

Here's a list of essential commands that can help your dog behave like a true professional in any setting:

• “Sit” and “Stay” – Great for encouraging patience when colleagues visit or when you're busy at your desk.
• “Down” – Helps them settle calmly at your feet or in their office bed.
• “Leave it” – Vital for ignoring co-worker snacks, dropped food or stationery.
• “Come” – Useful for calling them back if they wander to another cubicle or desk.
• “Quiet” – Ideal for curbing chatty barking during a Zoom call!

You can reinforce these commands using training and reward treats that are healthy, bite-sized, and easy to give during quick sessions.

Creating The Perfect Office Setup

Your desk might be your sanctuary, and now it’s your pup’s too! Set them up with a comfy dog bed, access to fresh water (a dog fountain helps with hydration), and a safe chew toy or plush companion. A pet mat or crate also gives them a clear space to relax and enjoy downtime.

Bonus tip: bringing along a calming aid or supplement can help soothe anxious pups adjusting to their new "office hours."

Managing Distractions And Breaks

Let’s face it—the office floor has plenty of distractions. Regular toilet breaks and short outdoor walks can help reset your dog’s focus and energy. Consider using dog training accessories like clickers or head collars to reinforce good walking behaviour during these outings.

Rather than letting your dog roam, keep them close with a comfy harness and lead. This adds an extra layer of control and comfort while ensuring they're safely by your side.

Rewarding Good Behaviour—The Right Way

Positive reinforcement works wonders. Stock up on healthy treats your dog loves, and offer them whenever your pup responds well to a command or stays calmly by your desk. You’ll make their office experience easy and enjoyable, while also helping those behaviours stick.

And if your dog has food sensitivities or dietary needs, we’ve got science-backed nutritional options to keep treat time tail-waggingly safe.

Setting Boundaries With Co-Workers

It’s tempting for colleagues to shower your pup with pats and playful distractions, but clear boundaries make for a better pup experience. Let your team know the important commands to use, and chat with them about how and when it’s ok to interact with your dog—especially during rest times.

Final Thoughts: Ready To Go Pro?

With just a bit of training and structure, your dog can be both a cherished companion and the team's favourite “pawffice” pal. Start simple, stay consistent, and always reward the wins—big and small.

At Petdirect, we get pet, which is why we offer the best puppy and dog training essentials and calming aids to help your dog thrive in every new environment—including the office. Plus, earn rewards with our Pet Perks programme and stack up Airpoints with every order! If you're ready to train your dog for success, we're here to help every step of the paw-print-covered way.