Taking your dog with you

Kotone · 05-10-2008, 05:59 PM

I just saw Nessa's post about socializing Callahan, and how she was able to take him to Home Depot and Michaels...And I was wondering if there are specific stores and things(besides pet stores) that allow dogs to come along. I'm needing to socialize Logan as well, and would love to bring him with me to more places if I can. Where have you gone with your dog where people didn't make you leave? Lol.

Roscosmom · 05-10-2008, 06:04 PM

I saw someone post the other day about taking their dog to Target and I wondered What the HECK?!
But that aside, there are a few outdoor restaurants in our town that allow dogs. And once, at Christmas, they had pictures with Santa at the local mall. We jumped at the chance to take our puppy walking IN the mall, it was awesome.

Dogstar · 05-10-2008, 06:13 PM

While it's good to get your pup out and socialize? Be careful. Stuff like accidents, puppies chewing on things, etc, is getting pet-friendly places to STOP being pet friendly. So, that said...

Farm stores
outdoor malls/shopping centers
farmers markets (these are my favorites)
many outdoor festivals (take water!)
Half Price Books (if you have one near you)
SOME bookstores

Kotone · 05-10-2008, 06:23 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I forgot about Farmer's Markets...we have one downtown.

And yes I would be very careful. He doesn't really steal and chew things that much(except TP tubes...) so that shouldn't be a problem. I'm just looking for fun places to take him once he gets some training done.

MyCharlie · 05-10-2008, 06:41 PM

How do you find out if places are dog friendly? For example, someone told me that the new Orvis store here is dog friendly, but I had no idea - there are no signs or anything. So do you just call around and ask? Also, I've seen dogs in places like Lowe's before, but they were always little dogs in a shopping cart. Can you bring your dog places like that on a leash?

Lonewolfblue · 05-10-2008, 11:34 PM

One day I had Betty in my car and had to go into Lowe's to get some screws and left her in the car. When I was coming back out, one of the employees walked up to me and told me when I come, I can bring Betty in with me if I like, don't need to leave her out in the car. Said they have no problems with that. So Lowe's is another place you can add to the list, but with your list of places, I would still ask to make sure it's ok. Some chain stores, like Lowe's, could see things different from store to store.

Mudra · 05-10-2008, 11:57 PM

Other than Petsmart & Petcetera I haven't really taken my dogs to any other stores. Unless they are dog related stores, I personally wouldn't take them. Especially on food and clothing stores. Some people has allergic reaction to doggie fur and I will feel extremely bad if someone had an allergic attack because I brought my dogs to a particular store. But that's just me. There are other ways to socialize your dog. =)

harrise · 05-11-2008, 08:25 AM

HA!

I thought she was just hanging out in the parking lot! That's what I do around here, I've always found plenty of people while wandering out there.

loratliff · 05-11-2008, 09:09 AM

I don't even call and ask, to be honest. As long as the establishment doesn't serve food or have signs explicitly stating "No Dogs Allowed," I go. I've never had any issues. We've gone to book stores, Wal-Greens, NorthPark Center (a huge mall that is extremely dog-friendly), etc. - basically anywhere I need to go except the grocery store!

Of course, Dallas is surprisingly dog-friendly. There's a city ordinance here that allows dogs on the patios of ANY restaurant with outdoor seating.

jesirose · 05-11-2008, 09:57 AM

I think it's impolite to take dogs to non pet specific stores, or indoor stores. Outdoor markets fine, but lots of people wouldn't want to have to deal with a dog while they're shopping - even if they love their own dog.

Ginny01OT · 05-11-2008, 10:18 AM

I was in Michael's with my dog and the manager said dogs were not allowed in the store--he let me finish my shopping but I couldn't bring him back---this is a well behaved dog that goes to a nursing home rather regularly so not all stores in all areas allow dogs depending on the management I guess

Also, there is large dog discrimination----I have a large standard poodle which is not as well received as a little dog in some places. I guess people feel more comfortable if a dog is being clutched in someone's arms, no matter the temperment

Lonewolfblue · 05-11-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesirose

I think it's impolite to take dogs to non pet specific stores, or indoor stores. Outdoor markets fine, but lots of people wouldn't want to have to deal with a dog while they're shopping - even if they love their own dog.

I'm completely the opposite. If I took Betty into a place like Lowe's, how do other people have to deal with Betty? I'm the one dealing with her, and she's always with me. And I'm sure that most people that have said they take their dogs into stores have them on leash. I definitely wouldn't take Betty in off leash, then others would end up having to deal with her, lol. I definitely wouldn't take a dog into a food store, and probably not even a clothing store, but would just about anywhere else as long as they are welcome, and I have full control of the dog.

chul3l3ies1126 · 05-11-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesirose

I think it's impolite to take dogs to non pet specific stores, or indoor stores. Outdoor markets fine, but lots of people wouldn't want to have to deal with a dog while they're shopping - even if they love their own dog.

Sorry jesirose, but if you think that it's impolite because people shouldnt have to "deal" with your dog while they are shopping, then you do not have proper control over your dog. No one has to "deal" with Callahan, he completely ignores anybody and everybody and is right at my side while walking and looking straight at me while sitting still... now if thats having to "deal" with my dog... then lol... thats some damn good dealing.
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I actually call and ask, or I walk in and ask if they allow dogs. When they say they do not, (and it is not a food based place ~H.E.B., Target, Wal-Mart) then I say they need to make sure to put a "No Pets" sign out on the door. I'm glad to say that every place I have told that to, puts the signs up to avoid further confrontation. I go in to Michaels with him, Lowes, Home Depot, we try to go out to eat at Outdoor Restaurants when we are with him.

Do keep in mind though... I have made sure that he is properly trained and minds his manners damn well. I wont have him sitting there next to me while I am shopping, barking... sniffing people that dont come up to him first... pulling the leash to go where he pleases. Nope, when I stand still he stands still or sits, when I am paying... he sits right next to me and waits... during all this he also keeps his eyes on me, (eye contact is key) that is the way I have taught him. I never have to pull on the leash for him to come, I walk a step and he moves... so no one should EVER have to "DEAL" with him. It's wonderful. He does hate going to Michaels though LOL... I take too long in there!
Its ridiculous to see women or "happy" men bring their Yappy little dogs in their dog purses or the shopping carts. Then every time a person walks by, those dogs "BARK BARK BARK"!!! Snapping and all... and their owners think it's cute! Sorry but that is having to "deal" with a dog while I am trying to shop peacefully!
Nessa

kelliope · 05-11-2008, 12:21 PM

I think stores can really vary depending on whether it's a big dog who walks on it's own feet vs. a small dog who can be carried. I know several stores that do not welcome bigger dogs but do allow you to bring in a smaller dog as long as it's contained in your arms or a pouch or something.

It's always best to ask. I've seen stores that previously allowed small dogs (carried in) change their policy after large dogs were brought in and wagging tails knocked stuff over or other patrons were disturbed.

Also, many outdoor FOOD markets do NOT welcome dogs. It has to do with state law and food. Farmer's markets are different than an outdoor cafe where a dog can be contained by the owner's table. Most farmer's markets in our area do not allow dogs.

But that wouldn't stop you from bringing him and maybe having a friend hold him outside the entrance. He'd get a ton of socializing no doubt from people wanting to pet him, etc. without breaking any rules. This applies to any number of situations.

K9 Conversation · 05-11-2008, 12:33 PM

We actually take dog owners and their dogs to places like Home Depot, Lowe's etc. so they can socialize their dogs when were doing training.

Dieselsmama · 05-11-2008, 12:38 PM

I enjoy taking the dogs to new and different places. Ella needs a bit more work on her people manners ( not licking folks to death and learning to watch her step) but the other two I would have no problem taking anywhere dogs were permitted. In other countries, dogs are allowed far more places than they are here, wish I lived in one of them LOL.

kelliope · 05-11-2008, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselsmama

In other countries, dogs are allowed far more places than they are here, wish I lived in one of them LOL.

Me too!!!!! I love visiting Europe where many places you see dogs. We are just way too uptight here!

JackiesZoo · 05-11-2008, 01:15 PM

I think if the establishment doesn't have a problem, I will take him with me.

To date, Ash has been to Target, the Mall, the dentist office and the eye doctor. Yes he is small and yes, I did have him contained in a bag, but not once did he bark or was he a nuisance to anyone. In fact, no one noticed that he was there. If he did, I wouldn't be taking him with me. The barking and behavior have a lot to do with the training.

Ash is crated while I am at work all week, so I enjoy taking him with me wherever and whenever I can.

Kotone · 05-11-2008, 06:06 PM

Just today I saw someone with a Maltese in the local mall...in the shoe section of Dillard's. I was like...wow, what a coincidence. I didn't notice at first and had to do a double-take. It does seem like small dogs being carried are much faster to be accepted in stores and things than large dogs would. It kinda sucks...I claim breed discrimination! Lol.

Thanks for the tips. Maybe once Logan learns some manners I'll try taking him a few places.

poodleholic · 05-12-2008, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kotone

I just saw Nessa's post about socializing Callahan, and how she was able to take him to Home Depot and Michaels...And I was wondering if there are specific stores and things(besides pet stores) that allow dogs to come along. I'm needing to socialize Logan as well, and would love to bring him with me to more places if I can. Where have you gone with your dog where people didn't make you leave? Lol.

There are many ways to socialize one's puppy, without going into stores or malls, most of which prohibit dogs, and most of which can be overwhelming to the young puppy. One must keep in mind the fear periods, as well.

Strip malls are busy places rich with diversity of people, places, and things. Just hanging out near the doors of a supermarket will provide a variety of people. The noise and movement of various vehicles are good, as are different ground materials underfoot.

Fire stations are great places to have your puppy meet and greet men in uniform, and they may even provide the flashing lights and movement of a firetruck for you. My local fire fighters know Maddy and Beau well, as we often stop in to say hello when out and about.

Children's playgrounds offer "little people," along with their noise and movements, differing greatly from that of adults. Parks with bicyclists, skate boarders, and just people walking, some with dogs, some not.

Exposure to garbage trucks and others that beep, beep, beep when backing up are other things to get your puppy familiar with. Street or sidewalk grates scare the heck out've dogs who have not been exposed to them, so seek these out as well.

The more diverse the exposure to people, places, and things, the more likely you will have a dog who is confident and non-reactive when coming upon something out of the ordinary.