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The doghouse

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Original poster

Leaving dog outside shop

48 replies

Snorkmaidenn · 14/10/2023 18:20

Hello, so I have a lovely 9 year old dog who is very sociable and loves people. Is it safe to leave her outside a shop alone? I'm from an era where this was normal and I lived abroad where it was too. My family have warned me this is not done nowadays which is a shame. Any advice welcome, thanks.

OP posts:
Bellasbeau · 14/10/2023 18:23

There’s no way I would do that, I’d worry my dog would be stolen or though unlikely hurt.

Babyroobs · 14/10/2023 18:25

I have two dogs and would never do this. I would never forgive myself if they got stolen/ became untied and got run over etc.

Worriedmum159 · 14/10/2023 18:29

I’d love to, it’s so efficient and we would both get more steps and fewer carbon moles or whatever. Unfortunately I just don’t think it’s safe OP. 99% of people are genuine and lovely but I’d be heartbroken if dog met a 1% and I never saw him again. That’s without contemplating his fate.

Buildingthefuture · 14/10/2023 18:30

Absolutely not. Very outing, but I left 2 of mine in my locked car, with blacked out windows. Someone cloned my key as I locked it and stole my dogs. Months of utter utter misery followed. I got them back in the end and thankfully, they are absolutely fine (it’s years ago now) I have honestly never recovered though and they are now never left alone anywhere. My house has more security than a bank vault and I wouldn’t even stop for Petrol if they were in the car. It really isn’t worth it.

MysticalMegx · 14/10/2023 18:32

Never. Won't even leave mine in the car with tinted windows. Not worth the risk

Bloodyhelldog · 14/10/2023 18:39

I would but I also live in the sort of town where everyone's doors are unlocked so I guess it depends where you live.

KarmasOnYourScent · 14/10/2023 18:42

No, I don't think it's the done thing now. I'd be worried they'd be stolen or someone would hurt them. I also think dogs should always be supervised around people, I'm as sure as I can be that my dogs would never hurt anyone but you never know.

Lots of shops allow dogs in now. If we have our dogs with us we use those shops or make sure there's more than one of us so one can stay outside with them.

Electrictache · 14/10/2023 18:42

No I wouldn't and I don't leave mine in the car either. I'm far too scared of them being stolen.

We did when I was a kid but not now.

Cumbrianlife · 14/10/2023 18:43

No.

KarmasOnYourScent · 14/10/2023 18:48

Buildingthefuture · 14/10/2023 18:30

Absolutely not. Very outing, but I left 2 of mine in my locked car, with blacked out windows. Someone cloned my key as I locked it and stole my dogs. Months of utter utter misery followed. I got them back in the end and thankfully, they are absolutely fine (it’s years ago now) I have honestly never recovered though and they are now never left alone anywhere. My house has more security than a bank vault and I wouldn’t even stop for Petrol if they were in the car. It really isn’t worth it.

That's dreadful, I felt sick just reading it so I've no idea how you coped. I'm not surprised you feel like you've never recovered. I'm so pleased that you got them back. 💐

CheshireCat1 · 14/10/2023 18:48

We used to do it years ago but wouldn’t now.

trampoline123 · 14/10/2023 18:56

People do it where I live which is south west London but I wouldn't.

SirVixofVixHall · 14/10/2023 18:58

I used to do this, but I wouldn’t now. Current dog would be very stressed and wriggle out of her harness if I left her, but even if she was fine about it I wouldn’t risk it.

Jewelspun · 14/10/2023 19:01

A chap had his dog walked off by gobs who then threw the dog over a bridge and killed it.

Please don't.

Pretendthatwearedead · 14/10/2023 19:05

I think it depends on where you live and how many people will be going past. I wouldn't in London. I would in a tiny Welsh village.

FictionalCharacter · 14/10/2023 19:06

Never. Times have changed, it used to be absolutely normal, but it just isn’t safe any more. Dogs are stolen to sell, to use as bait for fighting dogs, or just for gratuitous cruelty.

Original poster
Snorkmaidenn · 14/10/2023 19:06

Just so sad that my lovely girl isn't safe for 10 minutes. I remember leaving my baby (now 43) regularly outside the paper shop in his pram. Something else, why would anyone steal a chipped elderly dog? Sorry to come across naieve but this country seems so different to how it used to be.

OP posts:
SunnieShine · 14/10/2023 19:08

No way would I do that. Too risky.

CMOTDibbler · 14/10/2023 19:31

I live in a naice very small market town, and I absolutely wouldn't do it. I'm regularly approached by overly interested men in my dogs and I know the risk of them being stolen is very high.
Dogs are regularly stolen round here (and currently a rash of sheep stealing too) out of gardens and most are never found

Bonniethewestie · 14/10/2023 19:55

Unpopular opinion but it depends where you live and what your dog is OP!

I would never dream of doing it in south west London. However, where my parents and MIL live are sleepy little villages where nothing goes on. If you are literally just popping in for 1 or two items and will be very quick I think you’ll be ok. The key is what breed your dog is and whether it looks obviously older? If you have a designer dog breed I wouldn’t try it.

Saying all that thieves are opportunists and something can happen anywhere. There’s always risk in every action and no one can ever be completely safe. But then the same could be said about walking your dog in the park, letting them off the lead etc.

Crooklodge · 14/10/2023 20:00

Our towns the never lock doors kind of town, I'd absolutely leave our boy outside spar for a minute, a Sainsburys 10 min shop, no way.

BellaVita · 14/10/2023 20:02

A no from me.

FictionalCharacter · 14/10/2023 20:09

Snorkmaidenn · 14/10/2023 19:06

Just so sad that my lovely girl isn't safe for 10 minutes. I remember leaving my baby (now 43) regularly outside the paper shop in his pram. Something else, why would anyone steal a chipped elderly dog? Sorry to come across naieve but this country seems so different to how it used to be.

Sadly, old dogs get stolen to use as bait for dog fighting- used for the fighting dogs to practise on and get a taste for blood. They like old, weaker dogs for this so that the fighting dogs don’t get injured so much. The victims get dumped in a severely injured state, or killed. I’ve seen pictures of pet dogs rescued off the street with injuries from this, and it’s horrendous.

SnobblyBobbly · 14/10/2023 20:10

Unfortunately no. Not the done thing anymore and I really wish it was or someone would invent little lockable kennels like bike parks, because I don't drive so after I've walked the dog, past the shop, I have to take him uphill to home and then go all the way back again to grab a pint of milk or whatever.

Ah well. I suppose it's good for me. And partly the reason I drink black coffee.