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Having worked two places where this was possible, there's a number of advantages. Everyone in the office became a fan of the mutt, and I had lots of volunteers

Having worked two places where this was possible, there's a number of advantages. Everyone in the office became a fan of the mutt, and I had lots of volunteers for lunchtime walks! Including the lady who was wary of German Shepherds at the start, who ended up curing her phobia "Oh it's only him, he's harmless". He'd sleep near the desk until someone came over to talk to him, and as a result I wasn't clock watching quite so much (must go, dog needs out). A few heads would sometimes turn when he was having a drink (not so quiet). If I was away from desk he'd just go and settle near one of his other friends. I felt much better towards both employers as a result. A lot is going to depend on how well trained they are - lots of barking and running around will drive everyone crazy. Me included.

chris_7 10y ago
I work in an office with a dog. I detest it, the dog distracts me constantly with barking and such. I genuinely believe that the dog has a negative financial effect on the company - I'd be much more productive without it, and productivity is $$$. However, I would never say anything, as this could lead to me being ostracized as a non-"team-player". Something to keep in mind when all feedback on an element workplace environment is positive.
- beachstartup 10y ago
  see my other comment -- i don't think anyone should be subjected to this, for any reason. but, as long as you're stuck in the situation, have you ever considered trying to train the dog, since the owner obviously hasn't? it only takes about 15 minutes a day. check out youtube.
- anexprogrammer 10y ago
  I'm very easily distracted - lifelong ADD. If he'd barked he'd have stayed at home. Apart from the distraction it'd reflect on me the owner. It's pretty easy to train most breeds to stay quiet, though some of the small terrier types seem hardwired to bark. I'm not a fan of constantly yapping things. Obviously I can't know if anyone was quietly against, but the woman who said she was wary because of breed was a quick convert. If she hadn't been he'd have stayed home and spend the day on the sofa - as he had in my previous job.

chris_7 10y ago

I work in an office with a dog. I detest it, the dog distracts me constantly with barking and such. I genuinely believe that the dog has a negative financial effect on the company - I'd be much more productive without it, and productivity is $$$. However, I would never say anything, as this could lead to me being ostracized as a non-"team-player". Something to keep in mind when all feedback on an element workplace environment is positive.

beachstartup 10y ago
see my other comment -- i don't think anyone should be subjected to this, for any reason. but, as long as you're stuck in the situation, have you ever considered trying to train the dog, since the owner obviously hasn't? it only takes about 15 minutes a day. check out youtube.
anexprogrammer 10y ago
I'm very easily distracted - lifelong ADD. If he'd barked he'd have stayed at home. Apart from the distraction it'd reflect on me the owner. It's pretty easy to train most breeds to stay quiet, though some of the small terrier types seem hardwired to bark. I'm not a fan of constantly yapping things. Obviously I can't know if anyone was quietly against, but the woman who said she was wary because of breed was a quick convert. If she hadn't been he'd have stayed home and spend the day on the sofa - as he had in my previous job.