Dog Park v Workplace

At the end of last year, we moved into an apartment overlooking a large park in Melbourne. With lots of community spaces, including off leash dog areas, it is always buzzing with activity. One of my favorite things to do, is stand on the balcony with a cup of tea and watch the "regulars" catch up. The regulars I am referring to are dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds. From 15 stories up, watching the goings on is so relaxing, however quite hilarious at the same time given there can be 30 dogs at anyone time. Over the past months, I have started to notice particular personalities and behaviours. Whilst we, as humans, are clearly more evolved, the similarities in group behaviour of these dogs, as compared to that we may observe in a workplace, is quite fascinating. So with a little bit of fun, I wonder if any of the following sound familiar... 1.The excitable - the slightly frantic dog, who is so excited it is just running around in circles and not really achieving anything 2. The one with the chip on its shoulder - the tiny dog with the loudest bark who just runs from dog to dog, yapping, I suspect without really knowing why 3. The one who lacks confidence - the nervous dog, who wants to join in however stays close to his owners side or hangs back, not quite confident to jump in 4. The worrier - the submissive dog, who rolls on its back and who I assume is waiting for something bad to happen

5. The obsessed - either overly protective of its own ball / toy, single mindedly focused on being thrown the ball with no interest in what or who is happening around them, or spends their time taking as many balls/toys from others as they can. 6. The composed - the calm, usually older dog, who let's all of the little dogs jump all around. Patiently letting them do their thing and allowing it all just wash over 7. The big voice - the typically larger dog who moves from group to group, dominating the activity 8. The "it wasn't me" - the "hit and run" dog, who races in, bowls a few others over and then races out, as if it has done nothing at all 9.The plotter/strategist - Lays flat to the ground, creeps along and then pounces. (These are typically our working dogs - border collies / kelpies, who are no doubt secretly wishing that they were rounding up sheep instead of other dogs) I have been in the park a number of times, during the usual congregation period. The pure joy on these animals faces as they see their friends is such a pleasure to watch. I am sure they are speaking to each other, as they meet up, run and play. As we come back into offices, from spending so much time away from our colleagues, I sense there will also be a level of excitement and joy. As much as we all enjoy alone time, we are primarily creatures of community after all.

Until next time Lisa