There are occasions when we like to show our dogs off
....
....there are times when I just want them along for their company....
....there are places that I take them because I think it will be good for them to go, to help keep them "socialized", and less nervous in different environments...
...but the MAJORITY of the time, when it comes to just "errands" like shopping, stuff like eating out...I COMPLETELY don't understand the appeal of sneaking a dog along. I'm worried enough about sneaking my SNACKS into the movies, I don't need to worry about my purse barking, too!
If people like taking their pets places with them, and their pets like going, that's great. But I think there's also something to be said for encouraging our pets (like our children!) to be independent of us sometimes too. It's healthier for them, and easier on them at the inevitable times when we CAN'T take them along, if they're not used to ALWAYS going.