Would you leave your dog outside a shop?

[Nobhobs]

This has caused quite the debate in my family this morning as no one agrees with my opinion!

[missyB1]

I actually see people do this now and again and i always feel worried for the dog.

[Disfordarkchocolate]

We used to but not in the last 7-8 years we had a dog. My husband found some teens teasing the dog when he was outside our local shop, the poor dog was very stressed. It was only done in an emergency after that.

[elloelloello]

Never

I’d would be one of my worst nightmares if she was taken

Plus, she’s quite a shy and timid dog so would panic if we left her alone outside.

We’re quite lucky in that our shop is dog friendly so if I’m just nipping in for milk or something I can take her in with me

[Topseyt]

No. Never. I have two dogs and I leave them at home if I think there is even the remotest possibility I may have to do this.

Dog theft is rife in this country. Also, leads, collars or harnesses can break or come off, leaving your dog free to run into the road and cause an accident. That could make them a danger both to themselves and others.

In my opinion, it is a totally irresponsible thing to do, plus I also feel sorry for dogs tied up outside shops. Most look anxious and miserable.

[mamandematribu]

Well dogs ( not guidedogs obvs)are usually Not allowed in shops so I guess if there no choice the dog must stay outside

[GrouchyKiwi]

Definitely not. She'd be too upset at being left, she could knock someone over who came to pet her (giant breed puppy), risk of being stolen (smaller risk than most, I suppose, because she's so large, but still a risk), just not a good idea.

[coldwarenigma]

Is dog fighting and thefts of dogs for bait actually a big thing or us it urban myth?

[tomboytown]

No
He might get stolen
He’d cry after me, he gets nervous so
He might bite someone
He might attack another dog

[Jojowash]

No I'd be scared that someone would take them

[WomensRightsAreContraversial]

I have done in the distant past - I don't think theft for baiting was anywhere near as common then, and in small shops I could easily keep an eye on if anybody approached her.

A couple of times recently it would have been really handy, but I dare not - I can't control if people approach her, and it only takes one moment for a child (or frankly more likely an insensitive adult) to miss dog body language for "I'm uncomfortable please don't" and for the nicest of dogs to bite in fear/self-defense. Even if she didn't react, it's my job to protect her from interactions thay are unpleasant or scary for her - I can't do that from inside the shop.

[flowery]

No way. I cannot think of an emergency that would mean I was so desperate for a pint of milk I couldn’t take him home first.

[Moondancer73]

Never. For one I'd be far too worried that he'd get stolen and for two he would actually be worried if I tied him up outside.

[inwood]

Nope no way.

[Shadow1234]

Never.

[Stillafatknacker]

Definitely not! And it absolutely pisses me off when I see people who do this

[Floralnomad]

Absolutely no way , I wouldn’t leave him anywhere but the house on his own . Thefts for dog baiting / fighting is definitely not an urban myth , the dog warden at a council in our county has just put out a warning about an increase in such thefts .

[UndomesticHousewife]

No never with this dog. He is a non-valuable cross breed but the thought of someone taking him for bait or because they just want him is too much. I also would never leave him because he hates being on his own and he is scared of strangers. He's very cute so I couldn't chance that someone, especially a child, would try to touch him.

My other dog I did leave very occasionally because she was ok, but she was a pedigree and people wouldn't know she was spayed and might have wanted her for breeding etc.

But I see dogs left outside shops all the time. It's a 'safe' community and area but you can never trust anyone

[MellowMelly]

No I wouldn’t. Sadly my dog is a breed that would be most likely stolen according to statistics and I just wouldn’t in general for so many other reasons.

The amount of dogs I see tied up outside shops looking fairly distressed and frantically waiting for the owner upsets me sometimes.

[billandbenflowerpotmen1]

One day it was too hot to leave in the car and I was a long way from home so had to leave her outside the supermarket. I was five minutes and she cried and howled the whole time. When I got back there was a crowd around her attempting to comfort her. Never again

[NoSauce]

No chance. I live in a nice quiet place where I know everyone too but I still wouldn’t. Couldn’t risk anything happening to him.

[CMOTDibbler]

Nope. I live in a lovely little town where you'd happily leave a small child outside a shop, but I regularly get people offering to buy mine (they are rescue but would have been bred for coursing and ddog2 is very striking) and they would be a very real target for theft

[Muminabun]

Never in a million years.

[Cosmos45]

@coldwarenigma

Is dog fighting and thefts of dogs for bait actually a big thing or us it urban myth?

Very sadly and tragically this is not an urban myth. We live in the south quite rurally and are able to go to lots of parks, heaths (the surrey hills) and walk our dogs. There are many vans hanging around in certain areas, lots of warnings and sightings being posted on social media of the wrong type of people hanging around these rural car parks. Recently we had a lady post about 4 men who did not have a dog, hanging around on a path, they were not dressed for walking, they were sort of hiding behind tree's, had food with them etc. They are not out for a picnic.. it just didn't feel right to her so she gathered her dogs up and got back in the car quick. The dog warden posts warnings all the time and we often have signs up in car parks to keep an eye out. They are not selecting dogs for breeding purposes that's for sure.

[Flicketyflack]

Definitely not someone would steal him

[StillMedusa]

Never.