I have to admit, I'm a total hypocrite about this. I did not particularly like it when I lived in New York, where dogs are allowed EVERYWHERE. However, now that I own an under-socialized dog, I take him into Staples, newstands, drug stores, Starbucks, etc. He gets very excited when we approach a Starbucks, as there's always a chance of some crumbs on the floor.
Thor is only 3 lbs, and he doesn't bark in stores, and (knock on wood) has never peed in one. In all but two places, store owners always coo over him.
I do feel a little guilty, but I think it's sooooo helpful for Thor to get the experience, and I would worry about him being stolen if I left him outside. Though I guess I should use a carrier. Okay, I'm bad. I admit it.
I'm dog-sitting for a larger dog over Christmas, and I've been leaving him outside. Last night I ran indoors to get a coffee - I swear I was only inside for two minutes - and when I got back, it was like a poop bomb had gone off around this dog. I guess he just couldn't hold it. It was all over the sidewalk, the dog, and the leash. Even worse, a bouncer from a nearby bar had picked most of it, probably so the bar patrons didn't vomit when they left. The bouncer was really nice about it, but man it was bad.
Then I went into a small pet store today with both of them, and the sales people were cleaning up poop from one dog and vomit from another. I guess it's all context. |