I love dogs. I own dogs. But I don’t love dogs in stores. I can’t stand going into Target and seeing a Chihuahua peek out from a purse, or a Yorkie riding around in the cart basket. When did it become acceptable to bring your dog everywhere? Are we so out of touch that we think our dogs actually enjoy a day full of hustling in and out of crowded stores? What’s wrong with leaving your dog at home while you run errands? Service dogs have a valuable role to play in helping their humans, but there are very few good reasons your pet dog needs to go to the grocery store with you. Before you label me a hater, let me outline a few reasons that you should leave your dog at home!
Unpredictable Behavior
So you think your dog would never bark/bite/fight/run away? Dogs are unpredictable. They may be threatened by a small child, scared by a loud noise, or just plain too friendly for the comfort of your fellow customers. Service dogs are allowed in public places only after extensive personality testing and years of training and socialization. Unless your dog went through the same rigorous routine, there are any number of stimuli that could set off an unpredictable behavior in your dog. Why risk it?
Bad Bathroom Habits
Think you’re annoyed by stepping in dog doo on the sidewalk? Imagine doing it in the aisles of Home Depot. Dogs pee when they’re nervous, and if you’re busy picking out a new drill, you may not notice Fido relieving himself two shelves down. How are you planning to clean that up? There aren’t any doggie bag stations in a hardware store.
Allergies
Many people have allergies to dog hair and dander. Those people choose not to keep dogs in their home or to visit places where dogs are usually welcome. But when you bring your dog into a department store, you force an interaction between that person and your dog. At the very least, they’ve got to continue shopping with itchy eyes and a runny nose. If the allergy is severe enough, your dog could be threatening someone’s life. Even if no one is effected right then and there, your dog could potentially leave dander or slobber on a piece of clothing, causing a reaction down the line. Plus, no one wants to buy a pair of pants with dog slobber on it; not even a dog owner!
Fear of Dogs
There are people out there who just don’t like dogs, and then there are those who are terrified of them. Some have had bad experiences or been victims of an attack. These people steer clear of areas where dogs are welcome. Seeing a dog unexpectedly in a store can cause serious anxiety. Your dog may sense fear or aggression from these people, which could trigger unwanted behaviors. Again, you are forcing someone to interact with a dog in a place where they could reasonably expect not to encounter one.
Sanitation
Dogs should not be allowed inside restaurants, or any store that serves or displays food. Sure, maybe your dog is well-behaved enough not to go lunging for other people’s plates. But dogs carry bacteria in their fur, mouths and paws that is unsanitary for a public restaurant. Dogs may also inadvertently rub up against display counters or refrigerator doors, spreading germs and general ick. There are plenty of restaurants that allow dogs in outdoor eating areas. Take your business, and your dog, to one of those places, rather than insisting on dining inside.
Health and Safety (for dogs)
Any store that is not set up to accept dogs can be dangerous for your furry friend. Home improvement stores especially can be hazardous for your dog. Chemicals are stored on bottom shelves, collars can get snagged on end-caps, and don’t even get me started on the lumber aisle. There is always the chance your dog could jump out of the cart or your purse and find himself in serious danger. Crowded department stores could cause over stimulation in some pets, and the perfume counter can overwhelm your dog’s sensitive nose.
Whether common courtesy or true concern, it’s best to leave your dog at home when running errands.
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