When Nemo arrived in my life, about 6 years ago, one of the most important things for me was to get a sweet, calm dog who could come with me to work and be part of my everyday life.
With a life that is a lot on the go, in different offices and a good 40,000 km per year by car, it was of course a pretty significant part of his life from the very beginning, to get him used to the fact that every day was very different. In fact, I think we were already out driving on day 2 or 3 and going to a small convention to see a stand.
I knew Nemo's mother quite well beforehand, and knew how good she was at just hanging out, fooling around, and having fun with all the people she met on her way.
So I was convinced that it would be no problem to get my over-energetic puppy to imitate the good example.
However, it turned out to be his thing from the beginning... Nemo thought that the whole world was basically a big playground that was only created to entertain him.
And with a dog who is a master at charming himself, it became quite a test to teach him that being in an office meant lying still and quiet and not constantly rolling around.
At one of my largest clients (which was a pet chain), there were always piles of snacks and toys, so it took a lot to maintain the rules that calm behavior was something that was standard at work (especially for my colleagues too)...
For the first few years, Bandit was tied to a table leg on a leash and laid on a blanket with a snack to make him relax when we arrived at the office.
Just like his environmental training in the first years, everyday life was full of elevator visits, photo studios, inner Copenhagen, hotels, ferries, car trips and a multitude of different people...
And yes – I was actually a bit strict back then, also because I didn't think my dog should unnecessarily take up space on my clients' premises.
So when we had meetings, I tried my best to ensure that the dog didn't get too much attention.
Here, 6 years later, it has gone as it has with many other good intentions (e.g. that the dog doesn't sleep in the bed...)
Many of my clients LOVE when Nemo is on tour. And there are no limits to what they can dish up in terms of water bowls, snacks and entertainment, and what free passes he has.
And yes - I've become so much more loose, because yes, we are a team, Nemo and I, and he's the closest thing I have to a partner (even though he probably thinks he's the Boss).
So when he wakes up from his nap and jumps onto your lap during a big meeting, after which everyone laughs loudly - he sits there and enjoys himself very contentedly (probably super aware that he is the one who also became the center of attention today).
Fortunately, today he often just lies down after a short walk and enjoys just being with us – and I pat myself on the back for how easy it has become compared to before.
Of course, there are "Nemo breaks" included on the long trips, so that we get to see Denmark's many beaches - of which Nyborg at sunrise has become our favorite.
And those are definitely my favorite days when we're on adventures together. Having a little chat in the car, seeing a forest or beach on the way between meetings - there's nothing that beats quality time and experiences with your dog like that - experiences and places that only he and I share.
And there's nothing like a dog to spread good vibes wherever you go.
Everything is a little more informal and relaxed, and everyday life becomes just a little more pleasant – for both 2- and 4-gangs.
Behind the week's blog:
The author behind this week's DogCoach blog is Linn Radsted.
Linn is an independent consultant and serial entrepreneur of 8 years and has a Jack Russell terrier, Nemo, who is almost 6 years old, who is currently primarily a companion dog.
In addition to other projects, she is the founder and owner of DogCoach.
Taking the dog to work
With a life that is a lot on the go, in different offices and a good 40,000 km per year by car, it was of course a pretty significant part of his life from the very beginning, to get him used to the fact that every day was very different. In fact, I think we were already out driving on day 2 or 3 and going to a small convention to see a stand.
I knew Nemo's mother quite well beforehand, and knew how good she was at just hanging out, fooling around, and having fun with all the people she met on her way.
So I was convinced that it would be no problem to get my over-energetic puppy to imitate the good example.
However, it turned out to be his thing from the beginning... Nemo thought that the whole world was basically a big playground that was only created to entertain him.
And with a dog who is a master at charming himself, it became quite a test to teach him that being in an office meant lying still and quiet and not constantly rolling around.
At one of my largest clients (which was a pet chain), there were always piles of snacks and toys, so it took a lot to maintain the rules that calm behavior was something that was standard at work (especially for my colleagues too)...
For the first few years, Bandit was tied to a table leg on a leash and laid on a blanket with a snack to make him relax when we arrived at the office.
Just like his environmental training in the first years, everyday life was full of elevator visits, photo studios, inner Copenhagen, hotels, ferries, car trips and a multitude of different people...
And yes – I was actually a bit strict back then, also because I didn't think my dog should unnecessarily take up space on my clients' premises.
So when we had meetings, I tried my best to ensure that the dog didn't get too much attention.
Here, 6 years later, it has gone as it has with many other good intentions (e.g. that the dog doesn't sleep in the bed...)
Many of my clients LOVE when Nemo is on tour. And there are no limits to what they can dish up in terms of water bowls, snacks and entertainment, and what free passes he has.
And yes - I've become so much more loose, because yes, we are a team, Nemo and I, and he's the closest thing I have to a partner (even though he probably thinks he's the Boss).
So when he wakes up from his nap and jumps onto your lap during a big meeting, after which everyone laughs loudly - he sits there and enjoys himself very contentedly (probably super aware that he is the one who also became the center of attention today).
Fortunately, today he often just lies down after a short walk and enjoys just being with us – and I pat myself on the back for how easy it has become compared to before.
Of course, there are "Nemo breaks" included on the long trips, so that we get to see Denmark's many beaches - of which Nyborg at sunrise has become our favorite.
And those are definitely my favorite days when we're on adventures together. Having a little chat in the car, seeing a forest or beach on the way between meetings - there's nothing that beats quality time and experiences with your dog like that - experiences and places that only he and I share.
And there's nothing like a dog to spread good vibes wherever you go.
Everything is a little more informal and relaxed, and everyday life becomes just a little more pleasant – for both 2- and 4-gangs.
Behind the week's blog:
The author behind this week's DogCoach blog is Linn Radsted.
Linn is an independent consultant and serial entrepreneur of 8 years and has a Jack Russell terrier, Nemo, who is almost 6 years old, who is currently primarily a companion dog.
In addition to other projects, she is the founder and owner of DogCoach.