[SWHouston]

I don't take my guys into a store like PetSmart very often, for all the (negative) reasons mentioned.

However, when I do, I put them into a Shopping Cart, tie the Leashes (down in the cart) where they can stand up with Paws on the top of the Basket part, but can't jump out.

I have to move away from the Cart/them, if I want to talk to anyone, and try to avoid allowing a larger Dog to approach the cart. Both my adults just go wild (into protective mode) if I don't take these precautions.

I readily admit this is my doing (I resist saying "fault") since I encourage them to be very territorial for security reasons here at the house, and that protective nature naturally extends to include my person when we're out like that.

IF you want to put yours in a Cart like I do, I think you may find that they will settle down considerably if you move away from them a short distance, when someone approaches. Also, none have ever "pottied" when they are in the Cart, BUT, have when I had them on the floor, leashed not loose.

One can hardly expect any other response about the pottying, when a Store like that is literally saturated with those scents.