My dog comes to work with me. In December we hired a new guy and my dog liked him very much. He would always get up to greet him very excitedly, loved to be pet by him, basically all of the things a dog does when he likes someone. For the past 2-3 weeks my dog will not respond to this person at all. It’s so bizarre, like if a few of the guys come in at once including this one guy, my dog will greet the other two but walk away from this one particular guy. He doesn’t want this guy to pet him and by that he walks away and goes and lays down or just won’t get up at all if it’s just him coming into my office. He doesn’t act aggressive or scared at all, he’s just not interested in the least and doesn’t want any interaction with him. Granted I know he doesn’t have to like everyone, although he has a tendency to do that, but I don’t know why he really liked this guy before and now he doesn’t? I don’t think this guy did something to my dog because my dog is never unattended and I don’t allow anyone to interact with him unless I’m right there. Even when this guy tries to talk to him and say hi, my dog looks at him totally stone faced, he won’t respond at all he just stares at him. Has anyone had anything like this happen before?

There is a part of me that feels uncomfortable around this guy now because I feel like, “What the heck is wrong with you, why doesn’t my dog like you now?” (I hope that doesn’t sound crazy)

Hate to jump to conclusions or be overly skeptical...but I would agree- I think that he did something to your dog. It seems like too isolated of a behavior to occur for "no reason".
How is the man's behavior? Has it changed since he was hired? Does this man greet the dog? Is he a violent person? Does he drink or use drugs? Does he know anything about amnimals or dogs?
I would be very careful with your dog around him and supervise the interactions because one bite from protection of his territory or you could lead to a nice lawsuit. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
Something is going on in your dog's mind when he sees him...I would confront this guy or observe carefully before maybe you your business, or your dog gets in trouble. Better safe than sorry!

Thanks so much for your reply. That is very interesting you asked me about the drinking/drug thing because his work performance has been a lot different since he was first hired, meaning it's not been so great. He's been late more times than on time and that's probably been for the month, maybe a bit longer. Can dogs smell that on people?

Great, now I'm totally creeped out. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I agree too that I need to be especially careful with my dog and him. Thanks!

Dogs can definitley pick up subtle differences on people that us "instinct-less" humans never seem to notice. I have had SEVERAL dogs freak out on some intoxicated people and be suspicious of some druggies. They rely on smell and body language that change slightly under different circumstances- alcohol, pot, etc.
I would talk to him about his performance and if his lifestyle/home life is affecting it & how you can help. I might hold off on the "you better get to work on time or it's your ass" speech until you figure out what kind of 'threat' (sorry for the big word) he is to you/your dog. Try to figure out why he is late and why your dog is weary before you think about being disciplinary towards him. You wouldn't want him to act out or if your lucky he will get his act in shape or quit from the pressure of your talk.

Anyone else think this is good or are we freaked for nothing?

Alison

I am going to talk to my boss tomorrow and tell him to talk with this guy. This way I can avoid the whole situation and not have to worry about confronting him. I really don't think we're freaking over nothing, it's just too bizarre. I even wondered too if my dog was just sensing me being annoyed by this guy from the times he was late but that can't be the case because he still likes my mother in law and no one annoys me more than her! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

ouch!... i am laughing to hard... guess who's coming into town this weekend to visit my new baby? choke myself now or later?
Good idea though. If only our dogs did that!

So what are you going to tell your boss? "This guy's been slacking off and now my dog doesn't like him - I think you should do a drug test"? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My dog seems to know who in my neighborhood does drugs tho, he barks at all the kids that have cops at their doors on a bi-weekly basis lol.

Dogs can sense a lot more than people, so maybe your dog is sensing some sort of wierd vibe. How do you feel about the guy before this situation?

Allison -Good luck this weekend and congratulations on your new baby!

Mike - I know it does sound pretty awful when you put it like that huh? I'm just going to say that the guy makes me uncomfortable, which is totally true. He needs to be talked to anyway about his work performance. Thanks for the laugh! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Was hoping to hear a guy's perspective. You may want to listen to Mike, especially if the boss is a man <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />