Objective opinion needed- dogs in the workplace

[walden]

Wow, thanks everyone for your responses. I guess I should have explained the snapping incidents a little better. In knowing full well that my pug loves to greet other dogs while off leach, I kept her on a leash each time she was near the lab. His snapping came at points when she was merely walking by(i.e. entering through the door from a walk). She's also brought him into our office (I sit with multiple people, with a baby gate blocking the door), after two snapping & growling incidents.

It's a really tough situation, as my coworker takes great offense to coordinating our dog schedules. There are some deep-rooted issues with her not liking my dog (talking bad about her to other coworkers, who happen to love my pup). She's a general office bully.

As others have stated, maybe the office is no place for a dog, but prior to this new one coming in, there were zero issues for two years.

I won't be bringing my pup in anymore, as long as this other dog is around. Her safety is my #1 priority, even if the situation is really not fair.

Thanks for letting me vent.

This makes the situation much clearer. Thanks! No it really isn't fair, but office bullies get away with a lot, and your dog's safety is the priority. You should leave her home for the time being.

So your poor little Pug was just walking past him on her leash minding her own business and he snapped at her? Now it is possible for dogs to take an instant seemingly irrational (to humans) dislike to one another, but it really sounds like the Lab and his owner are the ones with the issues here! She brought him into your dog's space (behind your baby gate) after 2 snapping incidents? Good grief. She is an idiot!

As to pet friendly offices, a surprising number of companies now allow pets. There is research out there that indicates having dogs at work increases productivity, lowers people's blood pressure, increases willingness to work over-time, and is very good for general morale. But only if all the employees like dogs!

 

[sbell111]

Pugs are weird looking. Maybe he just freaked the lab out.

 

[hugApug]

Pugs are weird looking. Maybe he just freaked the lab out.

Pugs are pretty common in the bay area, so I'd have to disagree.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think common sense dictates that dogs need to be well behaved and unobtrusive if they're going to be part of an office environment.

I think if the lab has the potential to growl or snap, a) it might not be right for that environment and b) if it does go to the office it needs to be safely contained and the owner needs to be respectful of other people and other dogs - AT MINIMUM.

I also think that your pug, while small and probably very cute, may also probably be considered an instigator, even if it's unintended. Hyper dogs often illicit a negative response in other dogs, who don't like it one bit. Knowing you have this type of dog, you are also responsible for containing your dog and not have it bother other dogs or other people.

These are things that need to be followed regardless of the snapping incident, but especially because of it.

If it were me and the pug were mine, I'd still bring it to work but I'd be sure it was either crated or blocked off and the dog would ONLY be around others as I allowed and when I was right there to oversee and correct (or protect), as needed, immediately. If lab lady still let her dog wander around with no restraint, I'd probably have to find a new job.

If I was the lab lady, I'd be very careful. I feel sorry for the trauma the dog's been through, but I'd be extremely careful of the dog being around others where it's snapping as it stands right now. IMO she should not be complacent to the fact that her dog could hurt someone or something given the right circumstances. She needs to contain the dog and protect it and others. Elementary, you'd think.

 

[Hercules10]

I'd suggest to C.Y.A. by putting in writing (to management) your concerns of an aggressive dog. If it snaps/growls at other dogs who's to say it won't take out a chunk of a co-worker and then there would be severe liability issues.