Dogs when shopping?

[florapalum]

I'd like a dog, I've got to a time in my life where I have the time and the space.
But I've been wondering about what the rules are regarding having a dog with me during my usual routine.
I spend a lot of time in the city centre, running errands, food and clothes shopping, popping into the local council building, cafes etc.
I see plenty of people with dogs in town - but what do they do with them when they're in the shops? Do most places allow dogs? If not, what do these people do?
Any dog owners with any advice? Is it legal to tie dogs up while you pop in the shop?
Thanks!

It’s legal but I wouldn’t recommend it. The dog would be very stressed out and someone could take it. When I go shopping with my husband one of us waits outside with the dog while the other goes in the shop. If I were going alone I’d leave the dog at home.

Quite a few cafes allow dogs, but they don't tend to be permitted in food and clothes shops.

My dog is a rescue and town is too busy for him, so he prefers to wait at home anyway!

I definitely wouldn't tie my dog up outside a shop. Dog theft is quite common. Also, you never know if your dog might react badly to being prodded by a child or someone, which could end very badly.

Never leave a dog tied up outside a shop. Anyone could do anything to it while you weren't looking, and likewise someone could say the dog did something which may not be totally true.

If you're shopping and running errands it would be best that the dog stays home. Some places may allow a dog in but there would be plenty that don't. Clothing stores don't want dog hair on their clothes, food shops don't want dogs drooling all over the place, and just ask any pet shop worker how often dogs mark (pee) in their store.

Also bear in mind the high level of training and type of temperament required to have a dog that will sit quietly under a table in a cafe, not touch anything in a shop, walk very closely to heel on a crowded pavement while ignoring everyone and everything etc. It's training that you should absolutely do, but it takes time and effort, particularly with young dogs who aren't naturally sensible!

When I run errands my dogs stay at home (two are elderly now and can't walk as far now anyway). I don't know if any cafes in my town are dog friendly although most pubs are and I only know of one shop (other than pet shops) in our High St (WH Smith) which allows dogs in.

When I take my youngest dog out it's either for a normal walk, a trip to the pet shop, or sometimes to the pub (he loves going to the local because he always gets biscuits when we go in). Only if someone else is coming with me do I think about going into other shops while I have the dog.

Dogs are allowed pretty much everywhere where I live, with the exception of supermarkets and the butchers. But I'm in very rural Cumbria - I can't imagine it's the same in a big city centre.

Either you'd need to leave your dog at home or only visit dog friendly shops and cafes. You can't leave a dog tied up outside, it's far too dangerous.

I have read a lot of objections about dogs going into shops on this site and I have to say as a dog owner I don’t agree with big dogs walking around Zara and Primark. The only time I take my dog into shops is when I’m away on holiday in this country. We live rural and have no one to look after her and she’s 13 and I would never put her in kennels. I have always put her in a little sling I have as she is a chihuahua and is no problem at all. I know it would be discrimination against other larger dog owners but I believe if your dog is not small enough to be carried you shouldn’t bring them into a shop.

I don’t think my dog would enjoy going round town with me. The best way to see if if a place is dog friendly is ask. There are plenty of dog friendly spots, local post office/ tea room for me. We often pop in for a doggy treat and a takeaway coffee during our walk. Generally I think dogs are better in nature, we had a lovely long walk in the woods/ by the river today.

Just crate train your dog or arrange doggy daycare. Dogs in shops and cafes is just horrible for those of us with allergies and also totally unfair on the dogs - it’s not what they want to do / where they want to be

This.
I too live rurally. I don’t take them if I’m going food shopping. For anything else I only use shops, pubs & cafes where they are welcome.
I always take them on holiday so only use places that are dog friendly.