[rosemaryninja]

Originally Posted by JackiesZoo

And that is exactly my point. I never said sneak and "get away with" bringing in the dog. If an establishment states that they are changing their rules and all dogs are now allowed, then all the allergy, religion and respect for others argument would go out the window. HD allows big dogs, I don't see anyone saying, NO, I won't go in there, it might be against someone's religion. Instead, it is tauted as a GREAT DOG FRIENDLY establishment by large dog owners, and there is no problem with that because the establishment allowed the dog in there.

You completely ignored my post. The 'allergy, religion and respect for others' argument doesn't go out the window. There are only two reasons for bringing a dog into a store with you - first, because it's fun, and second, because it provides some good socialisation opportunities for the dog. Both are good reasons: I love my dogs and certainly wish they could go everywhere with me, and I also believe that solid socialisation is the key to a stable and healthy dog. But 'because it's fun' isn't reason enough for me to disregard the needs and wishes of others. And if I am looking to socialise my dog, I should be the one that has to actively seek out a place that will allow me to do so, rather than force others to actively avoid places that they would patronise if not for their dog-friendliness.

[JackiesZoo]

Originally Posted by harrise

Just get one of each and call it done!

I agree...and I definitely will.

Originally Posted by rosemaryninja

You completely ignored my post. The 'allergy, religion and respect for others' argument doesn't go out the window. There are only two reasons for bringing a dog into a store with you - first, because it's fun, and second, because it provides some good socialisation opportunities for the dog. Both are good reasons: I love my dogs and certainly wish they could go everywhere with me, and I also believe that solid socialisation is the key to a stable and healthy dog. But 'because it's fun' isn't reason enough for me to disregard the needs and wishes of others. And if I am looking to socialise my dog, I should be the one that has to actively seek out a place that will allow me to do so, rather than force others to actively avoid places that they would patronise if not for their dog-friendliness.

Sorry, I didn't ignore your post...ran into a mtg then to lunch. And I totally agree with you. I take Ash to the park and set up many doggie play dates for him. I don't take him to a store to socialize him. I believe he should be well behaved before entering the store...not learning how to behave.

I take him with me because I work all week and go to school at night. So on the weekend, I am running errands that can easily take 5-6 hrs and don't think that it is fair for him to stay home. I might take him in a store with me if I hadn't planned on making a stop and for some reason or another I had to run in only if the store owner doesn't object. If they do object, I ask my older son to stay with him outside while I run in. Truth be told, I would much rather take him in than to leave him in the car. It doesn't change the fact that he doesn't go anywhere that he is not allowed.

[JackiesZoo]

Originally Posted by harrise

Blast my basic courtesy. I would not take my dog(s) inside any place not animal related (even if allowed). I stand several feet off the sidewalk when people go by. I don't cross the street if someone is in their yard doing work. Everyone gets right of way over me and my dogs, that's just how I roll.

I see where you are coming from. but how do you feel about people taking dogs to HD, big or small? That is not animal related in the least. At least Target sells animal food, toys, etc.

In all seriousness though, I agree with the way you roll. I do the same with Ash even though he is a small dog. I always move to the side when someone is coming down the street and make sure that he isn't a nuisance. It could just be that I was raised around large dogs and this new small dog phenomena is a new, though much loved, thing for me.

[Pai]

Originally Posted by poodleholic

I'm surprised, because so often people who are disabled with service dogs often have access issues on public transportation, such as buses and trains.

I don't think people see many Rottie service dogs. It's just the image of a Rottweiler sitting on a bus seat isn't something people expect to see. =P

[Evie]

Originally Posted by rosemaryninja

***If it is not a specifically dog-related place, like a pet store or the vet or the park, ie places that a cynophobe/dog-allergic person would not visit, my dogs don't go there with me. I don't believe it's fair that those people should deliberately have to pick and choose, and possibly inconvenience themselves, just so my dogs can go pick out clothes with me.

I am of this same mind.

Interestingly, in all of my travels, I have yet to see a pup in Home Depot, Nordstrom, or other non-pet places. Now, I have seen pups in open cafes and other open establishments (outside), but otherwise, no.

[FilleBelle]

I am laughing at the thought of bringing a dog into Nordstrom's. Can you imagine how much more difficult that would make your shopping experience?!?

What I would really like to see is establishments (other than strip clubs) with "No Children Allowed" signs

[poodleholic]

Originally Posted by Pai

I don't think people see many Rottie service dogs. It's just the image of a Rottweiler sitting on a bus seat isn't something people expect to see. =P

A Service Dog wouldn't be sitting on a bus seat, as that would be inappropriate. The SD would be on the floor.

[Pai]

Originally Posted by poodleholic

A Service Dog wouldn't be sitting on a bus seat, as that would be inappropriate. The SD would be on the floor.

Okay... Not sure what your point is, really.

[j.le]

Originally Posted by poodleholic

I'm surprised, because so often people who are disabled with service dogs often have access issues on public transportation, such as buses and trains.

i'm surprised that you are surprised! maybe it depends on the location? we live in the city and you can always find dogs (service dogs and companions dogs) on public transit. i guess the rules are so relaxed because everyone uses it and since most people in my area live in condos the majority of dogs are on the smaller side. on a side note, a woman who lives in the condo next to mine takes her BEAUTIFUL chow chow on the streetcar every morning. it just sits and acts aloof. also, malls and most stores around here allow dogs.