Taking Dogs to Petco or Pet Smart.

[clh2]

We have a nieghbor who has adopted 3 very difficult to place dogs. It is well known in our subdivision that she doesn't want people or dogs interacting with her dogs. We all respect that.

There are others in our subdivision that do not let thier dogs socialize with other dogs. I understand the owner of the difficult dogs. I do not understand why others do not let their dogs socialize. However, I most certainly respect their choices.

 

[DawnCt1]

First of all-I think the need to take a dog to the store to shop is just silly
I've owned many dogs-none of them needed to sniff out the perfect dog food or chew on various toys in order for me to figure out which to purchase

It's also another way to walk around hoping someone will compliment your dog-show off that you have a certain breed =or whatever.


But to complain about people or dogs approach your dog is also beyond comprehension

First of all, Conner doesn't get to pick out anything at the store. There is nothing there that he is entitled to touch or sniff nor is he allowed to. "Leave it" is a phrase that he is very familiar with and responds to it whether he is at the end of the leash or at the end of our yard. He likes to go for a ride in the car and I will not leave him in the car alone.
There are many beautiful breeds, including the two malamutes that were there under perfect control, stayed with their owners and obeyed. I wouldn't approach their dogs with my dog, nor did they approach me.

 

[sunnyday123]

Then maybe you need to leave your dog at home. PetSmart is a place where I would absolutely expect for other dogs to greet mine. Since you know this is the case you can decide what you want to do for your own dog, but it is unreasonable for you to expect a different reality for the other dogs in the store.

You've seen the commerical for Petco-it's where the pets go. And you did notice the sign out front that says all leashed and vacinated pets welcome? If he's socialized and well behaved, why do you mind other dogs greeting him? I've yet to come across a dog that was agressive or mean at the pet store. And I take my dog every time I go-it's a great place to socialize her, get her accustomed to greeting people and children properly, and used to shopping carts and other things with wheels. I want her to be a therapy dog ** to visit nursing homes and hospitals, not so I can take her to Macy's and tell everyone she's my anxiety Newf** and that's the best place to do it. It's like taking your kids to the playground and then getting mad if other kids show up. If you don't like other dogs seeing him, keep him home.

 

[DawnCt1]

You've seen the commerical for Petco-it's where the pets go. And you did notice the sign out front that says all leashed and vacinated pets welcome? If he's socialized and well behaved, why do you mind other dogs greeting him? I've yet to come across a dog that was agressive or mean at the pet store. And I take my dog every time I go-it's a great place to socialize her, get her accustomed to greeting people and children properly, and used to shopping carts and other things with wheels. I want her to be a therapy dog ** to visit nursing homes and hospitals, not so I can take her to Macy's and tell everyone she's my anxiety Newf** and that's the best place to do it. It's like taking your kids to the playground and then getting mad if other kids show up. If you don't like other dogs seeing him, keep him home.

I don't know how you can assume that every dog that walks into a pet store is well socialized and non aggressive. That is a huge assumption. One that I wouldn't make. Again, dogs are not kids. Leashed to me, means under the owners control. I have seen behavior in pet stores that have lead me to believe that its Fido that is in control.

 

[LuLuO]

Connor likes to ride in the car and he likes to go into the pet store. He is friendly but I keep him on a short lead, at my side. He doesn't get to greet other dogs, and I do not want other dogs approaching him. He is an intact male and I don't know if another male dog would be aggressive, (Connor wouldn't be) nor do I know if there is a female in heat. (disaster, ) So why is it that some people think that Connor wants to meet their dog or that he would even have a say in it? Socialization is nice in a controlled, obedience class setting, but I don't know your dog, and you don't know mine.

People do this at the vet too and it drives me up a wall. A lot of people don't know how to handle their animals.

 

[okeydokey]

I don't know how you can assume that every dog that walks into a pet store is well socialized and non aggressive. That is a huge assumption. One that I wouldn't make. Again, dogs are not kids. Leashed to me, means under the owners control. I have seen behavior in pet stores that have lead me to believe that its Fido that is in control.

And if you expect that is what you will find in the pet store and you are not OK with that, leave your dog home.

I think the vast majority of people go to these stores expecting other dogs will socialize with theirs. If this will not work for you, you know what you can do to solve your problem. And venting on a message board really won't do it.

 

[goofy!]

I agree 100% with Dawn.

Why is it expected that children should ask before approaching a dog, yet other dog owners think it perfectly acceptable to allow their dog to run over and sniff another dog without checking if it is ok first?

It is just common courtesy to ask the other dog owner if it is ok for their dog to approach.

A store is not even close to a dog park. Dogs are on leashes. If a dog is leashed, another owner should always ask if it is ok to approach.

I don't get the 'all about me' mentality that says too bad, my dog is going to come over and bother your space whether you like it or not.

And I HATE going to the vet. I will have my dog on a down stay by my feet and it never fails that somebody will just allow their dog to come over, wanting to be friends. My dog is the type of breed that does not want to be friends, ever. And no, we have never gone to a dog park as my breed is not the best for that.

But I should be able to go where ever dogs are allowed on leash. I should not have to worry about being bothered on leash by other dogs. My dogs are extremely well socialized and well trained, and very safe in public, but that doesn't mean my dog has to tolerate being pestered by every dog in the store.

Please ask before you approach another dog. Just like children ask, it is only common courtesy. And you may be saving yourself some big vet bills if the dog you allow yours to visit without asking decides your dog is the perfect snack. And if the owner has their dog on leash and under control, it would not be their liability if you allow your dog to run up to it. You will have to accept the consequences of your actions. Why take the chance that every dog is friendly? Better to ask first.

 

[goofy!]

double post

 

[2goofycampers]

We take our dog to all the places that allow her. She always rides in a cart, some places even require her to be in a cart. This way we can control who sniffs who, and who pets her.

 

[Nolcrest]

DawnCt1, I totally agree. If you want your dog to greet mine in a public place when he is on leash please ask me first. I don't at all feel this is one step down from a dogpark - where dogs are loose (different circumstances). This is a place where I can choose to bring my dog while still having him in control. Maybe this attitude is from raising and training several dogs for the blind. You should never approach a guide dog without asking first and that's how I feel all dogs should be treated. For me, it's common sense.

It makes me crazy too when I'm at the vet's office with my dog laying at my feet and someone allows their dog to come over for a visit. You don't know if my dog is there due to illness and I don't know that about your dog either. Just ask and don't be offended if I say I'd rather they didn't greet.

 

[JVelasquez]

Then maybe they need to leave their dogs at home.

Hahaha my dog is very playful and I'm not gonna leave her home bc ur afraid she will sniff ur dog!

 

[famofsix]

I brought my dog to petsmart once for a vaccine and when we were leaving some lady asked if her dog could meet my dog...then her dog was very aggressive and she said she just wanted to see how her dog would react

I just tell people now that my dog is not here to socialize...sorry

 

[goofy!]

Hahaha my dog is very playful and I'm not gonna leave her home bc ur afraid she will sniff ur dog!

If you allow your dog to approach other dogs at random, you could possibly be hahaha'ng right to the vets.

Just because your dog is playful does not mean other dogs are playful, nor does it mean that other people want your dog in their face.

My dog would most likely tolerate your dog as he has been socialized to the max, but why should he have to? It is not in the breed's nature to want to play. If he doesn't want to play, he shouldn't have to be annoyed by other owners and their dogs. Why would you even think your dog has the right to annoy other dogs.

Please be considerate and ask if your dog may approach a strange dog. Most people will say absolutely. However if a dog is on a leash, please respect that leash and keep your dog under control. Ask before you approach.

It is only polite and may save your dog some trauma and you some vet bills.

 

[katiebug86]

I never realized that dogs could be so snobby.

 

[PFlamingo]

It's like taking your kids to the playground and then getting mad if other kids show up.

No, it's not like this at all. It's like taking your kids to the playground, where they get bothered by a bully, and then being told if you don't want your kids bullied, keep them home.

I, too, agree with Dawn on this one. I have owned several rescue dogs, some with "issues." Taking them to PetsMart is one way to desensitize them to unfamiliar sights and sounds. But it's not a place to "socialize" them with dogs I don't know.

Some dogs have a high prey instinct. Is it okay for their owners to allow those dogs to approach my small dogs? I think not. I owned a dog like that for 12 years. She was an incredible dog, but when she went to PetsMart with me, I monitored her closely. She learned to walk past other dogs, but I would not allow her to greet them.

As for needing to take them, sometimes yes, sometimes no. If I'm just buying food, no, they don't need to be with me. If I'm buying a new collar or harness, then yes, I want them there to be sure what I'm buying fits. I love my dogs, but they're just mutts - nothing to show off. I just happen to enjoy their company.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I agree with you Dawn ABSOLUTELY!!

I'm sure it comes from the many years of showing dogs and teaching obedience classes. I take my dogs to PetSmart on occasion and it drives me insane when people let their dogs run up on mine.

I have collies, one we had from a pup the other from when she was 2. They have both been socialized and are very good with people and other dogs but the one we didn't have from a pup can be spooked if she is startled.

We were at Pet Smart a few months ago when a dog came at her from behind. He scared the bejebbers out of her and I. She barked at him and sounded very aggressive but thats it, she won't bite or snap. The owner got mad at me. I told him to keep his dog out of my dogs behind and if his dog wanted to approach another dog , he should have the courtesy to ask, not assume. When I taught obedience classes, we couldn't stress this enough to our students.

Some people take their dogs to PetSmart to socialize them, so they may or may not be friendly. We would suggest this to our students all the time.
Pet Smart is not a dog park. IMOP I'm not a big fan of dog parks. But will occasionally take my dogs to the usually controlled environment of a store like PetSmart.

If people are inconsiderate and let their dog come near mine , I just say quickly please keep your dog away, mine are aggressive and will bite. Usually the owner of the other dog can't get away fast enough. But if you are nice enough to ask, my girls love to play and sniff.

 

[goofy!]

No, it's not like this at all. It's like taking your kids to the playground, where they get bothered by a bully, and then being told if you don't want your kids bullied, keep them home.

I, too, agree with Dawn on this one. I have owned several rescue dogs, some with "issues." Taking them to PetsMart is one way to desensitize them to unfamiliar sights and sounds. But it's not a place to "socialize" them with dogs I don't know.

Some dogs have a high prey instinct. Is it okay for their owners to allow those dogs to approach my small dogs? I think not. I owned a dog like that for 12 years. She was an incredible dog, but when she went to PetsMart with me, I monitored her closely. She learned to walk past other dogs, but I would not allow her to greet them.

As for needing to take them, sometimes yes, sometimes no. If I'm just buying food, no, they don't need to be with me. If I'm buying a new collar or harness, then yes, I want them there to be sure what I'm buying fits. I love my dogs, but they're just mutts - nothing to show off. I just happen to enjoy their company.

I agree with you Dawn ABSOLUTELY!!

I'm sure it comes from the many years of showing dogs and teaching obedience classes. I take my dogs to PetSmart on occasion and it drives me insane when people let their dogs run up on mine.

I have collies, one we had from a pup the other from when she was 2. They have both been socialized and are very good with people and other dogs but the one we didn't have from a pup can be spooked if she is startled.

We were at Pet Smart a few months ago when a dog came at her from behind. He scared the bejebbers out of her and I. She barked at him and sounded very aggressive but thats it, she won't bite or snap. The owner got mad at me. I told him to keep his dog out of my dogs behind and if his dog wanted to approach another dog , he should have the courtesy to ask, not assume. When I taught obedience classes, we couldn't stress this enough to our students.

Some people take their dogs to PetSmart to socialize them, so they may or may not be friendly. We would suggest this to our students all the time.
Pet Smart is not a dog park. IMOP I'm not a big fan of dog parks. But will occasionally take my dogs to the usually controlled environment of a store like PetSmart.

If people are inconsiderate and let their dog come near mine , I just say quickly please keep your dog away, mine are aggressive and will bite. Usually the owner of the other dog can't get away fast enough. But if you are nice enough to ask, my girls love to play and sniff.

People would be appalled if somebody allowed their child to just run up to strange dogs. It would be considered very bad parenting.

I could never understand why people, who claim to love their dogs, think it is any safer to allow their dog to run up on strange dogs.

 

[SandrA9810]

I never let mine run up on other dogs, and for the most part she didn't like doing it. She would greet other dogs if they were interested in her. While I never had perfect control of her, I did keep her leash close to me and tight. I always acknowledged the other owner before allowing the greeting, whether by a smile or a nod or verbally. And for the most part, children always asked before petting. She would get nervous with new people, so I would kneel next to her and pet her along with the children. Only a handful of strangers in her life did she allow to just pet her without me being there.

I do expect a pet store to be a socializing place, as long as both owners agree. And both dogs are acting appropriately. I hate people that use those retractable leashes and let their dogs wander up and down the aisle or around the corner without paying attention to them. I'm very much in favor of a standard 6ft leash when out.

 

[goofy!]

I never realized that dogs could be so snobby.

If you are referring to my post that my dog doesn't care to play, then yes, the Kom is considered an aloof dog to strangers.

My breed doesn't play in the usual sense. It does not fetch, play frisbee and really has no interest in toys for the most part when they are adults. Their main purpose is to protect their flock (their family if sheep are not available) and they take that very seriously.

While they will accept strangers that are introduced to them by their owners, they are definitely aloof or snobby if you want to attribute human traits to them. They may have fun playing with other dogs, but they should be properly introduced. Running up unannounced is not really a great introduction. They will usually just be "snobby" and ignore you. BUT, if the Kom senses a threat, they will protect their flock (the human on the end of the lead.)

 

[superme80]

I'm with the OP on this one. My dog is very friendly and loves everyone, but not all dogs are friendly. I would never put her in a possible situation where she could be harmed. That being said I do take her to Petsmart from time to time. She likes to walk around and feels important. If another dog approaches and the owner does not ask I will quickly remove my dog from the situation. If someone ask I will let my dog decided if she wants to socialize or not.