Dogs in handbag store.

[stephc005]

i think it's kinda silly that some people believe their dog is the exception. so clean, so perfect, so well behaved, etc. and just because someone doesn't confront you about your dog doesn't mean it doesn't bother anyone. i would actually feel embarrassed to have someone ask me to leave because of my dog, and i'm sure there are SAs and customers who feel uncomfortable but do not want to be rude and confrontational.

[floridasun8]

I can think of several reasons why most people take their dogs with them shopping, and while there are probably some that consider it an entitlement, there are truly other legitimate reasons:

Dogs are sociable creatures. They need to learn to behave properly around other people, other dogs and in public situations.

Some dogs get separation anxiety and can cause harm to themselves or the home when left alone. Just like with kids, having a babysitter, using a crate, etc. is not always available.

Some people dont get to spend enough time with their dogs, so when they arent working, but need or want to go shopping, they enjoy taking their dogs along

And going back to the social aspect, dogs need emotional stimulation just as people. They cannot be kept in the house all the time with only being taken out for walks and expect to be stimulated. They also need the sights, sounds, smells and whole aspect of being in society. Most dogs that I have witnessed out in public enjoy being out with their owner, smelling new things, watching people and riding in the car.

While I dont take my dogs places with me (except for Petsmart occasionally), it isnt because I wouldnt want to, but they are 100+ lb dogs and are just too big, however if a store owner allows the dogs inside, then that is the end of story....there is no reason to argue or complain if it is permitted.

There will always be people that complain about being afraid of dogs , allergic, whatever, but there are also people that are allergic to perfume, cigarette smoke, etc. and even some crazy phobias that some people have of simple things that can be encountered in normal outside life. It applies to everyone in the fact that if you go into a store where a dog is present, if you go into a store where someone has too much cologne on, if you go into a store where someone has offended you by their dress or appearance or whatever, or you just generally dont like something about the general public that is being permitted by whatever or whoever, you also have the right to leave.

Just my 2 cents.

[NoSnowHere]

I see it here in malls and whatnot. I don't think it's okay unless it's an assistance type dog. I understand some people's pets are their babies, but give me a break.

[queennadine]

As stated, I personally don't see anything wrong with it as long as the dog is well behaved. But I expect that of people too, adults and children alike.
I guess that's why some stores don't allow food and beverages: same thing.

DH and I took one of our dogs (while she was still the only one) to our title company when we closed on our house a year ago. We've taken her plenty of places and she's well-behaved.

Since we got our 2nd dog, it's not as easy to take both of them. Plus Bailey's a marker so it's a pain holding him all of the time!

Where we live there are plenty of outdoor and outlet malls that are all dog-friendly. Some of the stores have a paw print sticker on their windows which means that you can take your well-behaved dogs in. There are also water fountains and poopy-bags around so you can take care of everything.

We've taken both dogs shopping a couple of times and I've never encountered anyone rude about it. We pick them up inside of a store and then let them walk around once we're back outside. We always pick up after them, and they hardly ever bark.

As far as the allergy thing is concerned: some people are allergic to hairspray, for example, but that doesn't stop most people from wearing it. Perfume is something that a lot of people have reactions to, but no one thinks twice about spraying it on before they leave the house.

I think common courtesy applies to everyone and unfortunately, bad dog owners have given the good ones a bad name.
But that goes for parents too, I suppose =)

[lorihmatthews]

I occasionally see dogs in stores here, but I've never thought it was a big deal. A lot of dogs I see in stores are quite small so maybe they're not as noticeable to me.

[claireZk]

I'm not a dog lover specifically, but I do love animals. That said, I'm not a fan of dogs in stores or restaurants. I just don't understand this need some people have to take their dogs everywhere. Can they not shop for an hour or two without bringing their pets along??

Sort of OT, but I saw a lady once at Franklin Mills Mall in Philly who was dressed in head to to pink with ratty blonde extensions, carrying around some sort of a medium sized mutty dog in a faux LV tote. She was like the poor man's Paris Hilton (and this wasn't even at the height of Paris & dogs in purses popularity, it was like a few months ago). It was HILARIOUS!

[Mediana]

We have a large dog that we usually bring with us when we travel within Europe. I think it's natural and nobody seems to thinks it's a problem. I've only encountered one little incident during the years. It was in the Jill Sander store in Milan last year, where a american tourist complained to the sales personal. She kindly said that we were there first and that if they didn't like the dog they could leave and come back later.

[bextasy]

i think its weird.

[boomie]

Originally Posted by Mediana

We have a large dog that we usually bring with us when we travel within Europe. I think it's natural and nobody seems to thinks it's a problem. I've only encountered one little incident during the years. It was in the Jill Sander store in Milan last year, where a american tourist complained to the sales personal. She kindly said that we were there first and that if they didn't like the dog they could leave and come back later.

I love this ^^ Europeans seem so much more laid-back about things.

[.:Sprigged:.]

They are everywhere in NYC! It's even worse in Paris...but in Paris and Nice, you also have the dog's...leavings. Everywhere.

I personally really don't care either way. I love dogs, even though I don't have one of my own (I don't have the time to properly care for one). However, I think for the sake of people who are allergic, phobic, or simply don't care for dogs, perhaps people should leave them at home.

I would be very unhappy if I was to gear up to enjoy a nice shopping experience, then all of a sudden I am sneezing uncontrollably...or hyperventilating...or very uncomfortable...all at no fault of my own. Just trying to put myself in their shoes.

[bagnshoofetish]

doesn't bother me in the least as long as they are not relieving themselves in the store. but I work with all kinds of animals all day long so I am very comfortable around any kind of animal anytime anywhere. but thats just me. I actually prefer their company to most people. I'm a weirdo.

[Styleforever]

I leave mines at home, because I don't want to subject other people to them and if you have carry them in the store I shouldn't carry them if I tried, LOL!! they are bigger than me. One is 110 pounds English sheep dog and the other is a 95 pound Doberman. They maybe big but they are as sweet and lovable as can be. I had much smaller dog before these two but she passed away and I did not take her in doors either when I shopped even after she was well trained and she loved to the center of attention and the center of the conversation.
I have fine glass figurines all over the house and but one would think from their size they breaks a lot of stuff, but actually they don't, they walks beside me when we go someplace if they were to start pulling they could literally pull me down! They don't pull, they always look back when we get in the back yard to make sure I have let go out their lease before dashing off. My smaller dog did far more breaking things than they does. I had a hard time training her not to tear up pillows when she got angry when she was a puppy. One of the dogs I was speaking of was at least big as my Doberman. The other smaller one was a Jack Russel.

[boomie]

Originally Posted by bagnshoofetish

doesn't bother me in the least as long as they are not relieving themselves in the store. but I work with all kinds of animals all day long so I am very comfortable around any kind of animal anytime anywhere. but thats just me. I actually prefer their company to most people. I'm a weirdo.

Shoo, I'm with you Your avatar is TOO cute btw :)

[Styleforever]

I see everyone has a different opinion on this issue, so I guess is a subject best left to each their own and whatever your area allow. Speaking of Europe...would it be ok, with them if I took my English sheep dog Or Doberman in a Milan store? You can help but notice them. The sheep dog is very kind but rarely barks but when he does his bark is like a volcano going on. But that just the way he communicates. I will test them the next time we visit Europe.

[Mediana]

Originally Posted by Styleforever

I see everyone has a different opinion on this issue, so I guess is a subject best left to each their own and whatever your area allow. Speaking of Europe...would it be ok, with them if I took my English sheep dog Or Doberman in a Milan store? You can help but notice them. The sheep dog is very kind but rarely barks but when he does his bark is like a volcano going on. But that just the way he communicates. I will test them the next time we visit Europe.

Yes, you can take you dogs in. I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback. She's bigger than a Doberman.