Work/Dog Issues

[indysteel]

But see, that's my point. As an employer, you can't simply allow dogs at work and leave it that. There have to be parameters, e.g., if a dog shows signs of aggression, then it's no longer welcome, at least not without some professional training. I wonder what your employer's insurer has to say about it. If your employer doesn't have established policies for the dogs and their owners, then I think you're bound to have some problems with no clear way to resolve them.

[shootingstar]

But see, that's my point. As an employer, you can't simply allow dogs at work and leave it that. There have to be parameters, e.g., if a dog shows signs of aggression, then it's no longer welcome, at least not without some professional training. I wonder what your employer's insurer has to say about it. If your employer doesn't have established policies for the dogs and their owners, then I think you're bound to have some problems with no clear way to resolve them.

Indy makes a good point.

It might be useful for you to objectively suggest a change..if there is anything in even an email by employer to allow pet dogs. To start this way before identifying a particular dog that someone loves, but could become aggressive.

[Trek-chick]

But see, that's my point. As an employer, you can't simply allow dogs at work and leave it that. There have to be parameters, e.g., if a dog shows signs of aggression, then it's no longer welcome, at least not without some professional training. I wonder what your employer's insurer has to say about it. If your employer doesn't have established policies for the dogs and their owners, then I think you're bound to have some problems with no clear way to resolve them.

I totally agree. Even some employees have mentioned having a dog sign up sheet or something to that effect. Personally, I will not even bring either of my dogs in anymore. Who knows how up to date each person keeps their pets shots etc. I know mine are up to date always but, that's another issue that may need to be addressed.

[rubysoho]

Where I work we have summer camps, including a dog camp. There is a first-strike policy and a dog showing aggression to another dog or human is immediately sent home. (But in this situation we are dealing with other people's children!)

One co-worker brings her dog on occasion. She is in a less frequented office, certainly not an office where the public visits. Her dog bite another co-worker and so the dog has very limited privileges like she cannot be left alone uncrated, stays on a leash in the office, etc...

I can't imagine the higher-ups not responding to a dog growling at a person after having already "attacked" another dog (was the pittie really the aggressor or was the pittie responding to an aggressive dog?). How does that other dog owner feel? Policies need to be in place to fairly handle these situations.

[Trek-chick]

I can't imagine the higher-ups not responding to a dog growling at a person after having already "attacked" another dog (was the pittie really the aggressor or was the pittie responding to an aggressive dog?). How does that other dog owner feel? Policies need to be in place to fairly handle these situations.

The Pit was definitely the aggressor...the other dog was being bit and yelping....and I am still trying to figure out why everyone even the owner of the atacked dog was so nochalant about the whole event. Reason number 2 why my dogs now stay at home.

[rubysoho]

The Pit was definitely the aggressor...the other dog was being bit and yelping....and I am still trying to figure out why everyone even the owner of the atacked dog was so nochalant about the whole event. Reason number 2 why my dogs now stay at home.

Yes, the other dog was being bitten and yelping but my question was more trying to figure out if this was something that was unprovoked or if the "victim" had tried to express dominance or aggressive posturing only to find out the pittie wouldn't back down. Yelping is dramatic but it doesn't necessarily mean anything more than "I give up." It certainly can indicate fear and pain though.

How were the dogs separated? By voice alone or a loud noise? Did people have to drag the pittie off the other dog? I've seen unprovoked violence in dogs and generally there is damage done (they know how hard to bite). But it starts small, like a puncture wound. If there was no physical harm and the dog was called off by voice or little intervention it might be a onetime deal. I'd still be weary and now is a good time to come up with office guidelines.

[Irulan]

Sounds like you need to talk to HR.

[NbyNW]

IMHO a guard dog, if trained properly, should be able to stand down on command.

[Trek-chick]

To answer rubysoho,

I understand what you are saying and I do realize dogs need to work out their pecking order in group situations...it's how they operate.

IMO the dog is being territorial now and protecting it's owner. I just do not trust the dog now.

[rubysoho]

If the owner wasn't correcting the dog (and correcting doesn't mean punish, imo) then I certainly wouldn't trust the dog either! Actually, I wouldn't trust the dog regardless of the owner's reaction.

[Dogmama]

IMHO a guard dog, if trained properly, should be able to stand down on command.

+1

I echo Irulan. I'd talk to HR.

[Biciclista]

the mention of this dog being a pitbull IS valid because of laws in various states regarding them and insurance liability issues.
A growling dog (pit bull, chihuahua, great dane) is not appropriate in the workplace. The owner should have instantly corrected the dog and the boss should have put sanctions on this dog. If I were the one growled at, I might be afraid to go into that room again and be reluctant to perform my job duties.
having dogs at your office is just dandy, but not when it interferes with safety and morale.
I am not a dog person, this would not work for me.

[Velocivixen]

If I were the owner and witnessed my own dog biting another dog or growling at a co-worker I would be conscientious enough to recognize that my dog doesn't do well in that setting and make other plans. The owner of the dog needs to deal with the situation. It's part of being a responsible pet owner (yes, I do know that many pet owners are not responsible).

[NbyNW]

Trek-chick, where IS the owner in all of this? Was she even in the room when the growling occurred? Did she address the dog's behavior? Did you discuss it with her?

[TREKSTRONG]

Ultimately, his good behavior is his owner's responsibility, but as long as you need to be going into that space, it might be helpful to talk about how you can get along with the dog. Maybe invite her to bring him to your part of the office for a visit, so he can get to know you in a different setting.

I agree, and the dog owner must take control the minute that dog starts to growl. That behavior has to be addressed the instant he acts out in that manner. She has to be the 'Pack Leader', and take control of the situation so that the dog knows that he doesn't have to be the protector of his owner - the pack leader has that role.

Once the dog knows that it is not his job to protect because his owner has it under control he will be able to let his guard down so to speak and allow himself to relax. Dog's know when their 'pack leader' is vulnerable and will protect when it's absolutely necessary.