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Byline: Phil Davis Staff Writer

Corporate America is going to the dogs.

Actually, it's unlikely a canine revolution will sweep the working world because of Friday's first-ever Take Your Dog to Work Day. Dogs are barely allowed in most public parks, let alone corporate office suites.

But quite a few companies have signed on for Pet Sitter International's canine variation of Take Our Daughters to Work Day and a handful of others already have an open-door philosophy toward employees' well-behaved pets. Pet Sitters sponsored the day with the hope that the sight of wagging tails in offices will inspire more people to rescue animals from animal shelters.

The concept of dogs at work may seem a little strange, but it's good policy, according to Herb Tanzer, a retired veterinarian-turned-consultant who travels the country teaching corporate execs how to ``be as nice as dogs.''

``Dogs are probably the most loving creatures on the planet,'' Tanzer said. ``Anything you can have in an office space that is loving is much better than the fearful environments most workplaces tend to be. Bringing dogs into the office is a great excuse for people to play, share and socialize. And we certainly can use some icebreakers in corporate America.''

Obviously, not everyone agrees.

``I work at Paramount, and they won't even let you on the lot with a dog,'' said sitcom writer Jack Herrguth, who was once rebuffed by studio security for trying to bring his pugs, Calvin and Zoe, to his office. ``It's pretty bad. I think it's nice to bring your dog to work.

``It'd be a whole different atmosphere - more laid back.''

Todd Krim likes the idea of taking his dog, Jenni, to work, but he's not sure the energetic canine would fit in with the dark suits and staid decorum at his law firm. ``I think dogs are good for people and vice versa,'' the Hollywood attorney said. ``Assuming the dog is trained and well-behaved, it would be nice. I don't know if it'd be appropriate in an office, but it'd be great if there were outside areas where they could play - like a day-care center.''

Dogs are a big hit where they're allowed. Most of the companies that already allow dogs at the office are in the dog business - Doggie Catcher Pet Seat Belts in Chattanooga, Tenn., for example. Then there are small businesses like the Hearing Health Center in Van Nuys or Hastings La Canada Hardware, where big, friendly mutts like Cassie and Savannah are star attractions.

``She's got her own following,'' said John Hastings, hardware store owner and Savannah's master. ``There's a lot of socializing going on here and she's a big part of it. I think having a dog at work is very calming. If you're getting a little bit wound up, all you have to do is reach over and pet her. It brings you down a little bit.''

Meanwhile, Cassie entertains patients before their hearing aid appointments.

``She's a happy girl and, she makes everyone else happy,'' said Janie Taxman, Hearing Health Center's office manager and Cassie's doting owner.

Over at KACD-FM (103.1) in Santa Monica, Sandy, a purple-tongued Chow mix, spends afternoons lounging at the feet of her owner, disc jockey Nicole Sandler. Sandy's occasional on-air barks - including one loud woof during a live Dave Matthews performance - have made the furry mutt a bit of a celebrity.

``I talk about her all the time,'' Sandler said. ``All the artists love her. She breaks the ice a lot. It can sometimes be awkward when they first come in. But when they see her, they immediately melt.''

Dogs are making inroads at big corporations, too. Dogs are welcome all or most of the time at Xerox Corp.'s Research Center in Palo Alto; Deloitte & Touche in Portland, Ore.; Netscape Communications Corp. in Mountain View; and - yes - even in the outer rings of Hollywood's power circles at the offices of Ridley Scott and Associates.

``It's out of hand. It's a dog farm there,'' said one set decorator who didn't want her name used for fear of reprisals from the dog-loving execs with the power to hire her for their next movie.

Goodwill and canine camaraderie are not the only reasons employers allow dogs into the workplace.

``Because I have (Sandy) here with me, the station gets me longer because I'm not in a rush to get home and walk her or feed her,'' said radio personality Sandler. ``A good dog can add a lot to the workplace.''

Put emphasis on the word ``good.'' A bad dog can reduce an office to anarchy. Imagine a puppy chewing through crucial phone lines, or a co-worker disabled by a fit of pet hair allergies. And, as intriguing as it sounds, it's never good when your dog bites the boss.

``It's not for every office, but I think it's a good idea as long as everyone is prepared to deal with having animals at work,'' said Rose Channer, senior director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Los Angeles (spcaLA). ``If they don't prepare, it's going to be a disaster and they're never going to do it again.''

Channer's puppy - C.D. - is a popular attraction at the spcaLA offices.

``On days when I don't bring him in, I don't get, `Hello, how are you today?' I get, `Where's C.D.?' '' Channer said, laughing.

So, just as boys inevitably crashed Take Our Daughters to Work Day, are cats - even snakes - the next addition to the workplace? Don't bet on it.

``No snakes, thank God,'' said Channer, whose pet-friendly policy extends to most species, including cats. But, she said, cats don't like coming to work.

``Dogs are pack animals,'' Channer explains. ``They love to be part of the group. Cats like to be alone. They like to be in their own environment, and they tend to get a little nervous when they're taken out of it.''

How to be sure you're barking up the right tree

Experts say dogs at work can be a good thing - if basic rules are followed:

Bring only well-behaved, non-aggressive dogs to the office. Nervous dogs, barking dogs and especially ill-tempered dogs should stay home. Chewing dogs can also be a concern in offices with an abundance of cords.

Make sure the animals are current on all shots and are free of pests. An outbreak of fleas in the office will not improve morale or the boss's mood.

Make sure all employees are OK with dogs in the office. Some people are afraid of dogs or are allergic to animal hair.

Think about logistics. How many dogs are coming? Where will they spend most of the day? Where will they go to relieve themselves? Are visitors expected in the office and, if so, what will they think of dogs?

``There are solutions to all these problems,'' says Rose Channer, the senior director of SPCA-LA whose dog, C.D., is a hit in her office. ``It's kind of like baby-proofing your home. You need to dog-proof your office. Plan for it and it can be a great experience.''

- Phil Davis

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Photo, Box

PHOTO John Hastings' dog Savannah is a regular at Hastings La Canada Hardware. Other businesses may permit canine visitors Friday, designated Take Your Dog to Work Day.

John McCoy/Daily News

BOX: How to be sure you're barking up the right tree (See text)