Was asked to leave a shop today because of 'hygiene'

[ShakeWellBeforeOpening]

Took my dog for a walk this morning and went via the local town as had to get a few things. Went into one shop with dog - big welcome and fuss made of .

Went into local small branch of well know chemist (no no dogs sign and nowhere to tie her up outside) wandering up aisle to get one thing when shop assistant told me that I could not have dog in there , I asked why and she said 'hygiene' .

I wish shop owners / retailers would get their facts right about dogs in shops - funny how my dog is allowed in pubs and some cafes round here.

I know it is at their discretion but spouting 'Hygiene' reasons is really annoying when with well behaved and trained dog.

[ShakeWellBeforeOpening]

Well if your in a cafe and dogs are welcome there and you don't like it you go and find another cafe .

I rarely take my dog into town ( small town) but it would have saved me a car journey later - sorry if you think I am being entitled.

I will not do it again - just aswell I didn't post in AIBU - would get burnt alive !

[Greensleeves]

I don't mind dogs in pubs so much (though not around people eating). A lot of pubs have their own dogs. They always seem to be elderly and a bit lollopy . If patrons take their dogs in they should be on a lead and well-behaved.

Dogs tied up outside shops/schools/anywhere else where they are unsupervised and others have to walk past them - downright antisocial and should be banned.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

As far as I knew its assistance dogs only in most places apart from
Pets at home. I allow the odd dog into my shop as the only one that comes in is clean and well trained which is more than can be said for the customers and we don't serve food or any kind of product that a dog could damage.

[NorbertDentressangle]

I've always presumed from observation that dogs are not permitted in any cafes/shops/pubs etc unless its an assistance dog or, in some rare cases, the dog owner has cleared it with the staff first.

As an aside, I know someone with an assistance dog and when that dog has its working 'coat' on ( hi-viz coat with a message on about not distracting it etc) the dog is just so focused on 'working'. It doesn't get sidetracked by sniffing anything (even food dropped on the floor), doesn't respond to people trying to make a fuss of it, doesn't wander off etc. It is 100% there for its owner and would pose no problem in a shop or cafe.
As soon as the work jacket is off though the dog just becomes a 'normal' dog again -sniffing, licking, into everything! The instant change is very bizarre! Lovely, lovely dog and allows its owner to lead a very active, full life.

[AnyFucker]

The default is no dogs in shops

I am surprised you seem so unclear on that very simple point

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

It's amazing, isn't it Norbert? Those dogs are so very focused and can be trained to do the most amazing things. My friend's son has cerebral palsy, and has an assistance dog. The dog unloads the washing machine and all kinds of nifty tricks.

[higgle]

I'm happy to take my dog to the farmers' market but don't expect him to be allowed in shops. Actually i don't think that is reasonable, and always smile when I see small dogs sitting in a trolley in French supermarket, but rules are rules.

[seeker]

I have a friend who doesn't think dogs should be assistance dogs because they can't consent, and it's degrading for a dog to be subservient.

Not relevant, obviously. But interesting, ish.

[ShakeWellBeforeOpening]

The default is no dogs in shops - says who ?

[McKayz]

Says everyone with common sense.

[NorbertDentressangle]

Chickens - the one I know also helps its owner get dressed and unload the dishwasher. Quite amazing.

If anyone is interested Canine Partners is the charity that trains the dogs.

[Floggingmolly]

99.9% of shops, op.

[Greensleeves]

Says "common sense" and basic social awareness?

seeker that's an interesting perspective, I haven't heard that one before. But a dog can't consent to being a pet either... wearing a collar, being microchipped, being trained etc. What does your friend think about dogs as pets?

[NorbertDentressangle]

"The default is no dogs in shops - says who ? ".....er, about 99% of people on this thread

[GirlOutNumbered]

Dogs in shops!! Yuk!
I don't think I have ever seen a dog in a shop and if I did I wouldn't really want to pick anything up off the bottom shelf.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

I wouldn't say it's degrading I mean they get well looked after, well fed and they r loved and appreciated more than many dogs can be as they make such a difference to a person. And all dogs need training for their own well being and for the sake of the owner. The mental stimulation is good for the dog.

Interesting thought though. :)

[SilverBellsandCockleShells]

OP - are you actually British. I'm struggling to believe you could have got to adulthood in this country without noticing that dogs in shops are not the norm. Neither are horses, cats, chickens or other animals.

[Wheresmycaffeinedrip]

Never really thought about that I have to say :)

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

Assistance dogs are hand picked to have the right characteristics to enjoy the work, I think. You can't make any dog in to an assistance dog. Don't quite a lot of puppies fail to make the grade and go to pet homes?

[FlouncingMintyy]

How long have you been a dog owner op? You seem genuinely surprised by this. Its very confusing.

[ShakeWellBeforeOpening]

OP - are you actually British - yes thank you. Really no need for remarks like that thanks.

If you take the time to read the thread - I have said I was in the wrong .

[CunfuddledAlways]

im 23 and i have NEVER seen a dog in a shop other than an assistance dog!!!

[FlouncingMintyy]

Thanks for your post further up the thread btw chickens. I was eating my lunch and reading about your dog joyfully emptying his anal glands .

[Floralnomad]

I've tried to teach my dog to load the washing machine but everything ends up with holes in it , not sure I'd want to let him loose with the dishwasher!

[ShatnersBassoon]

Have you never noticed there are no dogs in shops before, op? You just don't see it. People don't take dogs in shops. No dogs is the norm in nearly every retail outlet in Britain.