Dogs and shopping

mountainofdebt

The only way I would take Mutt with me to the shops is if someone was with me so that one of us could stay with him outside.

The only time he goes with me into the village, is if I'm collecting the chinese ( the counter is right by the door so both of us stay effectively outside)

candygirl

aileth wrote: »

How about putting a muzzle on him and maybe a fluorescent jacket saying 'DANGEROUS DOG' on it. Bet that'd put off the people who want to fuss him and probably the thieves!

But could encourage dog fighters to steal him

lostinrates

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

The delightful ambiguities of the English language, I read this as 'I'll let kiwi order some coffee', and thought "Gosh, what a clever little dog!" :rotfl:

Nah, he'd order food, only food and lots of it. Rather selfish. Maybe he'd get an ice cube. He loves ice cubes. :mad:

My middle dog on the other hand, she'd order me a coffee. She is scarily bright and communicates very clearly with those prepared to follow her eyeline

david39

This article will explain the danger of leaving your dog unattended outside a shop

http://www.spenboroughguardian.co.uk/news/local/man-found-guilty-of-stealing-jess-the-dog-in-cleckheaton-1-1508313

WTFH

There is not 100% danger outside 100% shops. You need to make the decision yourself. Those of us who sometimes leave dogs outside some shops are NIT bad owners, nor are we taking unnecessary risks. Leaving your dig outside a shop will not affect your house price, nor will it allow foreigners to claim extra benefits, and there is no link between a dog outside a shop and the death of Diana. Don't be paranoid, be sensible. And don't apply inner city rules to the countryside, or vice versa.

krlyr

WTFH wrote: »

Leaving your dig outside a shop will not affect your house price, nor will it allow foreigners to claim extra benefits, and there is no link between a dog outside a shop and the death of Diana. Don't be paranoid, be sensible.

I think comments like that are far less sensible than anything that has been said in this thread. All of the possible risks mention can and have happened. No one has said they will happen to everyone every time they leave their dog - but it is a risk and OP was asking for opinions to help make their decision, those are things that would/have influenced my decision to not do so myself.

lostinrates

krlyr wrote: »

I think comments like that are far less sensible than anything that has been said in this thread. All of the possible risks mention can and have happened. No one has said they will happen to everyone every time they leave their dog - but it is a risk and OP was asking for opinions to help make their decision, those are things that would/have influenced my decision to not do so myself.

All posts have been gratefully received.

I DO think its easy to be a little paranoid about pets. I don't think its crazy to be a little paranoid about people.

DH and I talked about it more and DH agreed he thinks the kiwi would benefit from a more 'social' lifestyle. For example, its as rare as hens teeth we go to the pub, but the kiwi has been with me twice ( once fir a drink and once for a meeting!) and behaved beautifully both times and seemed to enjoy it. He is a 'people person' and charming if a little reticent with some people and that's ok by us but we agree it would make walking off with him not difficult.

Thanks everyone for the opinions.

gettingready

I guess it depends on the dog, area and million other factors.

I do leave Zara outside the shop at petrol station when I need tobacco. I sometimes do so outside other shops when she is with me, I need something AND there is something solid to tie her lead to AND I can see her from inside the shop.

I do not suppose anyone would even think of trying to steal my dog (40kg, big teeth, looks scary hahah) but hey - one never knows re random food/unclicking the lead, side kick from passer by etc etc)

Safe...