Do You Take Your Dog Inside Stores?

[jetsmom]

[QUOTE=NRB;5570703]
I believe in socialization. Seriously. I take my dog inside Petsmart, Petco. I take her to the dogpark, to the people parks, the kiddie playgrounds, the downtown pedestrian mall, etc. I do not take her inside stores like Lowes or Home Depot where she’ll likely encounter a service dog. I think it’s rude to assume that my wants are more important than someone else’s needs. I cringe when I see someone obviously abusing the service dog rule and bringing their pet into service dog only stores. I’ve heard stories of frustration from people with disabilities having to deal with idiot pet dog owners. So I keep my girl at home when I’m out dong the shopping.[/QUOTE]

Ditto!!! Nothing pisses me off more than people taking their dogs into places that only allow service dogs.
The stores are in a bind, because they don’t want to be accused of harassing disabled persons with service dogs, so irresponsible lying people will take their dogs in there. just recently a dog in Home Depot/Lowes bit someone. Person claimed it was a service dog, but really wasn’t.

[bort84]

I take my dog everywhere she can go. I figure it’s good for her to see as many new things as possible just like getting my horse out to new venues = ) I would never try to take her someplace that isn’t dog-friendly though because that’s just obnoxious.

My pup is super well-behaved though, so it’s a non-issue. I work a lot during the week, so when I get home and friends want to go “out” somewhere, I try to go to a place with a patio so the dog can come. She’s happy to be with us after a day of alone time, and we can still go out. We’ve only had her for a few months, but our venue choices have changed considerably = ) I miss her when I’m gone, haha. She’s also a super car dog (even being 75 lbs in my 2 door honda), so I’ll take her on trips to pick up the fiance from work or from a friend’s house because she likes it.

If I had a dog that needed socializing, I would absolutely take advantage of stores that allow dogs. But I would be doing MUCH more training than shopping in that case.

I am also hyper aware of leash length and my surroundings. I abhor those extendo leashes, or worse, dogs not leashed at all that clearly cannot heel appropriately off leash. I invited my friend out for a doggie hangout (they mostly slept while we had some social drinks at a local spot), and I was shocked at her dog handling skills. She’s so used to her friendly lab being adored by all and off leash at home that she had no CLUE that not every person who walked past our table wanted to be assaulted by a shedding licking mess (and this is one of my favorite dogs ever who is quite well behaved when asked to be…) It kind of wrecked our outing because I was spending the whole time trying to keep her dog close and settled despite her inattention.

My biggest concern is always for MY dog’s welfare, so it makes me SO nervous when owners are so lax about their dog’s whereabouts… Sure, your dog is friendly, but while it’s wandering around off leash or on a 20’ lead and you aren’t paying attention, what if it encounters an aggressive dog or a grabby child? Then your sweet little pup might have a life altering experience…

Some people just don’t get it, and those are the ones that ruin it for the rest of us = )

[Phaxxton]

I take my dogs to stores where they are expressly allowed and welcomed. I never lie and say they are service dogs so they can go inside another store. I do not take them to Lowes or Home Depot, even though some stores DO allow non-service dogs.

I will take them to PetSmart, Petco, and other pet stores. TSC by me allows dogs, too, so I would take them there (though I haven’t yet). We are also planning a day trip with our dogs to a very dog-friendly city nearby, but we are doing extensive research on where the dogs are and aren’t allowed. I believe in socializing my dogs and teaching them to behave in all situations. That said, they are always leashed and under control. If they misbehave, they are corrected immediately. Nothing bothers me more than people who go out with poorly behaved dogs (or any size) and then seem completely oblivious to how awful their dog is… except maybe people who take their dogs into stores or places where they shouldn’t be - like the grocery store.

If

[DontStrikeOut]

Cyriz’s Mom ~ I had never heard of black russian terriers so I had to take a look…pretty neat looking dogs… I can see why people stop you frequently to ask questions =). and they’re BIG! I guess “terrier” in my mind automatically assumes small lol.

[lcw579]

When my standard poodle was younger I would take her everywhere. We live in walking distance to our little town so she would wait outside some of the stores while I ran errands. However, many owners would let her come in: the bookstore, gift shop, hardware store, dairy queen (dog liked her cone as much as the kiddos :)) but the highlight for her was the day the employees at the Gap said she could come in instead of waiting outside. If a dog can puff up and look proud she did.

Her favorite is the pet supply store, Braxton’s. She recognizes the store if we drive by and will sit up and get excited like a kid going past a toy store. If we didn’t stop she would sigh and slump back down. It got so bad I would avoid driving past if I didn’t need to stop so she wouldn’t get disappointed! She also liked to pick out her own treats.

My little rescue mutt doesn’t get to go shopping. He even gets nervous going into Braxton’s and will choose to wait in the car.

[wendy]

no. It’s a big hassle- it’s really hard to drive a shopping cart and hang onto a leash at the same time. And even if it’s petsmart or something where they welcome dogs you always manage to bump into a weirdo with a badly behaved dog on a flexi leash (why on earth would you bring a dog into a store on a flexi leash? why would you even own a flexi leash???) and then you have to be really rude to someone and their poor dog.

[Rubyfree]

I used to take my rottie wherever dogs were allowed; she was a complete and utter angel and made many friends wherever she went. I STRONGLY object to pets being brought into stores that do not explicitly allow them and would never have thought to do so with my girl. The few occasions when I needed to run into someplace on a hot day while I had her with me, I generally found sweet older women standing around outside and asked them to hold her for a moment. They were usually in love by the time I got back.

I do not take my current dog anywhere because he’s a big jerkface.

[Simbalism]

Yep, it’s good socialization. My mini aussie has been going shopping since she completed her puppy vaccinations. She has been to PetCo, Pet Smart, a smaller boutique pet food store, Southern States feed store, the horse trailer repair place, in a courtesy van to go pick up my truck at dealer after maintenance, horse vet office, Mostly places that my barn boots would not be looked at sideways…hehe. She really likes the drive thru at the bank and at Arby’s as they give treats… I never have any problem with my dog while pushing a cart. She is pretty good about staying in heel postion. Her favorite thing to do lately though is to go to the storage facility where I keep some stuff. She loves to ride on the big flat cart when I push stuff from the storage bin to my truck.

[tradewind]

I take my dogs anywhere they will let me. They are well mannered and well housebroken so I see no reason not too. This includes TSC, Home Depot, etc. I show my dogs and they need to get used to everything. All my puppies, pet or show ride around and go everywhere. It makes the transition to family life easier. I also go to ball fields, parades etc. This is the norm for Europe, we are very backwards here with that.

[analise]

My last dog I could take all sorts of places. Petsmart, Petco…and we lived near Annapolis which is a very dog friendly town (many of the shops downtown have bowls of water set out for the dogs, some even have doggie biscuits). So he went to visit the Naval Academy, the dog boutique, we sat out on restaurant patios (and in one memorable instance, a restaurant allowed me to bring him THROUGH the dining area because their patio was out back). One hot day, the owner of the new agey store that used to be there let me bring him in (I like browsing the shiny things), and there was another store I forget the name of that sells gifts and random silly things that allows dogs. Of course, they also have glitter all in their carpet and he was a very good boy about sitting…

Uh, anyway, note that even with my last dog who was extraordinarily well-behaved (I probably could have walked everywhere with him off-leash), I still wouldn’t have taken him into stores that didn’t expressly allow his presence.

My current dog?

Well, she can get pretty excited about new places and new dogs. But strange people just make her nervous and fearful. I’ve taken her to a couple of doggie stores and she spent most of the time slinking around and hiding behind me so I just don’t stress her out with store trips.

She went to the dog park for the first time today though and did very well.

[eclipse]

I take my dog into stores that allow dogs and she loves it! She’s also well behaved though, and is not allowed to wander around. All the pet stores here allow dogs and encourage people to bring their dogs in, dog treats are on the counters (actually, our local Tim Horton, Co-op gas bars, and Dairy Queens also give out dog treats! :lol: - for when you go through the drive thoughs - free ice cream for them!!). Dogs are also allowed into most tack stores too! Yep, Calgary is a very dog friendly place.

Canmore, a lovely town in the Rocky Mountains and only 45mins away will also allow dogs onto most of their patios. Lovely place!

[pAin_t_Misbehavin]

@lcw579;5573792

When my standard poodle was younger I would take her everywhere. . . [T]he highlight for her was the day the employees at the Gap said she could come in instead of waiting outside. If a dog can puff up and look proud she did.

I can just see her. My brother has a standard poodle. What a great dog - I call him my poodle-phew.

There are a surprising number of places that dogs are allowed, if you just ask. One of the librarians at the little country branch of the county library near me brings her dog with her to work and allows well-behaved dogs to come browse the stacks with their owners.:yes:

[Winter_Mill]

I take my dogs everywhere they are allowed, from the time they are small pups (when their immunizations allow). IMHO, that’s the most important part of their socialization and training - otherwise, you get into that vicious cycle of “Dog is too excited/stressed/whatever to behave well in public, so I don’t take him out in public, which means dog is too excited/stressed/etc., etc., etc.” And, fortunately, I live in a very dog-friendly area. :yes: But…1) I always ask the store management first, if it’s okay (such as Home Depot, which welcomed my new Sheltie pup with open arms); and 2) if I am training/socializing a new pup, then I specifically go there with that in mind - no shopping, just training/socializing so that all my concentration is on the little one. Oh, yes - and all my dogs are quick to pick up on which stores/employees dole out the treats! :lol:

[Alagirl]

@tradewind;5575182

I take my dogs anywhere they will let me. They are well mannered and well housebroken so I see no reason not too. This includes TSC, Home Depot, etc. I show my dogs and they need to get used to everything. All my puppies, pet or show ride around and go everywhere. It makes the transition to family life easier. I also go to ball fields, parades etc. This is the norm for Europe, we are very backwards here with that.

Yep, it’s kind of a dog chasing it’s tail scenario tho:

You can’t take the pups anywhere because they don’t behave, but to get them to behave you have to take them places.
Or people don’t know anymore how to react because they don’t see dogs out in public, but since they can’t be trusted you can’t take your dog out…

oh sigh…

[RougeEmpire]

Depends on the dog, depends on the store. I do have one major gripe though. Get rid of those damn “flexi-leads”!!! I hate those things. What is the point of having your dog “on a leash” if you give the animal fifteen feet of line! It’s like putting your kid in Time Out with a hand held gaming device. Kind of kills the whole point. Ive seen more dogs ATTACK other dogs, piss on shit and jump on people while at the END of those damn Flexi-Leads than any other time. People just love to bring Fido into a store, let the lead out the whole way and then turn their back to shop while Fido runs a muck. A owner can not control their dog fifteen feet away from them. Dogs in public should be at their owners SIDE, like stuck to them at them all times!

[Hinderella]

I take my current dog inside the feed store or in pet stores, but not to “regular” stores. All the staff at the feed store know her by name, and they even invite her into the back office for donuts on Saturdays.
Once a week I walk her to the neighborhood bakery for a donut (obviously a favorite food). Of course she can’t go in there, but she will sit quietly outside and wait for me.
We love to take her to restaurants with outdoor patios, but we always ask the other diners if they mind before we bring her out. As much as I love dogs, I have to remind myself that they do frighten some people. But this dog is absolutely exceptional…she doesn’t bark, jump, push, lick…nothing. She walks up to strangers slowly, wags her tail, and waits to be petted. If no one pets her, she moves on. At restaurants, she lies down quietly at our feet and doesn’t move. If she were off lead, she would do the same thing, but I do keep her on a (normal) leash in public. She’s really the ideal dog.
My previous dog was not as successful in public He was certian that EVERYONE wanted to meet him, and would greet them with great enthusiasm, or jump in their car if the door was open, or steal a toy out of their cart…you get the picture. So he didn’t get to go “shopping” until he was quite elderly and more subdued.

[wendy]

if I am training/socializing a new pup, then I specifically go there with that in mind - no shopping, just training/socializing so that all my concentration is on the little one.

I do this too- you have to get the bulk of socialization done before age 16 weeks. BUT also like you, I don’t shop while doing socialization trips. If you mess up and accidently give your pup a bad experience during this age period (attacked by dog while you’re looking the other way, scared by child while you look at the merchandise) you can scar the dog for life.
After puppyhood I rarely take them into stores because, well, I hate shopping and want to get in and get out ASAP. I feel I spend enough time taking the dogs to real dog events like dog parks, classes, and trials that shopping isn’t necessary. Plus they clearly enjoy other events far more than wandering around in a store.

[Alagirl]

@RougeEmpire;5576722

Depends on the dog, depends on the store. I do have one major gripe though. Get rid of those damn “flexi-leads”!!! I hate those things. What is the point of having your dog “on a leash” if you give the animal fifteen feet of line! It’s like putting your kid in Time Out with a hand held gaming device. Kind of kills the whole point. Ive seen more dogs ATTACK other dogs, piss on shit and jump on people while at the END of those damn Flexi-Leads than any other time. People just love to bring Fido into a store, let the lead out the whole way and then turn their back to shop while Fido runs a muck. A owner can not control their dog fifteen feet away from them. Dogs in public should be at their owners SIDE, like stuck to them at them all times!

I think those warrant an exclusive rant thread…

I think the idea is kind of ok, having your dog on a leash while still be able to run more than the human on the other hand…

They do however not work so well, because the dog does not run circles around you, also it just promotes ill mannered dogs that pull on leash.
Can’t stand it. I want my dogs - like my horses - not to turn the leading experience into a game of tug-of-war.

Not to mention they are unwielding and cumbersome…

[wendy]

I think those warrant an exclusive rant thread…

I think the idea is kind of ok, having your dog on a leash while still be able to run more than the human on the other hand…

They do however not work so well,

no they don’t. I have had FAR more problems with "flexi’ed " dogs than with loose dogs. Example: I have dogs on regular six-foot leads, walking late at night for before bed potty. Stop at curb to check road for cars before crossing. Both dogs sit nicely and wait. Suddenly two dogs on flexis come running across road barking and shrieking and attack my dogs. Luckily no cars coming or we would have had doggy squash of the flexi dogs. The dog owner is on the other side of the road and has NO options (not having bothered to train the dogs to heel or come when called). Because you can’t physically “reel in” an untrained dog who is on a flexi, and let me tell you, if you get a flexi cord ripped against your leg you will have a nasty wound.
Most people who skip the flexis and let dogs off leash have at least done some kind of training. Or at least don’t let them off leash near roads, and don’t have dangerous flexi cords wrapping around ankles.
In my area there is a strong correlation between use of flexi type leads and having an out of control untrained dog.

[Alagirl]

@wendy;5577180

no they don’t. I have had FAR more problems with "flexi’ed " dogs than with loose dogs. Example: I have dogs on regular six-foot leads, walking late at night for before bed potty. Stop at curb to check road for cars before crossing. Both dogs sit nicely and wait. Suddenly two dogs on flexis come running across road barking and shrieking and attack my dogs. Luckily no cars coming or we would have had doggy squash of the flexi dogs. The dog owner is on the other side of the road and has NO options (not having bothered to train the dogs to heel or come when called). Because you can’t physically “reel in” an untrained dog who is on a flexi, and let me tell you, if you get a flexi cord ripped against your leg you will have a nasty wound.
Most people who skip the flexis and let dogs off leash have at least done some kind of training. Or at least don’t let them off leash near roads, and don’t have dangerous flexi cords wrapping around ankles.
In my area there is a strong correlation between use of flexi type leads and having an out of control untrained dog.

AMEN!