Puppies Please!
Today, February 20, is International Love Your Pet day!
Bella, the Chief Morale Officer at SOS Charging Solutions, also happens to be our pet. We know how beneficial it is having her here with us in the office. We truly enjoy her sweet and calm demeanor, as do many others at our co-workspace. In fact, it's well known that a quick cuddle session with a pup results in the brain releasing oxytocin, and reducing cortisol levels. This translates to fewer feelings of anxiety and more feelings of happiness! And, because we love having her around, we get pumped when we see pets being incorporated into live events.
Here are 3 things to consider when bringing pooches on site:
Environment
Ask yourself, is there enough room for people and puppies? How will potential yips and borks affect your overall event? If the canine cuddlers are either very young or very old, will they need absorbent flooring/turf/pads? Is it too warm? Are the walls high enough for a particularly springy dog?
Dog Choice
We sometimes equate small with sweet. However, depending on where you are sourcing the dogs from, small breeds can be associated with certain issues. Due to their size, smaller dogs may be undertrained and under-exercised. With any dog, aggression issues can be misinterpreted as bad manners at home. When that dog is placed in a confined space with other dogs, trouble will brew. You may want to consider the pup's age as well, opting for older, calmer, dogs. If treats are going to be available, check that none of the pooches have food aggression! Remember - well mannered, properly socialized dogs that have had a chance to exercise prior to coming on-site will be your best choice.
Community
Soloprenuers, small businesses, and not for profits can really benefit from helping you out with this type of activation. Look for an opportunity to highlight the good work that shelters are doing. If you have access to expertly trained therapy dogs, maybe they can join guests in sessions. Perhaps a local dog trainer will volunteer to puppy wrangle for the day in exchange for some social media love. A small-batch dog food producer might just provide gourmet treats!
After you have considered all the above, it’s time to get creative! Here are some favorite ways we have seen dogs brought into events:
Puppy Yoga! Like Goat Yoga but without the sharp hooves.
Selfie Station. Instead of props, provide some sweeties to pose with your guests.
Networking break. Encourage your guests to head to the puppy pit, put down their phones, and meet someone new. Networking can be difficult and stressful. Playing with dogs provides a natural ice breaker.
Heading outdoors into the fresh air and sunshine for a pack walk is the perfect way to reset mentally before the keynote.
Happy hour at a hound friendly pub.
Remember to have lint rollers, hand sanitizer, antihistamines close by, in addition to an SOS Mini Charger to charge up those devices for all the insta-worthy photos that are definitely going to be shared!
Author: Alisha