Bijou's 1st shopping trip
 

Bijou got her finial round of puppy shots last week so I waited until last evening to take her on a little shopping trip (plus we were out of potty pads). We went to Care-A-Lot pets and to Petsmart. She had a blast and was so well behaved. She made tons of new doggy and people of all ages friends.

I was really impressed with her interaction with a child that was less than 2. The little boy was petting her and then tried to put his finger into her nose. Bijou just tried to lick him and did wonderfully with him. Thank goodness his mother pulled his hand back after he did it as I would have picked Bijou up, but it was a great interaction for her.

I have a question though: I love taking her to the petstores to socialize, but for some reason the trainers in the stores always try to talk you into taking your dog to their training classes. I'm really not interested in their classes but love walking in the stores. Does this happen to you all too? How do you politely say that you know enough on raising dogs to train her my own way, thank you? I don't want to sound smug or rude, but I really get insulted that they assume every person with a puppy needs to attend their classes.

I'm going to try and attach a recent photo of Bijou too. Hope all is well with everyone!

Awwww, she is adorable in her little outfit. As for Petsmart, they are just trying to drum up business. There is nothing rude about telling them you are not interested in their training course. You don't owe them any explanation. Good luck with you baby.

She's adorable! I love how puppies interact with tiny kids. They seem to have a connection. I've never had anyone approach me in the pet stores about a training class. If they did, I'd just say I already have a trainer, and if they are persistent and ask who, I'd politely say, "me" and keep walking. ;)

Thank you both! It's very hard to get her to sit still long enough for a decent picture :o)

I told the lady I'd consider it yesterday, but just know I'll see her again as I've seen her there every week. And I know she'll bug me again. I've shared my entire 37 years of life with dogs and think that by now if I don't have it I'll never get it :p I know it's all about the money to them, but I give them enough money and donate to their charity every trip (which is usually weekly) so I should be able to shop or socialize in peace.

Anyway, it was tons of fun to have Bijou out after all the crating due to the broken leg. I finally feel like she's free to be her puppy self. Thanks for listening.

Yay Bijou! She looks absolutely adorable. :)

Thank you! I'm going to a local festival tonight and they don't allow dogs :mad: I'm considering sneaking her in, but it's chilly out so I'll probably leave her home in her warm bed :rolleyes: but I do have a coat for her...hummmm.

Your baby is beautiful and I love her little dress! I would just say "no thanks" to training offers and end the discussion.