Can I take a puppy into a shop?

[manzolini]

A non-food shop so like matalan, new look, next etc as long as she is in a sling and doesn't touch the floor?

I'm the same. I don't have a dog & one of the reasons is that I can't stand dog hair & slobber on my clothes so I wouldn't be best pleased to pick something up in my local matalan to find a dog had slobbered/left hair all over it.

And before you start with the but she's just a puppy & will be in a sling so nowhere near the clothes where does it stop - when the guy with his massive slobbering boxer starts complaining that they've let the puppy in & really a dogs a dog! If they let your cute little puppy in then they also have to let the big mangy mutts in which is why most places have a no dogs except guide dogs policy.

John Lewis do
Liberty do
Fenwicks do
Selfridge you have to pick them up and yes I have seen a man carrying a labrador
Uniqlo dont- which is odd for Oxford Street- they are an exception
Leon do (for takeaway not sure about sit in). Pret Dont

@Cherrypies no matter what someone was walking about in, I would never refer to them as a 'tit' how charming.

Our new bank ( Metro) has dog treats and water bowls for dogs in there. I guess the bank realised that dogs don't cause hassle and it encourages new customers like ourselves.

I discovered that Lush is dog-friendly by accident. I was at the entrance with my dog waiting for my sister to finish shopping and one of the shop assistants invited me in, dog and all. I carried him (even though he is entirely too large to be carried) because I didn’t want him getting in anyone’s way. He rather enjoyed his impromptu shopping trip

That's interesting. Our Pret does allow dogs but I suppose it depends on the individual branches. I would have loved to have seen that labrador being carried, gorgeous !

I don’t think the world should pander to irrational fears in all tbh

A puppy off the ground in a sling will do absolutely nothing to anyone

@manzolini please never ever leave your dog tied up outside a shop. Opening your self up to your dog being stolen
I also agree that 9 weeks too young to be taken away from their mother. 12 weeks is far better.
I am a huge dog lover, have three myself and they come with me to loads of places. But not to shops, i don't think that's very fair on the dog. There are plenty of other ways you can socialize your dog in parks on walks at the beach etc . There are plenty of puppy training classes too you can go and bring the puppy to. Get a dog minder to mid the dog or order online

I am very keen for more information on this puppy sling please! Is it purpose built for puppies or a human sling?

I don’t take my dog into shops because it’s added hassle but when he was a puppy I had to go to John Lewis whilst walking him (“had to” but was more convenient to go with him as walking past) and he technically wasn’t allowed but the staff made a huge fuss over him.

More places allow them than not. I think you’ll be surprised.
Most pubs, cafes, garden centres etc
Mine comes with me to the post office, bank, hardware shop, garage, newsagent, Waterstones bookshop, Cotswold outdoor,
He’s been on buses, trains, ferries…never had a problem.
As a result, I can take him anywhere and he’s calm, relaxed and well behaved in busy situations and doesn’t bat an eyelid at other people near us eating food etc. He’ll sit quietly under the table and most people don’t notice him.

OP, you’re doing the right thing by getting him out in lots of different situations.
If in doubt, just ask.

I don't know anyone who is terrified of a tiny puppy in a sling!

I would only go into a shop with pup if absolutely necessary. Our corner shop allows it if you pick them up. One of my dogs is only about 9kg so easy to do that with, the other will be much too big so once he's fully grown I would not take him in a shop even if they allowed it as I wouldn't want people to be uncomfortable.

We are talking small pups in a sling that weigh a few kgs surely.

Why does your dog need to go to Matalan?

I'm glad you phoned the shop, OP.

It's really important to do the polite thing and ask first, rather than risk creating a poor impression of customers with dogs.

Primarily because the ones who will suffer the most, if a company or its employees get fed up with inconsiderate people bringing in dogs without permission (or individual employees simply haven't been aware of the "yes it's OK" policy) are those with service dogs.

Service dogs are vital for the independence of their handlers and should be able to enter any establishment, yet they are often turned away due to ignorance and bad feeling from individuals or companies. It's really important for their sake that all dog owners are considerate and respectful of others.

Enjoy your puppy!

People saying No don’t actually know. Ring the shop to see and if it’s allowed then bring the pup. Other dog owners will know why dog is in a sling. Other people like posters here will think you look ridiculous which I can’t imagine you losing any sleep over their lack of education of dog injections.

They're allowed in John Lewis but not sure if that’s changed since covid. My dogs love a shopping centre…they get so excited they run around like lunatics!

I thrive on looking ridiculous btw….it’s my USP. I fully intend to get a pram for my two bichons when they’re too old to walk far and I will smile pityingly at any miseries show don’t think it’s the cutest thing ever!😄

Not sure how a puppy in a sling would affect anyone negatively and would bring much joy to a lot of people!

Why is it not fair on the dog exactly?

I 2nd this.

id rather yout ake it in the shop than tie it up outside i bloody hate that-dog always look distressed and then theres dogknapping

You want it to get used to going out and about? Well, your dog will never be allowed in a shop like that so no need to take it in there to get used to it. Unless it's an assistance dog or an assistance dog in training, keep it out of the shop and have a bit of respect for others.

I'm taking her with me tonight. Thanks for input though

@Wexone many vets and behaviourists say 12 weeks is too late as they miss vital socialisation. We were told 9/10 weeks is best but no later than 10. I think there is a lot of varying information out there though.

@manzolini In my town most all of the shops, cafes etc are dog friendly.
I'd def take a pup in a sling.
I take my very well behaved dog to a lot of places-shops and pubs and restaurants included!

However-Please!!! Never ever leave your dog tied up outside a shop!!!! It could be stolen, teased, frightened and as it is tied up it has no way to escape if another dog or person is aggressive to it.
Google it-dogs have been attacked and killed when tied up.
It is putting your dog in an incredibly vulnerable position and I would absolutely never ever put my dog at such an avoidable risk!!

What are you talking about, think you got the wrong person, what I said was don't tie a dog outside a shop ever, dog theft is rife

Unfortunately not. I wish they would though. Be so much easier if your dog was allowed in as long as they didn’t touch the floor such as via a sling or a pushchair.

Don’t, it’s not nice for customers who are scared of dogs, as well as it could wee/poo. I had a dog have what I can only call an upset stomach incident on the floor of the shop I absolutely was not touching it and made the customer clear it up. It was pretty horrible for them. I have cleaned up human excitement before but I won’t go near dog poo.