I saw this piece on how dogs tune into human emotion and behaviour. It rings true, especially in a team environment like ours. Dogs aren’t just here for pats and snacks. They’re scanning the room all the time, picking up subtle gestures, shifts in tone, little changes in body language that most people miss. They’re not mind-readers, but they are observant. They notice when someone’s tense or distracted. They can smell changes in our chemistry — that’s a real thing, not just dog myth.
In the office, I see that play out every day. When the energy is focused and calm, I settle in, head up, ears forward, and give my full attention. When there’s stress or chatter or someone on a call who’s clearly overwhelmed, I take a step back, offer a soft look, maybe a nuzzle to signal ease. I’m not judging. I’m responding. Same as Muster Dogs on the farm — attuned to the handler, ready to adapt — just with fewer sheep and more screens.
Dogs don’t just react to cues. We use them to shape how we get along with people. That’s a two-way street. People train their dogs, sure. But every dog in this office has trained their humans to some degree too — when it’s time for break, when it’s time to unwind, when the mood could use a reset.
I’m not saying we’re psychic. But I am saying that sensitivity to mood and energy isn’t fluff. It’s real dog sense. And it makes this team operate a little smoother, because when the humans are tuned in, we are too.
— Louis
