Work/Dog Issues

[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?

[VeganBikeChick]

What if you're not a dog-lover?

[NbyNW]

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?

Not to get too off-topic, but here's what OSHA says about indoor air quality and building ventilation. Basically, standards and regulation may vary depending on geography.

[Dogmama]

I wonder if other people have had the dog growl at them? I'm not a lawyer, but I think management has assumed a huge liability when they did not take action on your behalf. And no, I would not enter a room with that dog. Obviously, its owner does not have control of the dog.

[Velocivixen]

Comparing dog allergies to air/pollen allergies doesn't make sense. People don't have to bring their dogs to work, but you do have to breathe communal air. I like dogs, but think it's sort of wacky to bring them to work unlless they're service dogs. Just don't see any point to it. Heck if you can bring your dog can I bring my cat? My reptile?
I used to work in a hospital so obviously pets weren't allowed. I'd rather the boss let us have ping pong tables and an espresso machine! Lol.

[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.

[NbyNW]

Very well said, Dogmama. This is actually something I have a hard time explaining to DH, about how some people are just afraid of dogs and that what some people view as "friendly" dog behavior is very frightening to others. And that it's really not appropriate for Gordy to trot up to anyone to sniff them hello unless they have indicated through words or body language that it is welcome.

[Crankin]

Thanks for understanding this. With so many animal lovers, I distinctly feel like a minority, but I know I am not the only one.
+1 Dogmama on the screaming kids. I felt this way even when I had screaming kids! This is why my kids had babysitters, or if they were out with us and started acting up, they were removed from the scene quickly.
I spent a lot of time in restaurant vestibules.

[Kiwi Stoker]

Some places in which I know people can take their dogs/pets to work.

Vet
Animal Shelter
Pet Food company or pet toy/related materials company

However I would believe it should be up to the nature of the dog. My old boss takes his little fluffy dashound to work with him but this dog is so small, no one minds. He simply wanders around and curls up on his dog bed all day. I certainly however wouldn't be happy to meet a medium to large sized dog inside an office unless the dog was very old and slept all day.

I know of a bookshop cat. The shop had a number of cat beds (including the front window) which the cat slept in most of the day. When the shop was sold to a new owner the cat went with the bookshop. Customers knew that a cat lived there and actually asked for him.