Taking Dogs to Petco or Pet Smart.

[Carly_Roach]

So should parents leave their children home as well. There were two little boys there, without dogs, but with parents who seemed wary of dogs. That didn't stop the dog owners from letting their dogs roam at the ends of their leash and approaching these children.

Yes. Absolutely. You 100% right. All the dogs in that store should be leashed and forced to walk by their owner's sides at all times. They're a danger to you, your dog and any children who might happen to be in the vicinity. You are absolutely, totally justified in feeling that the dogs who aren't as restrained as you think they should be are dangers you, your dogs and anyone who's around them.

You should write a letter to the owner of the store send a copy to the CEO in order to bring this situation to his attention. No one should have to put up with dogs that aren't calmly walking by their owners' side and demonstrating how well behaved they are.

Thank you so so much for bringing this situation to our attention. Speaking for myself, you've helped make me aware of how unsafe I am when I go into a Petco, or Pet-Smart, or any other pet store where dogs are present and I thank you for that. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your words of caution and I truly hope you do well with your complaint to the store and the corporation. Please let me know how that turns out because I'm certain that you're going to save a great many people a tremendous amount of heartache.

Thank you once again. I'm outty.

 

[Ceila]

So should parents leave their children home as well. There were two little boys there, without dogs, but with parents who seemed wary of dogs. That didn't stop the dog owners from letting their dogs roam at the ends of their leash and approaching these children.

This isn't rocket science, you know. Again, these stores are set up for this kind of behavior - you don't have to like it, you don't have to go there, and you don't have to take your dog there.

If I knew a store welcomed and encouraged dogs to be on a "loose leash" and my kids were afraid of dogs, you can be darn sure I wouldn't take my kids there. It's not my place to change the store - it's my place to keep my kids away from it.

 

[Mermaid02]

I take my dog to Petco, it's sniff heaven for her! I do keep her on a short leash and don't allow her to approach other dogs without asking the owner.

 

[goofy!]

We did obedience classes at PetSmart. Part of it was taking our puppies out into the store to meet other people, etc. We only approached those that looked like they wanted to participate (our pup is a little fluff ball, so most people wanted to pet him anyway.) At the start of class, it was encouraged for all the dogs to "say hello" to each other. IMO, it was an important step for the owners as much as the dogs. I know my pup has a propensity to jump, so I keep him on a very tight leash to prevent it.

If someone is obviously keeping their dog away from other people, I won't let mine approach. Otherwise, if their dog is curious about mine, I'll let them interact. I wouldn't expect to go to a place like PetSmart and no one want to pet my dog, or other dogs approach. If that were a problem for me, I wouldn't go. It doesn't matter what I think should happen, what matters is the way people actually act.

I do think all owners should be courteous of others and keep their dogs on leashes, and ask before approaching. Not all people do. We went for a walk a month or so ago at a local park. BIG dogs were off leash and running around, approaching my small dog on a leash...in a run. He understandably was afraid (terrified really...) and started barking, but of course we were the ones with the bad dog. Since he is still a puppy, I do keep him on a short leash around other dogs and it'd be nice if others did the same. BUT I know it's not logical to assume everyone will act the way I expect them to.

Bingo.

Petsmart, PetCo, any reputable trainer absolutely never advocates just letting your dog run up to a strange dog without determining if the other dog is approachable. That is just stupid and dangerous. I have said it before - you would never allow your child to just run up and start petting a dog. It is not any smarter to allow your dog to just go up to another dog and start sniffing. It is recognized dog etiquette that you always ask or determine whether the other dog/owner wants to participate. If the owner smiles at you as you approach and gives you body language that your dog may approach, then go for it. If you are not sure, ASK.

My dogs are both finished (have earned their championships). They have spent countless hours in tight quarters with thousands of other dogs. Some are aggressive, some are aloof, some are super friendly. If we all allowed our dogs to approach other dogs just because we think it is cute, there would be total chaos at shows. No, you follow proper dog etiquette and keep your dog in control at your side. If both owners are ok with it, then no problem. But that is the key, it has to be a mutual agreement. Since my dogs have spent so much time around so many different dogs (all males are intact at a dog show), they are extremely well behaved around other dogs. They may not appreciate another dog sniffing their butt, but they will tolerate it. The thing is, why should they just because some other owner has no clue about proper dog etiquette. It should be a mutual decision between both owners.

But more importantly, not every dog out there is friendly. And you never know if the owner of the aggressive, untrained dog has brought their dog to PetSmart that day.

Additionally, PetSmarts often have vets in their buildings. At our local Petsmart, the vet does not have a separate entrance; you have to go through the store to get to the nurse's station. So dogs may not be there for shopping or socializing. They may be sick and waiting for their appt. They may be aggressive. They may have just had their shots and normally friendly dogs may be cranky.

I cannot wrap my head around the fact that so many people assume that just because dogs are in Petsmart or a similar store, that they are friendly and allow their dogs to run up to strange dogs. Why would anybody take that chance with their dog that they love?

And no, I don't bring my dog to Petsmart. I usually want to get in and out as fast as I can and dragging a 100lb dog with cords dragging to the floor usually adds an extra half hour to my trip as I patiently answer all the questions

• Is that natural? (yes),
• how often do you have to use a curling iron to get those cords? (never - cording is natural - strangely, this is the most popular question even after asking if it is natural),
• can I feel them? (sure, and thank you for asking as I put my dog in a stand or down stay so people can approach),
• is it hard to groom? (bathing takes 2 hours, drying takes 24 hours with multiple fans on the crate otherwise they can mildew - stinky),
• do you brush them? (never)
• are they a friendly dog? (my breeder says "they are koms, they bite." not a breed for everybody)
• I have never seen one (they are a very rare breed, only 1800 in the US)

I love educating about my breed, but sometimes I just want to get out there quickly - so I don't bring my dog. Although I do use the vet there for minor things like ear infections, shots, etc. He is a neighbor and absolutely fantastic! So, if one of my dogs are in there, they are usually not in the best mood and not up for company.

 

[goofy!]

This isn't rocket science, you know. Again, these stores are set up for this kind of behavior - you don't have to like it, you don't have to go there, and you don't have to take your dog there.

If I knew a store welcomed and encouraged dogs to be on a "loose leash" and my kids were afraid of dogs, you can be darn sure I wouldn't take my kids there. It's not my place to change the store - it's my place to keep my kids away from it.

But the store doesn't encourage loose leashes. At least none of the ones I have ever been in. They do encourage socialization, but by following proper, established etiquette rules. They would be setting themselves up for even more lawsuits (one person right now is suing to force Petsmart to require muzzles on dogs) if they encouraged a free for all in their stores. That is the way dogs and people get hurt.

And while they say dogs should be vaccinated, how do you know? Petsmart does not check dogs at the door, anybody can come in. Why would anybody assume that the dog in the next aisle is healthy, vaccinated and friendly. There is lots of anecdotal evidence that Petsmart, Petco, and similar stores are a germ cesspool, more so than a dog park because it is enclosed.

It just seems like common sense that somebody would ask before allowing their dog to approach.

However, if you believe your dog has the right to approach any strange dog because you feel entitled that your FiFi wants to play and who cares what others think, then do not be offended if my dog gives a warning growl that he does not want to play. Just like butt sniffing, a warning growl is a means of communication. They are too well trained to ever bite or attack, but they might communicate with a "thanks, but no thanks" growl.

 

[goofy!]

Yes. Absolutely. You 100% right. All the dogs in that store should be leashed and forced to walk by their owner's sides at all times. They're a danger to you, your dog and any children who might happen to be in the vicinity. You are absolutely, totally justified in feeling that the dogs who aren't as restrained as you think they should be are dangers you, your dogs and anyone who's around them.

You should write a letter to the owner of the store send a copy to the CEO in order to bring this situation to his attention. No one should have to put up with dogs that aren't calmly walking by their owners' side and demonstrating how well behaved they are.

Thank you so so much for bringing this situation to our attention. Speaking for myself, you've helped make me aware of how unsafe I am when I go into a Petco, or Pet-Smart, or any other pet store where dogs are present and I thank you for that. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your words of caution and I truly hope you do well with your complaint to the store and the corporation. Please let me know how that turns out because I'm certain that you're going to save a great many people a tremendous amount of heartache.

Thank you once again. I'm outty.

Yup, it is usually referred to as simple proper training.

Could you find me Petsmart's official policy where it states that people should be wary because there are untrained dogs on long, loose leashes? And that you should not enter if you are afraid of being approached by a dog?

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Bingo.

Petsmart, PetCo, any reputable trainer absolutely never advocates just letting your dog run up to a strange dog without determining if the other dog is approachable. That is just stupid and dangerous. I have said it before - you would never allow your child to just run up and start petting a dog. It is not any smarter to allow your dog to just go up to another dog and start sniffing. It is recognized dog etiquette that you always ask or determine whether the other dog/owner wants to participate. If the owner smiles at you as you approach and gives you body language that your dog may approach, then go for it. If you are not sure, ASK.

My dogs are both finished (have earned their championships). They have spent countless hours in tight quarters with thousands of other dogs. Some are aggressive, some are aloof, some are super friendly. If we all allowed our dogs to approach other dogs just because we think it is cute, there would be total chaos at shows. No, you follow proper dog etiquette and keep your dog in control at your side. If both owners are ok with it, then no problem. But that is the key, it has to be a mutual agreement. Since my dogs have spent so much time around so many different dogs (all males are intact at a dog show), they are extremely well behaved around other dogs. They may not appreciate another dog sniffing their butt, but they will tolerate it. The thing is, why should they just because some other owner has no clue about proper dog etiquette. It should be a mutual decision between both owners.

But more importantly, not every dog out there is friendly. And you never know if the owner of the aggressive, untrained dog has brought their dog to PetSmart that day.

Additionally, PetSmarts often have vets in their buildings. At our local Petsmart, the vet does not have a separate entrance; you have to go through the store to get to the nurse's station. So dogs may not be there for shopping or socializing. They may be sick and waiting for their appt. They may be aggressive. They may have just had their shots and normally friendly dogs may be cranky.

I cannot wrap my head around the fact that so many people assume that just because dogs are in Petsmart or a similar store, that they are friendly and allow their dogs to run up to strange dogs. Why would anybody take that chance with their dog that they love?

And no, I don't bring my dog to Petsmart. I usually want to get in and out as fast as I can and dragging a 100lb dog with cords dragging to the floor usually adds an extra half hour to my trip as I patiently answer all the questions

• Is that natural? (yes),
• how often do you have to use a curling iron to get those cords? (never - cording is natural - strangely, this is the most popular question even after asking if it is natural),
• can I feel them? (sure, and thank you for asking as I put my dog in a stand or down stay so people can approach),
• is it hard to groom? (bathing takes 2 hours, drying takes 24 hours with multiple fans on the crate otherwise they can mildew - stinky),
• do you brush them? (never)
• are they a friendly dog? (my breeder says "they are koms, they bite." not a breed for everybody)
• I have never seen one (they are a very rare breed, only 1800 in the US)

I love educating about my breed, but sometimes I just want to get out there quickly - so I don't bring my dog. Although I do use the vet there for minor things like ear infections, shots, etc. He is a neighbor and absolutely fantastic! So, if one of my dogs are in there, they are usually not in the best mood and not up for company.

Very well written! And agree with you 100%.

I also have shown my dogs (confirmation, agility and obedience) . They have numerous titles and ribbons, Like Goofy's dogs mine are also put in the worst conditions imaginable for a dog and expected to behave properly. Years of training go into the 2 minutes you are actually in the ring.

Every once a while, I will take the dogs with me when buying food. Usually when the kids beg and its not a fight I want to deal with at the moment. So we all pile into the truck and head to PetSmart. I do this rarely only because of all the people who are oblivious to their dogs in the store.

My dogs also get alot of attentipn because they are "lassie" dogs. A responsible dog owner is always taught from a responsible trainer to never let your dog approach any dog unannounced. Its one of the first rules I would go over in obedience classes. Puppy classes are differnt. Their main reason for being there is socialization. In my puppy classes, the pups played together and interacted for alot of the class. Once they are older and the real training begins, socialization is brought down to a minimum and owners should be asked first.

As much as anyone on here wants to argue, you can ask any reputable dog trainer and they will all tell you, an owner should always be asked before you let your dog approach. Its no different than if your child wanted to pet the dog.

And I've never seen a policy where it says its OK for your dog to run up on mine , sniff her butt, and socialize without being asked at Petsmart. The sign says, (at least at my Petsmart) well behaved and leashed dogs welcome.

As Goofy stated, you have no idea why the dog is there. I never let my dog socialize with any dog I don't know. Thats one of the reasons I have 2 dogs so they can play with each other. That dog you're letting your pup play with could have anything and you wouldn't know it. or get spooked and take a chunk out of poochie. I let people and kids pet my dogs but never let them socialize, unless its a quick sniff or tiny rumble and then we are off.

I associate the whole dog socialization like some people do with their kids. Just because you think your kid is cute and you want your kid to interact with other people doesn't mean everyone else does. Same thing just because you think your dog is cute and you want them to interact, doesn't mean I think they are cute and want them interacting with my dog.

 

[DawnCt1]

Bingo.

Petsmart, PetCo, any reputable trainer absolutely never advocates just letting your dog run up to a strange dog without determining if the other dog is approachable. That is just stupid and dangerous. I have said it before - you would never allow your child to just run up and start petting a dog. It is not any smarter to allow your dog to just go up to another dog and start sniffing. It is recognized dog etiquette that you always ask or determine whether the other dog/owner wants to participate. If the owner smiles at you as you approach and gives you body language that your dog may approach, then go for it. If you are not sure, ASK.

My dogs are both finished (have earned their championships). They have spent countless hours in tight quarters with thousands of other dogs. Some are aggressive, some are aloof, some are super friendly. If we all allowed our dogs to approach other dogs just because we think it is cute, there would be total chaos at shows. No, you follow proper dog etiquette and keep your dog in control at your side. If both owners are ok with it, then no problem. But that is the key, it has to be a mutual agreement. Since my dogs have spent so much time around so many different dogs (all males are intact at a dog show), they are extremely well behaved around other dogs. They may not appreciate another dog sniffing their butt, but they will tolerate it. The thing is, why should they just because some other owner has no clue about proper dog etiquette. It should be a mutual decision between both owners.

But more importantly, not every dog out there is friendly. And you never know if the owner of the aggressive, untrained dog has brought their dog to PetSmart that day.

Additionally, PetSmarts often have vets in their buildings. At our local Petsmart, the vet does not have a separate entrance; you have to go through the store to get to the nurse's station. So dogs may not be there for shopping or socializing. They may be sick and waiting for their appt. They may be aggressive. They may have just had their shots and normally friendly dogs may be cranky.

I cannot wrap my head around the fact that so many people assume that just because dogs are in Petsmart or a similar store, that they are friendly and allow their dogs to run up to strange dogs. Why would anybody take that chance with their dog that they love?

And no, I don't bring my dog to Petsmart. I usually want to get in and out as fast as I can and dragging a 100lb dog with cords dragging to the floor usually adds an extra half hour to my trip as I patiently answer all the questions

• Is that natural? (yes),
• how often do you have to use a curling iron to get those cords? (never - cording is natural - strangely, this is the most popular question even after asking if it is natural),
• can I feel them? (sure, and thank you for asking as I put my dog in a stand or down stay so people can approach),
• is it hard to groom? (bathing takes 2 hours, drying takes 24 hours with multiple fans on the crate otherwise they can mildew - stinky),
• do you brush them? (never)
• are they a friendly dog? (my breeder says "they are koms, they bite." not a breed for everybody)
• I have never seen one (they are a very rare breed, only 1800 in the US)

I love educating about my breed, but sometimes I just want to get out there quickly - so I don't bring my dog. Although I do use the vet there for minor things like ear infections, shots, etc. He is a neighbor and absolutely fantastic! So, if one of my dogs are in there, they are usually not in the best mood and not up for company.

Very well said and sums it up nicely. Connor is finished. He's used to other dogs and knows how to behave. He in fact likes other dogs. That doesn't give me the right to "inflict" Connor on other dogs however.

 

[DawnCt1]

Yes. Absolutely. You 100% right. All the dogs in that store should be leashed and forced to walk by their owner's sides at all times. They're a danger to you, your dog and any children who might happen to be in the vicinity. You are absolutely, totally justified in feeling that the dogs who aren't as restrained as you think they should be are dangers you, your dogs and anyone who's around them.

You should write a letter to the owner of the store send a copy to the CEO in order to bring this situation to his attention. No one should have to put up with dogs that aren't calmly walking by their owners' side and demonstrating how well behaved they are.

Thank you so so much for bringing this situation to our attention. Speaking for myself, you've helped make me aware of how unsafe I am when I go into a Petco, or Pet-Smart, or any other pet store where dogs are present and I thank you for that. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your words of caution and I truly hope you do well with your complaint to the store and the corporation. Please let me know how that turns out because I'm certain that you're going to save a great many people a tremendous amount of heartache.

Thank you once again. I'm outty.

I have no need, interest or desire to. I can control my dog and and I can tell others that think my dog is for their dog's entertainment, to control theirs as well.

 

[TheLists09]

Then don't go there.

I don't want this to sound like a personal attack because that's not what it is at all. But all of your posts on this thread seem to be asking "Why should I change?" and you're missing what we're telling you. You are the one walking into an atmosphere (a pet food store) where everyone else is comfortable with how things are run. Everyone else enjoys a relaxed atmosphere where the dogs are mingling freely. YOU are the one who seems to have a problem with it.

That's why YOU need change your shopping habits if your shopping habits are going to cause distress for your dog. It is unrealistic for you to dictate to everyone else how they need to behave in order for you to feel comfortable bringing your dog to that establishment, especially when everyone else there seems to have an unspoken agreement of acceptable animal behaviors and you are the one who disagrees.

If you want to solve the problem, don't bring your dog there or don't shop there. Regardless of whatever consensus you may get here on the DISboards, none of it is going to change how that shop is run.

QFT, well put.

 

[ols386]

So should parents leave their children home as well. There were two little boys there, without dogs, but with parents who seemed wary of dogs. That didn't stop the dog owners from letting their dogs roam at the ends of their leash and approaching these children.

I would think that if parents have children who are afraid of dogs, then it might not be a good idea to go to a dog store. They know there will be dogs there, and that there's a chance the child might be approached by a dog.

I do think that when people take their dogs to a pet store that the dog should be kept on a short leash, but that doesn't mean everyone in the store with a pet is going to do that. Again, it gets back to the fact that you can't control others or how they handle their pets.

It's a pet-friendly, pet store. There will be dogs there. You know that before you enter the store, and apparently you know that not all pet owners have well-trained dogs like yours.

 

[bluesaturn]

So in summary, snowflake children are bad, snowflake dogs are fine.

 

[ols386]

I have no need, interest or desire to. I can control my dog and and I can tell others that think my dog is for their dog's entertainment, to control theirs as well.

Yes, you can tell them, but it doesn't mean they are going to do what you tell them.

 

[goofy!]

As Goofy stated, you have no idea why the dog is there....That dog you're letting your pup play with could have anything and you wouldn't know it. or get spooked and take a chunk out of poochie.

This is the part that I just can't wrap my head around. I am confident enough with my dogs very vigorous training that they won't take a chunk out of FiFi if some strange dog runs up to them.

But I always wonder why other owners are naive enough to assume my dog is a) friendly and b) healthy. Petsmart did not check my vaccination records at the door, nor did they do a behavior test. My dog happens to be well trained, but not every dog is.

Recently, a poster here was struggling with a heartbreaking disease, parvo, and an unscrupulous breeder.

How do you know that the person in Petsmart that you just allowed your dog to run up to is not an unscrupulous breeder with a kennel full of disease, tracking it in with them? There is plenty of anecdotal evidence of kennel cough being spread at the large pet food stores.

How do you know that the dog your precious FiFi is running up to is not going to turn around and take a chunk out of their neck?

How do you know that the person your dog runs up to is friendly and not going to kick your dog away, possibly hurting them?

You shouldn't keep your dog on a controlled leash for the other dog's sake, but to keep your beloved pooch safe and healthy.

If you really care about your dog, always ask before you approach another dog.

 

[goofy!]

So in summary, snowflake children are bad, snowflake dogs are fine.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[goofy!]

Yes, you can tell them, but it doesn't mean they are going to do what you tell them.

Then they will need to accept the consequences of their actions.

If I say my dog is feeling aggressive today, is ill, etc, so please stay back, and they choose to ignore me and continue to allow their dog to run up to my dog....

Well, then they will need to be sure they can accept what might happen to their dog.

Again, it gets back to the fact that you can't control others or how they handle their pets.

It's a pet-friendly, pet store. There will be dogs there. You know that before you enter the store, and apparently you know that not all pet owners have well-trained dogs like yours.

It works both ways. If one (not the poster here as they are sensible, but the global you) acknowledges that not all pet-owners have well-trained dogs, why would anybody who claims to be a pet lover take the chance of allowing their pet to run up to a possibly aggressive or sick dog?

 

[ols386]

This is the part that I just can't wrap my head around. I am confident enough with my dogs very vigorous training that they won't take a chunk out of FiFi if some strange dog runs up to them.

But I always wonder why other owners are naive enough to assume my dog is a) friendly and b) healthy. Petsmart did not check my vaccination records at the door, nor did they do a behavior test. My dog happens to be well trained, but not every dog is.

Recently, a poster here was struggling with a heartbreaking disease, parvo, and an unscrupulous breeder.

How do you know that the person in Petsmart that you just allowed your dog to run up to is not an unscrupulous breeder with a kennel full of disease, tracking it in with them? There is plenty of anecdotal evidence of kennel cough being spread at the large pet food stores.

How do you know that the dog your precious FiFi is running up to is not going to turn around and take a chunk out of their neck?

How do you know that the person your dog runs up to is friendly and not going to kick your dog away, possibly hurting them?

You shouldn't keep your dog on a controlled leash for the other dog's sake, but to keep your beloved pooch safe and healthy.

If you really care about your dog, always ask before you approach another dog.

These are some of the reasons I don't take my dog to pet stores. Because you really don't know about the history or health of other dogs in the store.

I agree about asking someone with a dog, before actually approaching or petting the dog, if it's ok to do that. I love dogs, but if I happen to see someone out with their dog on a leash, I always ASK first.

 

[DawnCt1]

So in summary, snowflake children are bad, snowflake dogs are fine.

That was priceless!

 

[Jey12]

So I guess what we're saying here is Petsmart likes it when your dog runs 6-18ft away from you and goes up to strange dogs, barks, jumps on people and chews on their products for sale? That means I can take DD4 to Toysrus and let her ride a bike or skateboard all over the store, take things out of packages and encourage other children to join in? It is after all "where the kids go."

 

[SandrA9810]

This is why I like petsmart the best. The stores are much quieter, and I rarely ever saw another dog in the store at the same time. It was also the only store that carried her brand of dog food and treats.
My biggest reason for taking her out was to get her used to people and strangers. She was very lovable, once she stopped hiding behind my legs with her tail between hers. Never aggressive, but we believed she came from an abused home with a male abuser. I felt it was very important on a social aspect to take her on outings with people around.