How do I dog?
July 14, 2017 9:03 AM Subscribe
I just got offered a job in a dog friendly office. I am a cat person. There are individual dogs that I am friends with, but I never really know how to best interact with them. Please give me tips on how to be a good dog coworker and dog acquaintance or friend.
Things like, don't touch them on the top of the head because it freaks them out. PS, all of the dogs have to pass a behavioral test in order to come to work, so dogs with behavioral issues are not what I'm asking about. Just good old normal doggos .
Things like, don't touch them on the top of the head because it freaks them out. PS, all of the dogs have to pass a behavioral test in order to come to work, so dogs with behavioral issues are not what I'm asking about. Just good old normal doggos .
Best answer: When introducing yourself to them, gently offer your hand, palm down, for nuzzling. Don't stare, but make regular eye contact. Others may have more specific advice for workplace pupper interactions. Man, I wish our workplace was pet-friendly.
Lastly, they're all good dogs, Matolda!
posted by DrAstroZoom at 9:11 AM on July 14, 2017 [13 favorites]
Lastly, they're all good dogs, Matolda!
posted by DrAstroZoom at 9:11 AM on July 14, 2017 [13 favorites]
Best answer: Let them decide to be friends with you first. Don't stick your face all up in their face, don't dive in for a pet session, don't look it directly in the eye. Just relax, continue what you're doing, and if you want you can nonchalantly put your hand out near them and let the dog smell you for a bit. A dog will let you know when it's ready to be friends. If the dog puts itself on you, like foreheads into your hand or sits on your feet, congrats: you're bffs now.
Once the dog is cool with you, the one spot that is a nearly universal winner for petting is way low on their back above the base of the tail. That's the magic pupper button. Deliver scritches to that spot and you'll get to see the full range of funny dog faces from blep to mlem.
If you want to be a super advanced level dog friend, get a bag of these treats. They're inexpensive, stinky, and teeny enough that you're not going to inadvertently mess up some diet plan the dog is on or cause problems for dogs with dental issues. Easy to dole out to good doggies that come to your desk to say hi.
posted by phunniemee at 9:14 AM on July 14, 2017 [9 favorites]
Once the dog is cool with you, the one spot that is a nearly universal winner for petting is way low on their back above the base of the tail. That's the magic pupper button. Deliver scritches to that spot and you'll get to see the full range of funny dog faces from blep to mlem.
If you want to be a super advanced level dog friend, get a bag of these treats. They're inexpensive, stinky, and teeny enough that you're not going to inadvertently mess up some diet plan the dog is on or cause problems for dogs with dental issues. Easy to dole out to good doggies that come to your desk to say hi.
posted by phunniemee at 9:14 AM on July 14, 2017 [9 favorites]
Best answer: I agree with letting them come to you. We had a trainer that was dead set against the behavior of greeting a dog by petting or scratching said dog on the head. The idea was from the dog's perspective, it's a pretty dominant move. I know if when I met someone they immediately patted me on the head, I'd be furious. Most dogs are used to it, but since hearing that I always go for a pet or scratch on the back. Once you know them some dogs will straight up shove their nose in your hand because they want head scratches and that's fine. Also I agree with phunniemee - my dog's favorite place to be scratched is right above the tail. She does a little fancy dance with her back feet. It's really cute.
posted by Bistyfrass at 9:25 AM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by Bistyfrass at 9:25 AM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Check out Season 2 Episode 1 of Going Deep With David Rees: "How To Pet a Dog". Not sure if it's officially streaming online (there may be a copy on YouTube) but there appears to be an American-streaming video from The Daily Show here showing Trevor Noah some of the tricks. The full episode goes into dog psychology and is relevant even if you think you already know how to pet a dog.
posted by Gortuk at 9:35 AM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by Gortuk at 9:35 AM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
For dog treats, just keep a jar of unsalted peanuts on your desk. Pretty good people snack too, win-win.
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:38 AM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:38 AM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Best answer: It's good dog etiquette to let a dog smell the back of your hand (it's the least aggressive position, and also dogs who like treats may regard an open hand like 'where's my snack, screw you bye') before you do anything else with the hand.
I find that office dogs are often pretty overstimulated, and they have two modes: busy, or sleeping. When they're busy, they're visiting everyone for just a minute or so and then moving on. Usually they sleep near their people, though I have found that dogs love a meeting or training class and have done software training over lab snores before.
You can say hello, offer your hand, and see if they want pets. Usually their people will carry treats for their dogs to give you to give them, but you will find out from the office culture if it's okay to bring your own.
posted by Lyn Never at 9:43 AM on July 14, 2017 [3 favorites]
I find that office dogs are often pretty overstimulated, and they have two modes: busy, or sleeping. When they're busy, they're visiting everyone for just a minute or so and then moving on. Usually they sleep near their people, though I have found that dogs love a meeting or training class and have done software training over lab snores before.
You can say hello, offer your hand, and see if they want pets. Usually their people will carry treats for their dogs to give you to give them, but you will find out from the office culture if it's okay to bring your own.
posted by Lyn Never at 9:43 AM on July 14, 2017 [3 favorites]
Best answer: If you shy away from a curious dog, the dog will do it's best to pay attention to you and to figure out what is wrong. 20 seconds to pet, is sometimes a way to save 15 minutes of curiosity about what's wrong.
posted by Nanukthedog at 9:43 AM on July 14, 2017 [3 favorites]
posted by Nanukthedog at 9:43 AM on July 14, 2017 [3 favorites]
Best answer: The behaviorist we used for our dog showed us this poster (PDF link) about proper dog greeting behavior - I think it's a pretty nice, straightforward how-to.
Agreed with phunniemee about the butt scratches. I also find that most dogs enjoy it when you scratch with your fingertips/fingernails - not too hard, but as if you're making claws with your hands rather than patting with a flat palm (this is an unfortunately good way to get up a lot of loose fur, too, so don't go overboard).
Other than that, I find that every dog has their own favorite spots - I like to just scratch all over and see how the dog reacts, or stop after a few seconds to see what they do. Leaning in to the scritches is a good sign; expectant looks and wags when you stop is a good sign. If they seem sort of "meh," lick their lips, move away from you, etc., they're probably not into it.
Do, of course, ask before you dole out any treats.
posted by DingoMutt at 9:44 AM on July 14, 2017 [3 favorites]
Agreed with phunniemee about the butt scratches. I also find that most dogs enjoy it when you scratch with your fingertips/fingernails - not too hard, but as if you're making claws with your hands rather than patting with a flat palm (this is an unfortunately good way to get up a lot of loose fur, too, so don't go overboard).
Other than that, I find that every dog has their own favorite spots - I like to just scratch all over and see how the dog reacts, or stop after a few seconds to see what they do. Leaning in to the scritches is a good sign; expectant looks and wags when you stop is a good sign. If they seem sort of "meh," lick their lips, move away from you, etc., they're probably not into it.
Do, of course, ask before you dole out any treats.
posted by DingoMutt at 9:44 AM on July 14, 2017 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Dogs often like it if you go against the grain of the fur when petting what people are calling the area above the tail. One dog I know will walk around in a little circle for as long as I am willing to follow him doing this, and then ask for more when I get dizzy and have to stop.
Do ask before offering the dog any treats, in case of allergies or digestive issues.
The key is to be mellow and quiet and non-assertive until the pupper decides to bestow his trust upon you.
posted by praemunire at 9:45 AM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
Do ask before offering the dog any treats, in case of allergies or digestive issues.
The key is to be mellow and quiet and non-assertive until the pupper decides to bestow his trust upon you.
posted by praemunire at 9:45 AM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
Best answer: My dog hates butt scratches. He's a terrier and really friendly, but no tail touching. I think letting the dog smell your hand is a safe bet as a first move.
posted by Ideefixe at 9:46 AM on July 14, 2017
posted by Ideefixe at 9:46 AM on July 14, 2017
Best answer: Most dogs don't like hugs - it cuts off their ability to escape and gets you way physically closer than they like for a new acquaintance. Another dominant move that makes dogs uncomfortable is standing over/leaning over them, particularly their head (e.g. straddling the dog like you were riding it). Or getting your face right up in their face - this page has a very good video of a reporter who gets into a police dog's space, gets his face near the dog's face, and then leans into/stands over the dog, and the dog reacts by defending itself. There are warning signs of the dog being unhappy with the situation, but they aren't immediately obvious to non-dog people. It's pretty similar to how a cat will flick its tail once, and that means it is DONE with your current petting session & you should immediately leave its presence if you don't want to get scratched. Unlike many cats, however, most dogs become super chill with any of the above once you're in as part of their people pack.
Most dogs are easily won over through pets to their ears, their butts, or food. Food is generally excellent. Ask the owner first, though!
Some dog types will respect you more if you require them to do something in order to get treats/scratches - just a simple sit, for example. I always have folks give my dogs commands (followed by food) when they come to visit because it immediately positions the guests as someone to be listened to AND a provider of goodies.
posted by Jaclyn at 9:48 AM on July 14, 2017
Most dogs are easily won over through pets to their ears, their butts, or food. Food is generally excellent. Ask the owner first, though!
Some dog types will respect you more if you require them to do something in order to get treats/scratches - just a simple sit, for example. I always have folks give my dogs commands (followed by food) when they come to visit because it immediately positions the guests as someone to be listened to AND a provider of goodies.
posted by Jaclyn at 9:48 AM on July 14, 2017
Best answer: I would start by making sure my coworkers knew I wasn't a "dog person", and encouraging them to tell me (help me out) when I'm not giving the right dog vibe, as well as specifically what their dog likes and hates from people.
And I'd probably go the first few days basically ignoring the doggos and figuring out the rest of hte office dynamic, before I started really interacting with them, but depending on the office culture that could give me a bad reputation as a cold unfeeling anti-dog nogoodnik, so YMMV.
posted by aimedwander at 10:13 AM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
And I'd probably go the first few days basically ignoring the doggos and figuring out the rest of hte office dynamic, before I started really interacting with them, but depending on the office culture that could give me a bad reputation as a cold unfeeling anti-dog nogoodnik, so YMMV.
posted by aimedwander at 10:13 AM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: What about talking to them? Do they like it when you say things like "Who's a good boy/girl/whatever"?
posted by matildaben at 10:23 AM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by matildaben at 10:23 AM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I would start by making sure my coworkers knew I wasn't a "dog person", and encouraging them to tell me (help me out) when I'm not giving the right dog vibe, as well as specifically what their dog likes and hates from people.
Definitely this! I love dogs but I didn't grow up around them, and I was surprised when I learned how variable dogs can be in what they like and dislike.
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:24 AM on July 14, 2017
Definitely this! I love dogs but I didn't grow up around them, and I was surprised when I learned how variable dogs can be in what they like and dislike.
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:24 AM on July 14, 2017
Best answer: The way I know a dog wants to come check me out is - if it starts staring at me, its ears perk up, and it starts walking towards me purposefully with tail wagging. (Protip: I've also read that there are sort of "directional" tail wags - if most of the tail-wagging leans to the dog's right, that means it's happy.) I tend to wait until the dog starts the interaction like that before I kneel down to the dog's level and let it come to me.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:25 AM on July 14, 2017
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:25 AM on July 14, 2017
Best answer: Oh - and I don't think dogs can understand individual words, they are more picking up on the tone of your speech. So whatever you say, if it's generally friendly and positive, they'll dig it. (I don't talk like that, but that's more because I personally feel like an idiot than it being bad for dogs or whatever.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:26 AM on July 14, 2017
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:26 AM on July 14, 2017
Best answer: Yes, definitely talk to them! (This was going to be my recommendation but you beat me to it). Not yelling, or even overly excited anything, but a gentle 'hello' or 'hey you cute little pupper, want some scritches?' sort of acknowledgement is fantastic. Ask them how their day's going, tell them how cute their ears are, etc.
Once you make a canine pal, they will be -so- excited and happy if/when you're excited to see them and show it. My pack is SO happy when I get home, because I talk very excitedly and engage them with love and happiness right away (I'm saying things like "oh my God, where did all of these dogs come from/why is my house infested with puppies" but they don't know that.). My husband is kind but not nearly as emotive, and I think that's a big reason why they all favor me .
posted by Fig at 10:54 AM on July 14, 2017 [8 favorites]
Once you make a canine pal, they will be -so- excited and happy if/when you're excited to see them and show it. My pack is SO happy when I get home, because I talk very excitedly and engage them with love and happiness right away (I'm saying things like "oh my God, where did all of these dogs come from/why is my house infested with puppies" but they don't know that.). My husband is kind but not nearly as emotive, and I think that's a big reason why they all favor me .
posted by Fig at 10:54 AM on July 14, 2017 [8 favorites]
Best answer: What about talking to them? Do they like it when you say things like "Who's a good boy/girl/whatever"?
Yes! Happy, but calm, talking is a great way to introduce yourself to a dog. If a dog seems a little standoffish, just speak admiringly to them. Since you're also likely looking to appear friendly and open to your coworkers, it's a great way to show that you're positively-inclined, even if you feel a little nervous around a particular dog.
posted by annaramma at 10:55 AM on July 14, 2017
Yes! Happy, but calm, talking is a great way to introduce yourself to a dog. If a dog seems a little standoffish, just speak admiringly to them. Since you're also likely looking to appear friendly and open to your coworkers, it's a great way to show that you're positively-inclined, even if you feel a little nervous around a particular dog.
posted by annaramma at 10:55 AM on July 14, 2017
Best answer: What about talking to them? Do they like it when you say things like "Who's a good boy/girl/whatever"?
Sure! My wife and I talk to our dog all the time. I've actually seen studies suggesting that dogs respond to both the tone and content (I'm ostensibly working now or I'd go dig them up), but either way I think it's worth at least trying out a little happy dog talk.
Personally I find it even more gratifying to sing to the dog, inserting their name as frequently as possible ... I suppose you might not want to do that in an office ...
posted by DingoMutt at 10:58 AM on July 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
Sure! My wife and I talk to our dog all the time. I've actually seen studies suggesting that dogs respond to both the tone and content (I'm ostensibly working now or I'd go dig them up), but either way I think it's worth at least trying out a little happy dog talk.
Personally I find it even more gratifying to sing to the dog, inserting their name as frequently as possible ... I suppose you might not want to do that in an office ...
posted by DingoMutt at 10:58 AM on July 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
Best answer: Artist Lili Chin has done some great work explaining how to dog.
How (Not) To Greet a Dog
Doggie Language
Generally dogs respond excitedly to higher-pitched voices, so it's good to slightly raise the pitch of your voice when praising. Don't go too nuts with this, though. One of my dogs, who is a Canine Good Citizen, will submissively pee when someone squeals at her.
No, I don't know what that's all about.
posted by workerant at 11:02 AM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
How (Not) To Greet a Dog
Doggie Language
Generally dogs respond excitedly to higher-pitched voices, so it's good to slightly raise the pitch of your voice when praising. Don't go too nuts with this, though. One of my dogs, who is a Canine Good Citizen, will submissively pee when someone squeals at her.
No, I don't know what that's all about.
posted by workerant at 11:02 AM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I work in an extremely dog friendly office, and there's so much good advice above. New dogs I always present the back of my hand/fingers to sniff and if the dog doesn't seem interested I don't pursue it. I always check that it's ok to pet the dog, and it's usually good etiquette to ask the dog's name as well.
One thing to note - if the dog is calm and sleepy, please don't wake them up to "play" or be petted and in general rile them up. This is usually more of a problem after you know a dog well and it knows you. It can be extremely disruptive to the owner and everyone else who sits next to them. Like it or not, dogs can be a distraction, so distraction-free time is something very valuable. (I love dogs. And have sat next to many. Including puppies. Puppies are adorable but really, they are babies... and you wouldn't wake a baby!)
posted by cgg at 11:14 AM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
One thing to note - if the dog is calm and sleepy, please don't wake them up to "play" or be petted and in general rile them up. This is usually more of a problem after you know a dog well and it knows you. It can be extremely disruptive to the owner and everyone else who sits next to them. Like it or not, dogs can be a distraction, so distraction-free time is something very valuable. (I love dogs. And have sat next to many. Including puppies. Puppies are adorable but really, they are babies... and you wouldn't wake a baby!)
posted by cgg at 11:14 AM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Best answer: My technique for dog talking has been to take the same tone I would with a medium-age child: gentle, optimistic and upbeat, but not baby-talk level. It seems to work most of the time.
Once you know them some dogs will straight up shove their nose in your hand
Getting "nosed" is pretty much one of the best feelings in the world.
posted by DrAstroZoom at 11:15 AM on July 14, 2017 [3 favorites]
Once you know them some dogs will straight up shove their nose in your hand
Getting "nosed" is pretty much one of the best feelings in the world.
posted by DrAstroZoom at 11:15 AM on July 14, 2017 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Mostly great suggestions above. However, I would caution against giving treats to a dog without okaying it with the owner first. The dog might have allergies, be on a specific diet, or on a weight loss program. I realize that someone who lets their dog roam around an office is ceding some control over their dog's food intake. However, as the owner of a dog with carefully-managed health issues, I really hate when someone gives my dog an un-approved treat. If you asked me first, I'd give you some of his approved treats and tell you to go to town.
posted by radioamy at 11:45 AM on July 14, 2017 [6 favorites]
posted by radioamy at 11:45 AM on July 14, 2017 [6 favorites]
Best answer: One thing that you might not know is that there's a difference between "play growl" and "aggression growl." I can't explain the difference exactly, but if you're around dogs a lot it's really obvious, and you'll get used to it quickly. Play growls happen when they're excited and playing. Either as the run-up to a play bark, or as part of a tug-o-war play. I mention this because my dog-inexperienced friend was taken aback when she started playing tug-o-war with my dog and he started play-growling as he was pulling back on his toy. It hadn't occurred to me that some people might not hear the difference.
posted by radioamy at 11:49 AM on July 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
posted by radioamy at 11:49 AM on July 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
Best answer: I'm also a cat person in a dog office! The three dogs are all old hands at this workplace thing.
Two ignore me (I ignore them back) and one sonetimes follows me around and sits under my desk, to my delight. A weirdo dog likes me! How cool!
I do make small talk with the owners how cute/excited/sleepy their dog is.
posted by Omnomnom at 11:50 AM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Two ignore me (I ignore them back) and one sonetimes follows me around and sits under my desk, to my delight. A weirdo dog likes me! How cool!
I do make small talk with the owners how cute/excited/sleepy their dog is.
posted by Omnomnom at 11:50 AM on July 14, 2017 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Address them as "kitty" so you'll feel more at home in the interaction. They won't know.
posted by Smearcase at 11:54 AM on July 14, 2017 [11 favorites]
posted by Smearcase at 11:54 AM on July 14, 2017 [11 favorites]
Best answer: Once you know them some dogs will straight up shove their nose in your hand
OH. ALSO. Some dogs will straight up shove their nose in your crotch. This is rude and antisocial but dogs are idiots so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
When this happens it can be real awkward, especially in a work setting, but don't take it personally. Take a step back and put your hand down at your crotch level in a halt gesture. Some dogs will sit, but most will at least back up and at the very least it'll prevent them from shoving their nose back in there.
posted by phunniemee at 12:02 PM on July 14, 2017
OH. ALSO. Some dogs will straight up shove their nose in your crotch. This is rude and antisocial but dogs are idiots so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
When this happens it can be real awkward, especially in a work setting, but don't take it personally. Take a step back and put your hand down at your crotch level in a halt gesture. Some dogs will sit, but most will at least back up and at the very least it'll prevent them from shoving their nose back in there.
posted by phunniemee at 12:02 PM on July 14, 2017
Best answer: Just greet them like any other coworker who rarely speaks. "Good morning, Woofers. Me too."
When the dog trots around and stops at your desk, ask them how the Penske file is coming along.
posted by rhizome at 12:03 PM on July 14, 2017 [12 favorites]
When the dog trots around and stops at your desk, ask them how the Penske file is coming along.
posted by rhizome at 12:03 PM on July 14, 2017 [12 favorites]
Best answer: My dog doesn't seem to be much of a sniffer, so if someone held their hand out to them he might give it a cursory snoot but that's about it. It wouldn't mean that he hated you, though. The average, well-adjusted dog kind of wears his heart on his sleeve, you'll be able to tell if the dog wants some pats. And I wouldn't worry about it too much! I bring my dog with me to work sometimes, and it's actually easier for me it people mostly ignore him.
posted by cakelite at 12:07 PM on July 14, 2017
posted by cakelite at 12:07 PM on July 14, 2017
Response by poster: Hey guys, I went in today to discuss my offer. When the HR person was showing me around the office, another coworker was taking a Shepherd out for her walk. It was the HR person's dog so we stopped to say hi. I held the back of my hand out slightly and the Shepherd nosed it. Achievement unlocked!
posted by matildaben at 12:10 PM on July 14, 2017 [29 favorites]
posted by matildaben at 12:10 PM on July 14, 2017 [29 favorites]
Best answer: I get to bring my dog to work! I think the onus on ensuring good canine-human interactions rests with the dog owners, not with you, but it's awfully nice of you to be so proactive. :)
Some tips, many of which have probably been covered above, and in no particular order:
* DO NOT FEED MY DOG WITHOUT ASKING. Not even "just" an unsalted peanut. My dog has a sensitive belly and unless you're planning to come over at 3am when he has diarrhea, you'd better not feed him without my permission. But if you say, "Hey, does Dinsford like blueberries?" I'll happily tell you "Yes" and he'll take them from your palm with the cutest little snuffling noises.
* I like it when people talk to my dog (and he likes it, too). Most people do the "Who's a good boy?" thing, or the "What a handsome old man!" thing. It's all cute. It's also perfectly cool not to talk to him!
* Feel free to pet him! It's polite to ask if the dog has any sensitive spots, but honestly a good owner should be watching and can say, "Hey, his hips are a little achey these days so maybe don't rub there."
* Don't linger for too long. My dog is soft and sweet and has the best puppy-dog eyes, but sometimes people will just not leave my office! So like... pay attention to the human too so you can gauge when it's time to go.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 12:15 PM on July 14, 2017 [3 favorites]
Some tips, many of which have probably been covered above, and in no particular order:
* DO NOT FEED MY DOG WITHOUT ASKING. Not even "just" an unsalted peanut. My dog has a sensitive belly and unless you're planning to come over at 3am when he has diarrhea, you'd better not feed him without my permission. But if you say, "Hey, does Dinsford like blueberries?" I'll happily tell you "Yes" and he'll take them from your palm with the cutest little snuffling noises.
* I like it when people talk to my dog (and he likes it, too). Most people do the "Who's a good boy?" thing, or the "What a handsome old man!" thing. It's all cute. It's also perfectly cool not to talk to him!
* Feel free to pet him! It's polite to ask if the dog has any sensitive spots, but honestly a good owner should be watching and can say, "Hey, his hips are a little achey these days so maybe don't rub there."
* Don't linger for too long. My dog is soft and sweet and has the best puppy-dog eyes, but sometimes people will just not leave my office! So like... pay attention to the human too so you can gauge when it's time to go.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 12:15 PM on July 14, 2017 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Others have touched on this, but in regards to treats, this was always one of the main tensions that came up when I worked in a dog-friendly office (it got a fpp one time). I'd generally avoid it.
The best way I can think of to be a good dog coworker is probably to be chill when stuff occasionally goes not so perfectly. Did a dog just take a giant shit next to your desk? Ok, that's unfortunate, but unless it's happening on the regular and no one will do anything about it, it is probably not a good reason to go to HR. There are almost never good dog-related reasons to send angry e-mails to the entire company. Instead, be cool and talk to the owner. That sort of thing.
posted by brennen at 12:56 PM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
The best way I can think of to be a good dog coworker is probably to be chill when stuff occasionally goes not so perfectly. Did a dog just take a giant shit next to your desk? Ok, that's unfortunate, but unless it's happening on the regular and no one will do anything about it, it is probably not a good reason to go to HR. There are almost never good dog-related reasons to send angry e-mails to the entire company. Instead, be cool and talk to the owner. That sort of thing.
posted by brennen at 12:56 PM on July 14, 2017 [2 favorites]
Best answer: You don't have to pat dogs to make them happy. Dogs love the sound of human voices. Their brains process human speech in the same way human brains do and they can tell speech from gibberish. Chatter away to them, it doesn't have to make sense, just be words in a cheerful chatty tone, as others said discuss work with them or the weather. Talk about how handsome they are.
You don't have to have close interactions with dogs to make them happy. Seriously, walk past a dog with a friendly cheerful "Hi Rufus" just like you would to their human, even if you don't stop to pat them. The dog will get it at a friendly gesture, you'll most likely get a tail wag you can work up to patting them as you get used to them. It will also show your willingness to be friendly to the dogs a gesture pretty much very owner would appreciate without it being a big distraction at work.
posted by wwax at 1:18 PM on July 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
You don't have to have close interactions with dogs to make them happy. Seriously, walk past a dog with a friendly cheerful "Hi Rufus" just like you would to their human, even if you don't stop to pat them. The dog will get it at a friendly gesture, you'll most likely get a tail wag you can work up to patting them as you get used to them. It will also show your willingness to be friendly to the dogs a gesture pretty much very owner would appreciate without it being a big distraction at work.
posted by wwax at 1:18 PM on July 14, 2017 [5 favorites]
I used to work in a dog heavy office. It was awesome. I want to do it again!
Some tips:
Just like cats, all dogs are different, so you need to learn about them as individuals, as all the answers here demonstrate. The back of the hand sniff is a great test for you to judge a dog's temperament, whether they are confident or nervous, up for a pet, or off to do doggy business.
Don't pet or distract dog unless you're sure the owner is ok with it. Some dogs take ages to settle again once they're riled up.
If you always have treats you will become KNOWN. You'll need to decide whether that's ok or not. One dog used to follow the post trolley around the whole building because the mailroom guy always had biscuits. Probably best to be one way or another, otherwise you'll be nagged for treats when you don't have any to give. Heartbreaking.
Don't give dogs human snacks or bits of your lunch unless you are 100% sure it's ok with the owner. Even if the owner does that.
Dogs don't know they're in a work environment. They have no filter. That can be great, or it can be supremely annoying. It's mostly great.
Facilities Radio: *Pzzzt* can someone send a cleaner to the third floor, there's been a spillage. *Pzzzt* I think it might be dog vomit.
When you're deep into a day-long meeting hashing out a complicated partnership agreement, and the dog sits up, yawns loudly and plonks his head on the table to let you all know it's lunchtime, and hey, he'd really rather like to go pee now as well, if that's ok, that there is awesome.
posted by Helga-woo at 7:54 AM on July 15, 2017 [3 favorites]
Some tips:
Just like cats, all dogs are different, so you need to learn about them as individuals, as all the answers here demonstrate. The back of the hand sniff is a great test for you to judge a dog's temperament, whether they are confident or nervous, up for a pet, or off to do doggy business.
Don't pet or distract dog unless you're sure the owner is ok with it. Some dogs take ages to settle again once they're riled up.
If you always have treats you will become KNOWN. You'll need to decide whether that's ok or not. One dog used to follow the post trolley around the whole building because the mailroom guy always had biscuits. Probably best to be one way or another, otherwise you'll be nagged for treats when you don't have any to give. Heartbreaking.
Don't give dogs human snacks or bits of your lunch unless you are 100% sure it's ok with the owner. Even if the owner does that.
Dogs don't know they're in a work environment. They have no filter. That can be great, or it can be supremely annoying. It's mostly great.
Facilities Radio: *Pzzzt* can someone send a cleaner to the third floor, there's been a spillage. *Pzzzt* I think it might be dog vomit.
When you're deep into a day-long meeting hashing out a complicated partnership agreement, and the dog sits up, yawns loudly and plonks his head on the table to let you all know it's lunchtime, and hey, he'd really rather like to go pee now as well, if that's ok, that there is awesome.
posted by Helga-woo at 7:54 AM on July 15, 2017 [3 favorites]
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1) Ask the owner if it is alright to pet their dog.
2) Offer the dog an opportunity to come to you. People generally do this by placing a hand near, but not close enough to toch the dog. If this goes well squatting down and being closer to their level can help too.
3) Ask the owner if the pup has any sensitive areas.
posted by phil at 9:10 AM on July 14, 2017 [8 favorites]