The recruitment industry is full of shaggy dog stories - but one canine experiment by a Bradford agency is proving so successful that it may now be rolled out to clients.

Rupert is proving a real hit as the newest member of the team at Relay Recruitment, where staff are encouraged to talk to, walk and generally pet the 15-month-old cocker spaniel as part of an innovative 'dogshare' scheme.

The firm brought Rupert (pictured with payroll supervisor Rachael Ince) into the workplace after US research claimed that interaction with animals can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and generally improve well-being.

But the scheme has had such an impact in the last two months that Relay is devising a dogshare scheme that can be passed on to clients as part of a package of measures for larger employers.

Since Rupert was introduced to the office, anecdotal evidence suggests an improvement in wellbeing and an upturn in productivity.

Managing director Steven Street says Rupert is proving to be so popular that there's now a long waiting list to book the animal for an overnight stay.

A spokesman for animal welfare body the RSPCA said: “On the face of it, it seems like a good idea. But it could confuse the dog if he ends up going to too many different people and he doesn't get into a routine.”