Work/Dog Issues

[Hi Ho Silver]

I would have done exactly as you did - I've been attacked by a "friendly" pit bull before and it is painful. You might want to remind your boss that since you have informed the powers-that-be about the snarling dog, if the dog does go after someone in the future, the company will probably be liable for damages, etc.

[Tri Girl]

I would have done the same thing! Heck, I was attacked by a sweet, friendly cute little scottish terrier one time. Breed aside- if a dog is aggressive towards people, I think that's a serious issue.


And HOLY MOLY- I want to work where you work!!!! I would LOVE to bring my dog to work!

[OakLeaf]

I agree with you, but I think you should be clear in your words as well as in your head that it has everything to do with the individual dog's behavior and nothing to do with the breed (which actually tends to be safer around humans than many other breeds, but can be animal aggressive). Making it about "pit bulls" is just going to cause people to dig in their heels.

Any dog can be territorial. No dog should be allowed to display territorial behavior in an office setting. Period. The dog needs to know that the space doesn't belong to her/him.

[TsPoet]

It sounds to me like maybe the dog has been there just enough times to consider it "home". My dogs would growl at someone coming into their home, but not otherwise. i wonder if some things could be done to let it know that it doesn't posses that space.
I agree with everyone, that behavior cannot be tolerated, and it's only going to get worse. It would be too bad if the dog rules got changed, but it's better that no dogs are allowed in that that someone, or one of the dogs, got hurt.

[NbyNW]

I would ask the dog's owner if she knows whether there was something you were doing that might have triggered the growling, so you could avoid doing that next time. Or if there's anything you can do to let the dog know you are a friend, like give him a treat.

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. Get creative!

It took us a while to figure out Gordy's triggers when we first got him. He doesn't like fists, but the first time someone held out a closed hand for him to sniff as a greeting, we didn't know that. And it took several instances with different people for us to notice a pattern.

It also took us a while to figure out that the more a new person tries to engage with him, the more uneasy he feels. He always gets ramped up when people come to the door. Now when people come over, we have them give him a treat at the door, and then tell them not to interact with him. No petting, no eye contact, no talking to him. He calms down a lot faster that way, and half an hour later he will be totally unconcerned about the new person. Sometimes he will even cuddle up to them.

Don't know why he is like that, but dogs can be funny that way.

[indysteel]

Out of curiosity, where do you work? If you can't be specific, perhaps just indicate the general setting. As much as I love dogs, when I think of the myriad of dog behaviors and the myriad of dog owners, the lawyer in me cringes as the thought of dogs in the average workplace. Unless there were some well understood rules and expectations, along with a clear understanding of the potential liabilities, I just think there's too much room for problems. The mere fact that your concerns were brushed off suggests to me that your workplace hasn't given it as much thought as necessary.

[Susan Otcenas]

What about the people who are allergic? I'm allergic to dogs and it bugs me to no end when workplaces, stores, etc., allow animals to be in those areas.

[OakLeaf]

Naw, that's a completely unrelated issue, and I disagree anyway.

I'm allergic to pollen and mold (severely allergic to some species, and either of those is more common than pet allergies) - should a workplace be required to install HEPA filtration and seal the windows? The only thing that sends me straight into an asthma attack is feathers. I'd be really happy if hotels weren't allowed to stock feather pillows and comforters, but I'm not sure I think that ought to be the law, and what about department stores that sell those things?

[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.

[Crankin]

After reading this thread, I am glad I don't work at your workplace.
I don't like dogs, or any animals much and if I had to deal with this, it would be frightening to me.
One of my clients has a pit pull that is usually crated when I come. They have another dog, too. A couple of weeks ago, the pit bull was out and when I came in, it jumped on me. I almost fell... I was so pissed, told them I couldn't come back, if the dog was not in the cage.
I really don't understand how any employer could allow animals in the workplace. It would be a hostile environment for me.

[Dogmama]

After reading this thread, I am glad I don't work at your workplace.
I don't like dogs, or any animals much and if I had to deal with this, it would be frightening to me.

I really don't understand how any employer could allow animals in the workplace. It would be a hostile environment for me.

As much as I LOVE dogs & all animals, I think Crankin's perspective should be respected. When I'm walking my German Shepherd, or we're in a dog friendly store, I'm always respectful of other peoples' fears. We will move off of the sidewalk or go down another aisle.

Not everybody loves animals. Screaming kids make my blood pressure soar.