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Original poster

To think dogs shouldn’t be allowed in shops

245 replies

RedCandyApple · 09/02/2022 13:09

Has anyone else seen that wilkos are now allowing dogs in their stores? I’m not keen on dogs as it is and wouldn’t really want other shops to start allowing dogs in. What about people that are scared of them? Seriously why do you need to take your dog shopping? I hope no other shops start doing this.

OP posts:
Shiningpath · 09/02/2022 13:32

Bike theft is rife where I live. Should I just start bringing my bicycle round the shops with me?

Lockheart · 09/02/2022 13:32

@Comedycook

My concern would be if they urinate/deficate in shops. I wonder if clothes shops will allow dogs? Now that would really put me off!
Lots of clothes shops allow non-assistance dogs. I'm sure you'll live, given you haven't noticed til now.
CovidCorvid · 09/02/2022 13:32

@Comedycook

My concern would be if they urinate/deficate in shops. I wonder if clothes shops will allow dogs? Now that would really put me off!
They already do in some towns. Keswick for example dogs can go in every shop apart from Costa, Greggs and the sweet shop. My dog has been in Fat Face and Joules and White Stuff there as well as all the outdoor clothing shops. They all have water bowls in the shops for dogs and a lot have biscuits behind the counter. My dog runs to the counter at George Fishers and begs for a biscuit! Grin
Lockheart · 09/02/2022 13:32

@Shiningpath

Bike theft is rife where I live. Should I just start bringing my bicycle round the shops with me?
If the shop allows you to, why not?
user1497207191 · 09/02/2022 13:33

Wilkos will regret it when they realise that they have to clean up after dogs who've cocked their legs on the shopfittings and ruined items stacked low or on the floor.

My parents had a corner shop newsagents and having to mop/disinfect after a dog cocked its legs against a counter or display stand or on a pile of papers/magazines was an almost daily occurrence.

LaurieFairyCake · 09/02/2022 13:34

I took mine in Liberty when she was a puppy

She got so much fuss from the staff! It was like a celebrity was visiting Grin

Jaxhog · 09/02/2022 13:34

Difficult one. I personally don't want to see them in shops, but especially not in food or clothing shops. And what about those of us who are allergic to dogs?

It's actually fairly rare to see them in shops in the UK.

coronabeer · 09/02/2022 13:36

White Stuff allows dogs, as does Fat Face (at least in my local town). Also Waterstones, Book People, Paperchase, Caffe Nero, Pret - I'm sure there are others. Quite a few shops provide free dog treats, too.

I take my dog because he's well behaved, I know he won't have an "accident" indoors and because it encourages me to walk to town to do my errands rather than drive.

Aprilx · 09/02/2022 13:36

@Comedycook

My concern would be if they urinate/deficate in shops. I wonder if clothes shops will allow dogs? Now that would really put me off!
Even a dog that is not particularly well trained, is unlikely to do that, they are almost all taught not to go inside I think as even dog owners don’t like poo and pee.

I have dogs, I can’t imagine many scenarios when I would need to take them shopping though. I find it easier to be dog free when I go shopping.

Lauren1983 · 09/02/2022 13:37

I go to Wilko quite often but this will put me off. I completely understand a shop like Pets at Home allowing dogs in as I'd wager a high proportion of their sales comes through dog owners but I'm not a fan of allowing dogs in any other stores.

My local Wilko has lots of small aisles so will not be easy to navigate if you have a dog phobia. Pets at Home in contrast is huge so you can easily avoid any dogs.

The issue I have is that many dog owners do not appreciate that everyone doesn't love their dog as much as they do so there will be owners who will take their dog (or dogs!) in on those bloody extendable leads, and will let their dogs sniff and jump at people.

Buildingthefuture · 09/02/2022 13:38

@Shiningpath Up to you of course. But any dog owner will tell you that the theft of a dog and the theft of a bicycle are entirely different in terms of impact and effect.

SpinningTheSeedsOfLove · 09/02/2022 13:40

@Shiningpath

Bike theft is rife where I live. Should I just start bringing my bicycle round the shops with me?
I was thinking about taking the car in next time I go to IKEA.
SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 09/02/2022 13:41

I think I live in a dog town. Seems we're one of the few households that dont have one. They are allowed in (almost) every shop and pub, most cafes and some restaurants.

Admittedly we don't have a Wilko's here but there one in the next town over and tbh, I hasn't noticed that dogs previously weren't allowed? Seems like it would have always been a dog friendly shop.

Sundancerintherain · 09/02/2022 13:44

I am a dog owner- dogs in pet shops - yes
Any other shops - nope.

Noseylittlemoo · 09/02/2022 13:44

I work in a shop and we allow dogs in. I'm not really a fan of it although I'm in the minority as pp has said the dogs get fussed over and treats from other members of staff. We have had several accidents where dogs have weed and pooped and staff have to clear it up - one woman denied it was her dog because apparently her dogs poo didn't look like that!!
We've also had dogs barking in the shop which was frightening some young children as well as being quite disruptive whilst trying to serve customers.

Buildingthefuture · 09/02/2022 13:44

@RedCandyApple I'm sure lots of people do leave them at home and I'm also sure that most of them worry about it. More and more people are forking out for "doggy daycare" or, if they can, take the dog to work with them (which is what I do). It would be much better if I could stop on the way home and nip into a shop with my (entirely clean and well behaved dogs) Because as it stands at the minute, I wouldn't leave my dogs in the car and also worry about leaving them alone at home...

CocoPancakes · 09/02/2022 13:45

I love dogs although I can't have one because I work full time, but I wouldn't want dogs in every shop I go into. Mostly because most (and yes, I mean most) dog owners naturally assume that everyone else will love their dogs and just allow them to be as close as they like. Dogs I don't know make me feel uncomfortable, partly because I have witnessed on more than one occasion people being randomly attacked by passing dogs with absolutely no reason.
I was also in a Fat Face shop recently when someones dog just openly pissed on the floor. Owner pretended they didn't see and walked out.

480Widdio · 09/02/2022 13:45

Most of the shops where my son lives in Cornwall allow dogs in.So this is not a new thing.

yetwig · 09/02/2022 13:46

I think it’s a good idea, my dog is better behaved than most kids that run riot in shops touching things with sticky fingers!! My dog also won’t approach anyone without my say so and I’m aware that some people are scared of dogs and take that into account. Dogs are now a huge part of peoples lives and I for one like to take my dog with me when I’m out, she also loves to be out and about. But being a responsible dog owner I get that not everyone likes dogs.

ikeepseeingit · 09/02/2022 13:46

I think its' completely up to the store owners and the staff really. It's rare that I've ever seen a dog in a shop other than pets at home though. Even though they are allowed in them. I feel bad for anyone with allergies and phobias. I say this as a dog groomer. Dogs are not for everyone, and if you can't take your dog out for a separate walk from your errands then I don't understand why you have a dog.

Obviously, I would never judge if someone was taking their dog into a shop that allowed them. But the notion that your dog will get stolen if you tie it outside is odd. Just leave it at home! Give your dog a kong to chew on and go to the shops.

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 09/02/2022 13:46

[quote Buildingthefuture]@RedCandyApple I'm sure lots of people do leave them at home and I'm also sure that most of them worry about it. More and more people are forking out for "doggy daycare" or, if they can, take the dog to work with them (which is what I do). It would be much better if I could stop on the way home and nip into a shop with my (entirely clean and well behaved dogs) Because as it stands at the minute, I wouldn't leave my dogs in the car and also worry about leaving them alone at home...[/quote]
Or they work from home. We had someone request (almost) full time working from home other than key meetings as he has a dog.

godmum56 · 09/02/2022 13:49

@Lockheart

Dogs are allowed in all shops. Guide dogs can go anywhere.
also assistance dogs in general.
Original poster
RedCandyApple · 09/02/2022 13:51

I wondered when someone would compare them to children, a lot of the comments on the article were from people saying “well children are allowed in shops so why shouldn’t dogs be allowed” Hmm children don’t tend to just randomly attack or bite people or jump up at them or poo and wee over the floor!

OP posts:
TerrierOrTerror · 09/02/2022 13:51

I would prefer it if shops didn't do big media announcements like this, as it encourages all to bring their dogs. A lot of shops are already dog friendly but don't make a big deal of it, so you only get the odd well behaved dog visiting.

I have no issue as long as dogs are quiet, well behaved and under close control with owners actually paying attention to their dogs. I don't want to see a dog pulling it's owner round the shop, sniffing everything, trying to greet other people.

Theunamedcat · 09/02/2022 13:51

Guide dogs are well trained dogs I've never seen a guide dog randomly flash up furniture (marking) never had a guide dog shove his nose in my crotch or jump up at my kids lockdown has produced (in my area) a huge amount of dog owners who don't train there dog and seem to be under the impression that certain behaviour is acceptable its not