Shih Tzu Attack in Home Depot

[MauiGirl]

If the dog is so poorly socialized that it bites someone for just petting it, and the owner insists on taking it in stores, then the owner should have had it in a carrier, or had muzzle on it and a beware of dog sign on the cart.

I think the owner is at fault. Nobody deserves to be bitten over petting.

When I take my pups shopping, I pretty much expect that they will draw attention, comments, and yes an occasional friendly pet (which I don't mind). Isn't that part of the fun of taking them shopping? People are usually very polite and ask, which I appreciate, and the only thing I don't allow is for anyone to hold them.

[chachi]

If the dog was snappy the owner had no business taken it in there and has ruined it for everyone

[Britster]

Originally Posted by ArmaniMan

Another instance of the bad spoiling it for the good.

While I do think every person should ask before they pet any dog from 1-100 pounds- I also think if your dog is vicious enough to send someone to the hospital it shouldn't be carried around in public without some sort of carrier or muzzle.

This is how I kind of feel.

Yes, it's dumb for people to pet dogs without asking. But it's going to happen and it's a fact of life. You bring your dog in public, people are going to assume it's friendly, and why wouldn't you?

I bring Jackson out in public because I've trained and socialized him out the wazoo. He's obviously STILL a dog and anything can happen but I'm secure in the fact that I don't believe he'd bite anyone and I realize people are going to want to pet him.

[ArmaniMan]

Originally Posted by Britster

This is how I kind of feel.

Yes, it's dumb for people to pet dogs without asking. But it's going to happen and it's a fact of life. You bring your dog in public, people are going to assume it's friendly, and why wouldn't you?

I bring Jackson out in public because I've trained and socialized him out the wazoo. He's obviously STILL a dog and anything can happen but I'm secure in the fact that I don't believe he'd bite anyone and I realize people are going to want to pet him.

Exactly- I mean I know Armani would probably grumble a bit if someone just grabbed for him but if I thought he would outright bite them he sure as heck wouldn't be strolling about in public with me without some barrier between him and the public. I don't expect dogs to be in love with strangers- some are, but not all- but they should at least be socialized enough not to try and take a chunk out of any person who touches them.

[Britster]

^ Definitely...

Here is a pic of the damage!

Home Depot bans pets after dog bite incident at Ottawa store

[Lil Sis]

I have a shih tzu and they are the sweetest dogs. I am very surprised this has happened. But.... I will say my Bailey is a nervous dog and very unsure of people so I do not take him out to places like that. It is not that he is a bitter, never so far, but because he is timid who knows what could happen.
I always warn people who want to pet him when we are on our walks. We have visited people and people with dogs and he does great, but a store would really frighten him.

I would say there is more to the story. The dog was stressed being out or afraid. The owner should have been aware of her dog's reaction. Also there had to be more than the dog Jumped out of the seat... the greater must have also approached the dog in a manner that added to the stress.

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by Lil Sis

I would say there is more to the story. The dog was stressed being out or afraid. The owner should have been aware of her dog's reaction. Also there had to be more than the dog Jumped out of the seat... the greater must have also approached the dog in a manner that added to the stress.

That's what I was thinking too. Especially with a 12 year old dog. It seems like the owner would have a clear picture of how her dog behaves by that age. I'm not real familiar with the shih tzu breed and wondered if 12 was really old and maybe cataracts, or something could contribute to the problem. Who knows how well a dog that old sees and to see something approach him...who knows...long nails, rings, keys on wristring, whatever...he could see as a threat.

I agree with what the previous posters said about socializing a dog, but we do that by taking them out around people. Who is to know how far along the social-educational spectrum a dog is, that you may reach out to pet. I believe people should always ask first before attempting to pet. I think it is extremely rude & ill mannered not to do so. Cos, let's put it this way...if it was my kid you attempted to put your hand on without my ok...I'd floor you!

[kdhawks]

Originally Posted by Britster

^ Definitely...

Here is a pic of the damage!

Home Depot bans pets after dog bite incident at Ottawa store

Wow. Hard to believe all of that damage was from such a small dog.

I'm so torn about this story. On one hand, I do firmly believe that everyone should ask before petting a dog, but can't imagine taking a "biter" unsecured (not in secure carrier) into such a public place. Not only is it dangerous, it has to be stressful for the poor pup! She was probably scared and anxious in that unfamiliar, warehouse-type setting!

Our Home Depot doesn't allow pets, but Levi's done the quick run-in in his carrier. It is upsetting that they are banning dogs altogether in their Canada stores. There aren't enough pet-friendly stores anywhere!

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Lil Sis

I would say there is more to the story. The dog was stressed being out or afraid. The owner should have been aware of her dog's reaction. Also there had to be more than the dog Jumped out of the seat... the greater must have also approached the dog in a manner that added to the stress.

I agree and I thought I read that the woman put her face up to the dog. That is a big no no with a dog. Still, I'm guessing the shih tzu had issues before this happened.

[MyTrixie143]

That sucks that one bad experience ruined it for everyone.

I think both parties are responsible. The owner shouldn't have brought her dog if it was a biter. But then again maybe it was the situation and this was the first it happened? Regardless, the owner should have had more control and been prepared. And the employee shouldn't have pet the dog without asking, that was a risk she took.

I've never had any of mine bite but I am still prepared for it as I never want it to happen. My furkids are very friendly but you never know what might scare them or upset them causing them to act out. You have to watch their behavior and body language and if the slightest thing is off you need to step in.

[Reese1]

How awful.

I think there is a certain assumption by people that if you are bringing your pets into public places, (i.e. stores) that your pets are social and friendly, which makes people more apt to pet them.
I don't think you should bring a pet into any public store if you have any inkling that your pet is anti-social and snappy. Unless you have the pet in a secure situation where it cannot bite anyone.

[JesStang]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

If the dog is so poorly socialized that it bites someone for just petting it, and the owner insists on taking it in stores, then the owner should have had it in a carrier, or had muzzle on it and a beware of dog sign on the cart.

I think the owner is at fault. Nobody deserves to be bitten over petting.

When I take my pups shopping, I pretty much expect that they will draw attention, comments, and yes an occasional friendly pet (which I don't mind). Isn't that part of the fun of taking them shopping? People are usually very polite and ask, which I appreciate, and the only thing I don't allow is for anyone to hold them.

That's how I feel about it. If your dog is prone to biting then they should not be out in public like that. Yes, the lady should've asked to pet the dog but I blame the owner on this.

[jmdt]

People are stupid. She should never have touched that dog without permission. I learned that as a child and I have told my children the same. That dog doesn't know you. I've had people touch my children when they were little in the stroller. That's gross don't touch my baby. My dogs are not snappy either, they have never snapped but you never know they are dogs remember. Anything could freak them out. Maybe she has a dog and the smell is on her. Who knows. I will tell people that they snap if they are getting too pushy and want to hold them or something.

[Ringo1]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

If the dog is so poorly socialized that it bites someone for just petting it, and the owner insists on taking it in stores, then the owner should have had it in a carrier, or had muzzle on it and a beware of dog sign on the cart.

I think the owner is at fault. Nobody deserves to be bitten over petting.

When I take my pups shopping, I pretty much expect that they will draw attention, comments, and yes an occasional friendly pet (which I don't mind). Isn't that part of the fun of taking them shopping? People are usually very polite and ask, which I appreciate, and the only thing I don't allow is for anyone to hold them.

This is exactly what I was thinking. If your dog is not extremely well socialized, then they should NOT be accompanying you to stores. Of course, people are going to want to pet the dog in that situation! They are going to get attention.

The owner is clearly at fault.

[jmdt]

It's about boundaries, ya know. If she had a rotty in the cart would she have went to pet it so quickly?? People have to ask first. Who puts their face so close to even allow that dog to jump like that?? That baby was spooked and reacted like it's instincts tell him to. You just don't go reaching out and petting a strange dog. Whether it's a chiuaua or a mastiff you just don't pet without asking first.