Lessons from my Canine Co-worker

Currently, my co-worker is scratching himself rather loudly while waiting to bark at the postman.

Don’t worry, I’m not sharing my office with a madman, just a 9-month-old puppy!

I guess this is what working life looks like for many of us now. Stan Lee (the pooch in question) is often the only one to hear my questions, put up with my occasional rants or to sympathise with me when I get overwhelmed. His massive furry head will suddenly appear in my lap and I feel inexplicably better.

Let’s face it, communication with a dog is never straightforward but there are some lessons to be learnt about sharing my workspace with my fluffy friend:

1. Persistence Pays Off

Stan is nothing if not determined. If I put a beloved toy or bone out of reach? He’ll literally move furniture in order to access it. When he doesn’t want to be stuck in the kitchen, he’ll butt the door until it opens.

So, when I run into problems that mess with my mindset and seem impossible to overcome—whether it’s a deadline that feels way too tight or a project that’s far too overwhelming - my ever-persistent pup serves as a constant reminder that I’ll find a way around anything—as long as I just keep trying (by the way, Stan did eventually get the bone off of my desk).

 2. Let Go to Move On

Let’s be clear, Stan really gets worked up about the small things. A delivery on the doorstep accompanied by a ring of the doorbell clearly signifies the end of the world for him. Dinner being 5 minutes late is cause for a total breakdown.

But after he’s barked and sprinted around like a mad thing for two minutes? He curls back up, closes his eyes, and resumes his snoring like nothing ever happened.

For someone like me who ruminates for England and can hold onto things for ever, that concept seems so foreign.

My dog? He inspires me to just let things go—at least until the doorbell rings again.

3. It’s OK to Take Time Out

My accountability buddy will tell you that I’ve never been great at taking breaks from my work. Pressing pause on my to-do list and stepping away from my desk always leaves me feeling guilt-ridden and lazy.

However, there’s nothing like a dog dozing in the afternoon sun to remind you of the fact that a little self-care is important every now and then.

Plus, a mid-day walk is just the ticket to force me to take some much-needed time away.

4. People Aren’t Mind Readers

Obviously, my dog and I can’t communicate in the same way. This doesn’t mean we can’t communicate at all though. In fact, my furrball is one of the most direct and honest conversationalists I’ve ever interacted with.

If Stan wants a chest rub? He sits in front of me with his chin up and head back in a really pathetic way so that there’s no mistaking what he’s looking for. When he wants a bite of whatever I’m eating, he just sits there and stares at my food with his tongue lolling out.

Is it a pain? Kind of, but it also reminds me that nobody is a mind reader. If you want something, whether it’s a promotion, a recommendation, or even a belly rub, you need to ask clearly for what you want. After all, most people are not mind readers.

 5. The Power of a Sense of Humour

Sometimes Stan gets a bit bored, and, like any toddler, he wants attention. He demands this attention by either barking, whining, or making a noise that sounds like talking. This is fine when I’m just writing or planning but, when it happens just as I’m about to deliver my 60 seconds in my BNI meeting or when I’m in the middle of a hypnotic induction, it’s not so fine!

I’ve learnt that introducing Stan as my co-worker and managing expectations helps to manage this to a certain extent, but the best tool is a sense of humour. People find his ways funny and it’s often a great icebreaker.

I’ve also learnt that I really need to pop him in the kitchen with a selection of toys and a peanut butter filled Kong when I’m planning hypnosis or Time Line Therapy? interventions!

I am always happy to talk through how I can help you, whether you have a pooch or not! Just get in touch.

Caro x