Dogs in the office

I’m not a huge dog fan but approved for my office building to be allowed dogs recently. Typically there are a lot of requirements for the specific dog to come in and it’s one dog per day. They usually quietly sleep under their owner’s desk and behave.

I would love to have dogs in the office, we do not allow them at work because: The public have access to the building as well as other staff who may be allergic, phobic etc. Also someone would need to "police" the dogs health. No-one wants fleas bringing in or an unvaccinated dog passing serious illness to other dogs. I think it would require a lengthy risk assessment and "petiquette" (love that!) agreement.

We used to have an office dog. It was the owners dog and she was so well behaved and sweet. We were all gutted when that old lady passed away. When they told me on induction day I was elated.

I don't like dogs much. When i worked in an office where people brought their dogs, i loved it. No idea why.

It's really, really uncommon for an office to have dogs.

I worked in one office that allowed dogs. He would wander around and get attention from anybody. Definitely a plus point for me, was always a good day when the dog when there.

Totally agree with this. I wouldn't expect to bring my cat in to work with me so no need for dogs to be there, apart from genuine assistance dogs obviously.

I just don't think I'd get any work done with dogs around. I'd be spending far too much time giving them fusses.

I had one job which involved making visits and teaching people in their homes. I forgot this till now but the clients often had dogs and I got in the habit of taking treats in my handbag for them. It was a really sweet part of an otherwise difficult job and it REALLY helped me build rapport with the clients.

YANBU

I’m thinking ahead to my late-teen dc having to negotiate this hurdle when job hunting. They’re massively allergic 😢

My manager used to bring his dog in. Very strick with it, wasn't allowed near our work space.
It did tip my tights a few times when I was near it.
I am a massive dog fan, but it wasn't the best at work to be honest.

My colleague brings her dog in most days. She says hello and then just lies on her bed or plays quietly with a toy and then goes out with owner for lunch where on return has a quick hello then goes back to being a good girl

I like dogs, and have my own, but am not overly bothered in a working environment. The only bother is the occasional fart, tbh.

If she was a boisterous dog who wouldn’t calm down she wouldn’t be invited.

And the dogs fighting, growling and going for each other

Oh yes and weeing over the floor, I used to just step over it then let the owner know, but I'd be tutted at as I didn't volunteer to clean it up of her owner was in a meeting

I've worked in 2 dog friendly offices. First 1 dog a day was allowed in and in one room only. The owner had to book in in advance so no more than one turned up. This was fine and unless I sought out the dog I'd never have seen it
The other was awful. Anyone allowed to bring them in. There was always at least 3 regulars and normally a few more ad-hoc ones.
None were on leads. They barked whilst you were trying to have calls. They smelt disgusting (rolling around in crap or nervous farting). They sniffed and tried to eat anything on the floor so shoes/handbags
I don't mind dogs but they just had no control over it

I can't imagine it's much fun for the dogs. Don't they get bored? I'm not a dog owner so not certain about this.
Also it's a quiet way of putting Muslims off applying to work there so no hugely inclusive or culturally aware.

I would not even consider working in an environment where there were dogs slobbering all over the place.

I used to work in an office where there were two dogs. It wasn't 'intrusive' - it's not like the dogs are reading your emails. They just snoozed on their beds in the corner most of the time or pottered around the room. I like dogs so I used to make a fuss of them. The people who weren't into dogs just ignored them.

We had one colleague on a temporary contract who was openly annoyed by their very presence and would constantly tut and say 'Eww, shoo!' whenever they went within about six feet of her (she did know there would be dogs in the office when she took the job). We didn't renew her contract as she was a very difficult and rather overbearing woman who annoyed everyone, though, so I never got to witness how she'd have coped longer-term with the dog thing.

If you're already having misgivings at the interview stage, my guess is that you really aren't a great fit for this office environment. There's nothing wrong with you not wanting to work in an office with dogs, and there's nothing wrong with an office that allows dogs - you and this office just aren't right for each other, that's all. There was a thread on here recently where someone didn't like working in an office where they had a radio on all the time - same applies. This just isn't an office environment that's right for you.

I worked in a dog friendly office & a colleague would bring in his little dog who, without fail would always choose underneath my desk to shit or throw up under if if wasn't very well.

That said, it was quite nice to have the little fella about.

Why go to the interview if it's something your against?

If I were able to take my dog to work, I would understand that not everyone likes dogs, and couldn’t care less if you didn’t even acknowledge it, never mind fuss it. The reason I wouldn’t take my dog even if I could is because she isnt of the right character- over friendly and I know she would annoy and distract. It’s the dog owners who don’t recognise this sort of aspect that are problematic but you’d hope a good dog policy would cover it.

As a starter - I love dogs and feel comfortable around most breeds. I worked in a ‘dog friendly’ office for a bit - ie a director brought their big collie dog in and no one could say no. It was really unpopular with everyone else - the dog would wander round the office and up to peoples desks. The office would also really smell of wet dog after the owner had walked them in when it was raining and then again on a wet lunchtime. We were also expected to keep an eye on the dog when the director had meetings. Lots of the team had dogs of their own and never brought them in - they didn’t like it either and recognised how disruptive it was. HR was glad when the owner got a new job and a no dogs in office policy was swiftly brought in!

There are dogs that are well behaved, and those who are not. Makes a difference.

If you are to approach it at interview, perhaps ask if the dogs they mention are hearing dogs, guide dogs or another kind of assistance dog?

"I don’t expect them to change - I’m trying to ascertain whether it’s even worth interviewing."

Short answer, no it isn't. You don't like dogs and they've told you there are dogs. The dogs (no matter how well behaved) aren't going to be invisible or stand like statues and you will start complaining probably sooner rather than later.

I love our office dogs