Taking Dogs to Petco or Pet Smart.

[JVelasquez]

Thnnks for the advice but im not worried.

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.

 

[JVelasquez]

I never realized that dogs could be so snobby.

I didn't either.

 

[RF536]

I do take my dog to the pet store so he will be used to being around other people and dogs. But I also agree that as pet owners we do need to respect those around us. I do ask befoe I let me dog greet another dog, and I don't let him go up to people to greet them. I must be lucky were I am, because I have never had another dog come up a greet me or my dog without persmission.

The only place, I don't ask permission for my dog to greet another dog is the dog park.

 

[MushyMushy]

I didn't either.

But of course. They're well bred.

I wonder if there's a store for the more common variety mutt like mine. She doesn't mind a little butt sniffing.

 

[goofy!]

But of course. They're well bred.

I wonder if there's a store for the more common variety mutt like mine. She doesn't mind a little butt sniffing.

It has nothing to do with breeding or pedigree or even the dog itself.

It has to do with respect, courtesy, being careful and the entitlement attitude of some owners.

Not all dogs, mutts included, tolerate being butt sniffed.

The attitude of "my dog wants to play and I don't give a damn what the other dog or owner thinks" is entitlement to the max. Both owners should agree. It is not only courteous, but safe, to ask whether another dog is ok to approach. If the owner says no, then just move on to the next dog.

Why in the world would somebody feel entitled to allow their dog to just run up to strange dog and sniff it?

Ask first. It only takes a second.

 

[goofy!]

Thnnks for the advice but im not worried.

So,what you are saying is that you won't be at all upset when a startled dog grabs yours by the throat and you have to watch it be stitched up.

That actually happened in a florida petsmart in April. And the owner of the bitted dog was surprised that she had to pay the vet bill.

But if you are ok with putting your dog in danger, go for it.

 

[ols386]

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.



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?

And that's why I don't take my dog to places like Pet Smart, or any type of pet store. My dog would not run up to another dog because he would be on a leash, but that doesn't mean another dog can't come up to him.

 

[kacaju]

I agree 100% with goofy and rolipolieoliefan. We also show dogs. We were at a show today. I can walk my dog through a crowded show site and not have dogs coming up to my dogs wanting to sniff and play with them.
I take my dog to Petco and there will be only 1 dog there and yet that one dogs owner will want their dog to come sniff and play with my dog.

BTW..goofy and rolipoli... we were so close to getting a BOV with our smooth collie!! The judge was going back and forth between her and another dog... she ended up with the *new* select winner and a major towards her grand champion!!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

BTW..goofy and rolipoli... we were so close to getting a BOV with our smooth collie!! The judge was going back and forth between her and another dog... she ended up with the *new* select winner and a major towards her grand champion!!

Congratulations on the major. "major" accomplishment!! How many more points before she finishes?

 

[bluesaturn]

But of course. They're well bred.

I wonder if there's a store for the more common variety mutt like mine. She doesn't mind a little butt sniffing.

Mutts are usually cuter though. I'd rather have a cute dog than one that can stand there silently looking at the floor. But I'm shallow like that

 

[okeydokey]

Are you suggesting that we tell a privately owned company to change their business model? Should we force them to change their policy? Maybe the government should pass a law that all dogs should be legally bound to stay 10 feet from all other dogs. Sounds kind of UnAmerican to me.

I figure the pet store can set their own rules. If you don't like the rules you have an opportunity to support a different store.

 

[okeydokey]

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, if I knew my kids were afraid of dogs I wouldn't take them to a store that encourages dogs to be in the store. It's really quite simple.

 

[kacaju]

Congratulations on the major. "major" accomplishment!! How many more points before she finishes?

It was either a 4 or 5 point major, not sure because between me and the breeder we didn't keep track of how many dogs were in the ring. This was her first time out as a special. She became a champion with (2) 5 point majors a 2 point win and single points.
To become a Grand Champion they need 25 points and 3 majors.
She is a beautiful sable smooth

 

[denisem]

I totally agree with limiting pet interaction in all public places.

We had a harness-trained, car-ride-lovin' purebred former showcat/breeder (Millie) with THE most perfect temperment/manners who loved showing off. I should have vented to the Disboards and PetSmart that their lowly dogs offended me & Millie. But then we'd need to consider snowflake parakeets, ferrets, fish, etc. who Millie might upset. Where does it end????

Yes, this is tongue-in-cheek. RIP, Millwood Millie...we still miss you.

 

[walden]

Sorry, I haven't read all the posts so I don't know whether anyone else has said this.

To the OP: Great that you are doing obedience training. One reason to take an obedience trained dog to a place like PetSmart or Petco is to *proof* the training in the face of distractions. It is one thing to get a perfect down/stay and focus at home or in a controled environment like obedience training. It is quite another to get that focus when in public. A properly trained dog can focus on you even when untrained Petunia pup at the end of a retractable leash is yapping at them. Wecome that as a distraction and focus on training.

Having said that, not all people want a perfect obedience trained dog. Some very good dog owners just want a reasonably well-behaved and well socialized pet without the bells and whistles of obedience training. A well socialized dog does greet other dogs and sniffs in areas that humans find inappropriate, but dogs find polite. Nothing wrong with that. Your well trained dog should be able to cope with a normal doggy greeting.

It is, of course, still your job to protect your dog from unwanted, aggressive and/or over-friendly bad mannered dogs. Step in front of your dog, and politely ask the other owner to control their dog if that dog is really getting in your dog's face.

I do hope you give Connor some down-time, however, and let him socialize with other dogs that you know. I just got back from a Therapy Dog get together. We had about 70 certified Therapy Dogs in one building. As they were "off duty" we all allowed interaction of the *sniff the butt* variety and off-leash play in small groups in a fenced area. The dogs (of all breeds and mixes) had a fantastic time. So did the owners.

 

[DawnCt1]

Are you suggesting that we tell a privately owned company to change their business model? Should we force them to change their policy? Maybe the government should pass a law that all dogs should be legally bound to stay 10 feet from all other dogs. Sounds kind of UnAmerican to me.

I figure the pet store can set their own rules. If you don't like the rules you have an opportunity to support a different store.

Not at all. The problem isn't with Pet Smart, Pet Co, or any other store that permits dogs. Its with ignorant owners that assume I want their dog in my face and their dog's nose in my dogs butt. I don't. If there is any question, they just need to ask.

 

[DawnCt1]

Yes, if I knew my kids were afraid of dogs I wouldn't take them to a store that encourages dogs to be in the store. It's really quite simple.

What is simple is for owners to heel their dogs unless the 'target of the dog's affection" invites them to visit.

 

[DawnCt1]

Sorry, I haven't read all the posts so I don't know whether anyone else has said this.

To the OP: Great that you are doing obedience training. One reason to take an obedience trained dog to a place like PetSmart or Petco is to *proof* the training in the face of distractions. It is one thing to get a perfect down/stay and focus at home or in a controled environment like obedience training. It is quite another to get that focus when in public. A properly trained dog can focus on you even when untrained Petunia pup at the end of a retractable leash is yapping at them. Wecome that as a distraction and focus on training.

Having said that, not all people want a perfect obedience trained dog. Some very good dog owners just want a reasonably well-behaved and well socialized pet without the bells and whistles of obedience training. A well socialized dog does greet other dogs and sniffs in areas that humans find inappropriate, but dogs find polite. Nothing wrong with that. Your well trained dog should be able to cope with a normal doggy greeting.

It is, of course, still your job to protect your dog from unwanted, aggressive and/or over-friendly bad mannered dogs. Step in front of your dog, and politely ask the other owner to control their dog if that dog is really getting in your dog's face.

I do hope you give Connor some down-time, however, and let him socialize with other dogs that you know. I just got back from a Therapy Dog get together. We had about 70 certified Therapy Dogs in one building. As they were "off duty" we all allowed interaction of the *sniff the butt* variety and off-leash play in small groups in a fenced area. The dogs (of all breeds and mixes) had a fantastic time. So did the owners.

I did "protect my dog" from unwanted advances, the point is, I shouldn't have to. I am happy to have Connor socialize with dogs that we know, just as you are happy to have your dog socialize with dogs that you know, that are immunized and healthy. Something that is unknown in a pet store.

 

[Angelhalo]

Not at all. The problem isn't with Pet Smart, Pet Co, or any other store that permits dogs. Its with ignorant owners that assume I want their dog in my face and their dog's nose in my dogs butt. I don't. If there is any question, they just need to ask.

Dog's sniff each other's butts. It's a public store which means it contains all kinds of dog owners. Some who are uber strict and some who aren't. That will never ever change. If you don't like it, then the only solution is not to take your dog there. It seems pretty simple, and much more effective than wishing people would do what you want. As my mom always says, wish in one hand and poop in the other and see which one fills up first.

 

[DawnCt1]

Dog's sniff each other's butts. It's a public store which means it contains all kinds of dog owners. Some who are uber strict and some who aren't. That will never ever change. If you don't like it, then the only solution is not to take your dog there. It seems pretty simple, and much more effective than wishing people would do what you want. As my mom always says, wish in one hand and poop in the other and see which one fills up first.

I understand that dogs sniff each other's butts. I will continue to take my dog where he is allowed but I will not stand there "wishing". I will tell the dog owner to heel his dog when he enters my space. If I were to stand within 5 inches of you while you were putting your groceries up on the conveyer belt, would you mind? Would you just say, "well its a public place, if I don't like it I will say home?? Or would you say, "excuse me, you are crowding me?"