Do You Take Your Dog Inside Stores?

[HenryisBlaisin]

I take mine (Golden X something) on occasion to Petsmart or Petco or the feed store. He walks quietly at heel and sits when I stop. It’s good for him as a refresher and he LOVES kids. I don’t have any kids, but he’s a kid magnet for some reason, and he sits patiently while they love on him.

I have to be careful, though. He can be dog aggressive if he thinks they are a threat, i.e. running up to him. And unfortunately, many dog owners don’t make their dogs behave in a respectful manner.

And yes, Flexi leads have no place in a public setting. I use one at home, in a rural setting when we walk out to the mailbox or up the road, and my dog is trained not to pull. He get’s sharply corrected when he hits the end, and he knows better. He also has excellent recall, so reeling him in isn’t a problem either. He’s not perfect, so I don’t take him by the road off-leash, just in case he got to chasing something (we have tons of rabbits and other assorted small wildlife) and forgot his ears. He will walk at heel on the Flexi as well as on a regular leash. I don’t like a long line because the excess is a PITA to deal with. My Flexi has a flat nylon lead in it, not rope or string, so I could grab it if need be, but I have never needed to. It’s not the leash; it’s the owner at the end of it that’s generally the problem.

[CrazyGuineaPigLady]

I’m a take-your-dog-everywhere they are welcomed person, within reason. If they enjoy it, behave well and are safe, it’s just like bringing the kids to me. If they are safer and happier at home, I leave them there. I’ve always lived in dog friendly and dog smart areas where an unruly one is the exception and not the rule, though.

My mother, on the other hand, insists on bringing her show dogs everywhere the law permits and they are not allowed to interact with anyone or anything that doesn’t just want to see them prance around. I don’t see the point in that. When I was overdue with my first child, we met at a strip mall on a Sunday afternoon to walk and hopefully induce labor so I didn’t have to go back to work Monday. I’m still not sure if it was the walking or being so embarrassed about all the hair they shed on the racks and racks of black Gap clothes that caused my water to break later that night. :lol:

[Blinkers_On]

Yep. My dogs go to Petsmart, Petco, Pet Express etc with me. I don’t take more than one at a time, and I don’t go there to shop. I will let the dogs shop for a treat, but nothing big or heavy. I am always packing a treat tote and a clicker.
I take one dog to Pet Express quite regularly. She is pretty leary of strangers, and the staff goes out of their way to make her comfortable and love on her.
I would like to do Home Depot, though I haven’t yet. AND I have heard that Old Navy allows well behaved pets as well.

[Casey09]

I do if dogs are allowed. First priority is always managing the dog. If the dog isn’t ready to go in we stay in the parking lot, etc. I think lots of socialization is important. I also think that it gives you a chance to work on training and spend more time with your dog.
I use flexis to teach come in an open area but never to go for walk. You have no control. I did just see someone go into a retail place sans any leash at all-2 dogs all over. People are crazy.

[Kryswyn]

We usually travel with all our dogs, or none. Since our shopping trips are usually never just to a Petco, and it can be problematic with the weather, so we don’t automatically throw a dog in the car.

With our new puppy, once her vaccinations are finished, yes, we’ll take her places to socialize her.

And to the haters of Flexi-leads. Flexi-leads are like guns. In the hands of people who know how to use them they’re great. Idiots should not be allowed to own either. To the person who said you can’t reel in a dog on a Flexi, well, you’re just wrong. There is a proper method: you extend your arm toward the dog allowing the leash to retract. Press the lock button, draw the dog closer; extend arm toward dog, again allowing the leash to retract. Repeat lock and draw dog closer. Repeat as necessary. It is NOT a hard skill to learn, although I admit my SO doesn’t seem able to manage it, probably because he refuses to learn (hence, he is one of those ‘idiots’ who shouldn’t use one).

[Appsolute]

Only pet stores. I think it is rude to bring my dog into any other businesses.

[OveroHunter]

I haven’t brought my dog into any stores because I haven’t had a reason to. If for some reason we had to leave the ranch, I would try to bring him places because he is the kind of dog and loves to experience new things and meet people… He’s really not a normal dog, he is convinced he is a person!

[MsM]

I take mine where they are allowed and when I am able to pay proper attention to them. They are obedient enough that I can pick up a couple of things at the pet store and perhaps get some nice socialization with people and choose whether to engage with other dogs. I did learn to avoid the stores when they are doing shot clinics or adoptions!
I live in a village and can walk with them to stores, the bank, Post Office and DQ. We all enjoy ourselves and the dogs get cookies and pats. Of course I have cute little dogs that are friendly (Tho a bit shy at times, so continuing to reinforce positive interactions) and not intimidating nor snappy if surprised.
I never mind somebody bringing a dog into a store where permissable IF that person is also paying attention to the dog. Dog may not be perfect but if owner is working with it and keeping things under control I think it is fine. Kinda like with kids…

[CVPeg]

I take Toula, the Irish Wolfhound, with me in the car as much as possible, as well, frankly, she owns the back seat of my station wagon. She accompanied me on my trip down South this spring, and was a great ice breaker and friend maker. I’d take her to lunch when I could find a spot with a table outside. She even got to go to the KHP.

But even when allowed in some stores, Lowe’s for example, I just find it too much to keep an eye on her and take care of the shopping.

However, the most fun is the cookie counter at Petco. It is at the perfect height - she thinks the table was set just for her!

[Nezzy]

yes my dogs go to Stores that allow them. i find it odd that anyone would think it strange that owners want to bring their dogs with them. Every opportunity is socialization. if the dog is not well behaved, it is because he needs more of this.

[spinandslide]

I think the main thing is the dog should enjoy, for the most part, going out.

one thing I cannot stand is seeing an obviously “on the edge” dog out in public with their blissfully unaware owner pulling them along.

I understand socializing…I support it…but if the dog is truly going to be happier at home, why not leave them there?

2 of mine are stay at homers…they like it. 2 of mine are social butterflys and have been since I got them. They go everywhere with me they are allowed. We do meet n greet’s for our local dog club at dog events in the area.

Kate, being an artist, also is in public alot at the demos we do. If a dog is happy and comfortable in public, I see no issues…in fact, I wish more places let dogs in…Im told places in europe are like this?

[LexInVA]

Well, this is odd. Looks like a semi-intelligent spambot.