Do You Take Your Dog Into Stores With You?

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I think it's pretty fair to assume you don't know much about dogs then, huh? If you did, you'd not have this opinion.

Obi Wan Whateverhisnameis is right - respect goes both ways. There are now two threads with you bashing God's creation and it's getting old. I don't get frustrated with people on this board often but this is getting ridiculous. Esp since it's an uneducated opinion.

Can't say I've ever been called Whateverhisnameis

In answer to the OP, our city is not very pet friendly. I wish it were - it would make my time more efficent if we could run errands while out at the vet or groomer. I take them to a groomer and vet pretty far from our house (for quality reasons) so I could get more done if I could stop in some places on the way to and from!

You would love Richmond! You gotta love a town that has a mall that has "dog comfort stations" complete with a watering trough and a doggie "oops" dispenser at regular intervals. Plus you can get your dog fat and happy at all the stores because the employees are constantly feeding them cookies - Restoration Hardware give Reilly a cookie that is practically as big as his head!

Aren't you scared that your dog might bite someone that you let pet it? I think if I had a dog, that would be my fear.. my dog would bite someone and I would get sued.

Why in the world would she be scared of that? Because she said she keeps him on a short leash and close to her side? That's not because he is aggressive, that is just being a good dog owner that realizes that not everyone wants to be sniffed by your pet and she's just maintaining control of him. We do that with our dogs and once someone asks to pet or play with them, we allow slack on the leash and give the dogs the okay to visit with the new person.

One of the main reason that kids get nipped and bitten by dogs is because they aren't taught the correct way to approach them or they aren't taught how to respect animals.

I have seen countless children literally run right up to Reilly's face while squealing about "the puppy". While the parents might think it's cute for their child to do it, it scares the dog it's being done to. The dog isn't going to understand right away that this child is thrilled to see him. To the dog it just looks like a crazed short person is coming straight for them and who knows what they might do!

Kids should always ASK to pet the dogs first, and then they should be taught to allow the dog to sniff their hand first before petting. Also make sure that they hold up the back of their hand with their fingers curled under for the dog to sniff. Never let them approach the dog with their hand flat open. If that dog was ever in an abusive situation in any part of it's life, it could cause a bad reaction and cause the dog to nip.

One last thing, never let your dogs climb, grab or pull on animals ears or tails or any part for that matter. Even if your family dog allows it without growling or getting mad. If they do it to another dog (and who can blame them? Young kids don't know that not all dogs think the same) the dog they do it to might bite or snap at them. And even the most mild mannered family pet, when it has a bad ear infection, will snap at a person they dearly love without thinking if their ear is touched, so allowing little ones to pull on your dogs ears should be a huge no! And sadly enough, we see enough little kids doing this to Reilly when they run up to see him. We try to stop them and tell them not to pull on his ears. We know he won't snap at them but you have to be careful about the "what ifs" and what if his ears hurt him one day and a child does this. We can't really blame the animal for that.

 

[momof2inPA]

I think it's pretty fair to assume you don't know much about dogs then, huh? If you did, you'd not have this opinion.

Obi Wan Whateverhisnameis is right - respect goes both ways. There are now two threads with you bashing God's creation and it's getting old. I don't get frustrated with people on this board often but this is getting ridiculous. Esp since it's an uneducated opinion.

I like dogs, cats, and other pets. I think it's great that my friends have them if it makes them happy, but the poster is entitled to his opinion. It isn't illegal or immoral. How can someone be "uneducated" about whether dogs should be house pets anyway? Just because he doesn't agree with you doesn't mean he cannot understand your viewpoint.

 

[Kristi1357]

I guess I am glad I don't live in Richmond!

I am severely allergic to any animal. And yes, it irritates me to no end on the rare occassion I see someone in the mall with a dog. Even the suppossedly allergy-free poodles make me have a reaction just as bad as any other animal.

I have been on allergy shots for years, and I still cannot be around animals for any length of time. In fact, I just got home from my niece's birthday party. They have 2 dogs & 2 cats. I took my preventive inhaler, as well as my allerga D. The dogs were kept outside the whole time I was there. And I was still needing my rescue inhaler. Since it was my niece, I did take the chance and put myself in that situation. But at any other public venue, it's not my choice. It really stinks to be allergic! If someone brought a cat on a plane I was on, like a previous poster mentioned, I would be forced to get off that plane. If it was a service dog, that is totally understandable - and I would gladly find another flight.

In fact my allergies are so bad, that DH & I had to not even consider some houses when house hunting. I could smell dog or cat just walking in them (unoccupied and a fresh coat of paint).

Regardless of my allergies, I guess I will never understand the need to bring your pet everywhere. They are not people. My parents did get a dog after I was out of their house and I love Nipper to death - but they don't take him to the mall. I guess I just don't understand how shopping can be enjoyable while controlling a dog. Heck, I hate going shopping with my two year old & avoid that at all costs!

 

[Planogirl]

I love animals. I enjoy seeing them and petting them if they're friendly.

I don't believe however that they belong in all establishments. They definitely don't belong in grocery stores and restaurants even though I like the idea of them being welcome on a patio.

There are people who are extremely allergic to animals and that's one problem. There are others who, rightly or wrongly, have phobias about certain animals too. The biggest problem I see are the lax owners though. I believe that the vast majority of pet owners will control their dogs but what of those who won't? We already have some kids running amuck in businesses, do we really need to throw unruly dogs into the mix?

Sorry JMHO. Go ahead and bring them to anything outdoors, to hardware stores and to small pet friendly businesses. But please don't bring them into indoor malls and the like!

 

[mylilnikita]

I only take my dogs to Petsmart, Petco and Carealotpets, which are all close to my home. I truly agree with Obi-Wan Pinobi about teaching children how to approach a dog. My rot/husk is a big gigantic pet me dog and loves kids, but I still dont want kids running up to him and if he is in a petstore, well darn it he should go there, because it is a pet store. I don't take them anyplace else. But people have to realize it is extremely important for dogs, to be socialized with other dogs and with people. Look at the cases where dogs are left outside with a short chain and aren't socialized then someone gets close to the dog or the dog gets out and attacks. We have dogs parks and even a do it yourself dog grooming place near where I live. I wouldn't think of taking them to the mall, but even at the mall there is a Picture People studio and you can make arranagements for you to bring your dog in through a back entrance.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I like dogs, cats, and other pets. I think it's great that my friends have them if it makes them happy, but the poster is entitled to his opinion. It isn't illegal or immoral. How can someone be "uneducated" about whether dogs should be house pets anyway? Just because he doesn't agree with you doesn't mean he cannot understand your viewpoint.

I assume this poster doesn't realize that there are several breeds that cannot survive solely outside. That we have bred them to be inside only dogs with the exception of short ventures outside. That is why this person is uneducated - a blanket statement that dogs stay outside shows that this person has no clue what they are talking about in regards to the basic health and care of dogs - all dogs. They didn't specify WHAT breeds should stay outside, which might prove some knowledge. But instead ALL. Which would mean that several breeds would not survive. Which, IMO, proves that one has spouted opinions on things they know nothing anything about. Thus, uneducated.

 

[momof2inPA]

I assume this poster doesn't realize that there are several breeds that cannot survive solely outside. That we have bred them to be inside only dogs with the exception of short ventures outside. That is why this person is uneducated - a blanket statement that dogs stay outside shows that this person has no clue what they are talking about in regards to the basic health and care of dogs - all dogs. They didn't specify WHAT breeds should stay outside, which might prove some knowledge. But instead ALL. Which would mean that several breeds would not survive. Which, IMO, proves that one has spouted opinions on things they know nothing anything about. Thus, uneducated.

Wow, you must be a vet. J/K Everybody knows some dogs aren't made for the outdoors, but the poster I'm sure means they should not have been domesticated like that. No animals should live inside. I can see what he means and I know former dog and cat owners who will never get another, because they decided they don't like pets in the house.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Wow, you must be a vet. J/K Everybody knows some dogs aren't made for the outdoors, but the poster I'm sure means they should not have been domesticated like that. No animals should live inside. I can see what he means and I know former dog and cat owners who will never get another, because they decided they don't like pets in the house.

Nah, I don't think everyone does - my FIL doesn't. He thinks anything walking on all 4s has no place inside - regardless of breed, make, or model. I just chalk it up to him being uneducated. I assumed this poster had the same line of thinking.

Now, whether or not we should have bred some animals the way we have is a WHOLE 'nother story =)

 

[cstraub]

Where do we draw the line on what pets are exceptable and which are not? Can I bring my snake or tarantula into the grocery store or restraunt? Personally if I ever saw a snake or spider tarantula in a store I might run out screaming!! How about the pot bellied pig- smarter and easier to train than dogs. Would that be ok?

I have 4 cats and a dog and have never ever lived without a pet. Sometimes I feel like I'm running a farm around here in the mornings. Everyone is waiting to be fed and let out to potty. I love my pets but I don't really see the appeal of taking them to the mall or whatnot. I love taking Sierra to the park or for a ride in the car but I don't want her tagging along at the grocery store or in a restraunt. I really can't say why. Maybe because I have three young children I see grocery store time as me time- sad I KNOW!

Anyway, just out of respect for others I would not take my dog into a public place other than somewhere like a Petsmart or doggie cookie shop where people know that dogs or other animals will be there. I would be worried that someone may be scared or allergic otherwise. I always try to put myself in other people's postitions. Some people are absolutley terrified of dogs, many because they have been bitten. My niece was bitten in the face a few years ago and spent a week in the hospital because the bite area became infected. She rightfuly won over 250,000 for medical expenses because it was proven she was bitten through no fault of her own. There are know breeds that tend to bite and even some home owners insurance policies won't cover you if you own them. Again, where do you draw the line with this?

Another thought is the comment made about teaching children how to approach a dog- well good luck with telling a one year old that. Kids walk around one year old and have no concept or very little of yes or no or danger for that matter. How are you going to teach very young children not to run up and scream in a dogs face or pull their ear? It's nice to think that parents have a mindful watch on their children at all times but in reality parents are only human. Accidents happen because we can't be watching constanly. It's just one more thing to worry about.

Just from the stanpoint of having allergies I think it's wrong to take an animal in an indoor public place. Stores are now smoke free because we are starting to realize that the smell of smoke is offensive and may be dangerous to our health and we should not have to put up with it. Why on earth would we start letting dogs and other animals into stores? It's not fair to those who have allergies severe or not. We make our buildings handicap accessible and smoke free so everyone in our country can enjoy them but let's let animals who people may be allergic to in indoor public places?! I just don't see it. One or two dogs in a shop a week may not cause odor and those dogs my not have accidents but if you open the floodgates on this and allow animals everywhere all the time it will start to smell. Most people would find that offensive and the owners of these stores would have an added expense of odor control.

 

[Belle0101]

The only business establishments you would find a dog in around here are those designed for dogs - PetSmart, PetCo, vet offices ... It just isn't something done around here, yet.

One of my concerns would be the infectious diseases; distemper, hepatitis, Parvo, rabies, leptospirosis ... You can't tell who is responsible in the area of vaccinating and who is not. I know a handful of people who just don't see the need to spend the extra $$ each year on vaccinations for their pet.

Before you think I don't like dogs, it couldn't be further from the truth. We have 4 labs that are ours and 4 lab puppies that are looking to be adopted. Looks like they might be with us for a while longer as I'm very picky about the homes they could possibly go to. I can't adopt out of our puppies if I think they may be abused, abandoned or un-loved.

We also dog-sit for our oldest son when asked and DS10 has a job letting out the neighbor's puppy, one of our puppies, during the day.

So while I love dogs I just have concerns regarding the responsibliness of the owners.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

You know, once again I think it all just boils down to the area that you live in. Like I said around here in Richmond, people have their dogs with them all the time. I guess I can see how in some areas where that isn't the norm it can seem weird.

For those that say you hate animals - here is a list of the top 10 dog friendly cities so you won't accidently end up in one.

Chicago is named most Dog Friendly city in US
Dog Fancy Magazine has named Chicago as the most Dog Friendly city in the United States in its November, 2005 issue.

Other cities that made the top 10 are: Albuquerque, N.M.; Coral Springs, Fla.; Bellingham, Wash.; Houston; Austin, Texas; Long Beach, Calif.; New York City; Richmond, Va.; and Santa Barbara, Calif.

The goal of the magazine in its Dogtown, USA, is to bring attention to “what dogs need to live well,” according to the editor.

“From Wiggley Field to Montrose Beach, Chicago really stands out with its dog-friendly attitude.”

Earlier in the year the magazine asked readers to nominate their selections for the dog-friendliest city in the U.S. Researchers then investigated and analyzed the 101 reader-nominated cities,

Various criteria were used in the judging such as veterinarian-to-dog ratio, preventive care participation, percentage of spayed/neutered pets, dog-friendly businesses and the existence of a leash law.

Chicago, with over 600,000 dogs, did especially well with its pet-to-vet ratio (one vet to 368 dogs), preventive care participation (90 percent of owners have their dogs vaccinated), abundance of medical specialists, and overall numbers of pet- friendly businesses and restaurants

 

[Belle0101]

Most people would find that offensive and the owners of these stores would have an added expense of odor control.

Speaking of odor control ... we live in Amish Country so horse drawn buggies are the norm here, the odor from horse droppings in the summer

I don't know how many of you live near or have visited any Amish areas so I'll try to explain. Our town is tiny, for example, we have 1 each of McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell / KFC, Subway, Arby's and Dairy Queen. Our biggest general merchandise store would be either Alco or Dollar General. I think we have 5 stoplights, maybe a few more.
No Wendy's and no big name restaurants.

Anyhow, in the parking lots of the big stores and downtown there are buggy parking spots where the Amish can tie up the horse while they shop. Those horses leave droppings, droppings and more droppings. Or the horse leaves droppings in the street. Who do you think cleans up the droppings? The owners of the paking lots or the street department if it's the street.

I know you can't compare a horse to a domesticated animal but I can just see, around here at least, the argument being made that if the the Amish don't have to clean up after the horses then why should the dog owner be made to clean up after the dog. So then who is going to clean up those droppings?

I respect the Amish and their chosen lifestyle but I don't like coming out of the grocery store in the 80 degree summer and smelling that smell. Just like I get annoyed when I see this same gentleman everyday taking his schnauzer for a walk and the dog leaves "deposits" in the open lot across from our house.

 

[Poohbear123]

South Beach/Lincoln Road/or Ft. Lauderdale beach, as Dogs are welcomed here! There is a law being passed for Dogs to be allowed in some eating establishements here in South Florida. I think its great myself!

 

[mylilnikita]

I haven't been to Amish country yet. But that is just wrong that they don't pick up after their horses. Hello, it is their animal, be responsible.

To the other poster, you know I know a few people who in fact don't take of the dogs like they should in the way of shots,etc. and they aren't allowed to hang with my dogs. As a matter of fact, my ex DH has had about 5 dogs since he left, and where are they now? A few ran away, but that is what you get if you dont have a fence, one is with an ex girlfriend, but he wanted dogs, but didn't want to care for them after awhile. He got us Nikita after my german shepard had to be put down and if it weren't for me, Nikita wouldn't have gotten shots, fixed, yearly check ups and that is why Nikita has stayed with me-plus he is my DD's dog, they are the same ago, don;'t ever do that, that was crazy!!

 

[Free4Life11]

I think it's pretty fair to assume you don't know much about dogs then, huh? If you did, you'd not have this opinion.

Obi Wan Whateverhisnameis is right - respect goes both ways. There are now two threads with you bashing God's creation and it's getting old. I don't get frustrated with people on this board often but this is getting ridiculous. Esp since it's an uneducated opinion.

No I don't know a lot about dogs. Since I don't like dogs, I don't spend the time to learn about them. I didn't realize that some cannot live outdoors. I find that ridiculous -- why you would breed a dog to be that way is beyond me? Seems completely illogical, inhuman, and immoral to me.

Yes I don't like animals, for a variety of reasons. No there is nothing wrong or weird with me or that opinion. I'm not cruel to them, I just don't like being around them.

And there are not two threads with me "bashing" God's creation.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Yes I don't like animals, for a variety of reasons. No there is nothing wrong or weird with me or that opinion. I'm not cruel to them, I just don't like being around them.

And in the same token there is nothing wrong with those of us that own animals and chose to let them live with us in our houses and love them.]

Dogs are pack animals and to leave them chained up outside alone is cruel, plain and simple. There isn't a family pet out there that wouldn't be stressed to not be with their family after an extended absence, just like in the wild if they stray away from their pack.

Man has been keeping dogs as companions since the beginning of time. They have been their protection, their "co-worker" and their best friends much much longer than you or I have been on this planet.

The greater majority of dog breeds available right now are not outside dogs. Hasn't been that way for quite a long time.

Look at it this way - when was the last time you saw a wild Poodle? Chihuahua? Cocker Spaniel? Schnauzer? Yet these breeds are hundreds of years old and have been indoor dogs for hundreds of years.

 

[Cindyluwho]

OK, I have a question. How come when people see someone walking around with a parrot on their shoulder they say, "Oh, cool, look at the parrot". But, if I walk around with one of my chickens on my shoulder people just think I'm weird?

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

OK, I have a question. How come when people see someone walking around with a parrot on their shoulder they say, "Oh, cool, look at the parrot". But, if I walk around with one of my chickens on my shoulder people just think I'm weird?

Depends. Is the chicken on your left or right shoulder?

 

[Cindyluwho]

Depends. Is the chicken on your left or right shoulder?

Well, you see that's just it! Perhaps if I could train the darned thing to hop from one shoulder to the other people would then think it was cool and not weird? hmmmmm, must be time for beddie bye, my mind is wandering

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Well, you see that's just it! Perhaps if I could train the darned thing to hop from one shoulder to the other people would then think it was cool and not weird? hmmmmm, must be time for beddie bye, my mind is wandering

Nah.. it's a beak thing. Hookbills to the left shoulder. Pointy beaks to the right. Just flip Chicken Little over to the other shoulder and nobody will blink an eye