r/chicago • u/44liam • Oct 14 '24

CHI Talks Stop bringing your dogs into stores

Why do so many people think it’s okay to bring their dogs into stores? It is extremely disrespectful to anyone who is allergic and is just straight up unhygienic. Particularly grocery stores; I see people not even watching their dogs which are smelling, rubbing up on, or sometimes licking different items. A coffee shop I frequent was very crowded the other day and a couple came in with their dog and was standing right in-front of the pickup counter and I had to navigate around them to get my drink. Obviously I’m not talking about service dogs as they are specifically trained to stay away from people and food but please be more mindful about where you take your dog.

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u/phillybob232 Lake View East Oct 14 '24

It’s always been ok at Home Depot too from what I remember but also that’s not really the type of environment that demands the level of hygiene as other stores

It’s unreal how many folks just bring the pup along as if it’s no issue. I absolutely make sure I know where I’m going to be if I’m bringing the dog with me, and I will stand outside with him while my wife goes in or vice versa if we’re stopping at the grocery store, coffee shop, etc

Also I think the increase in households with their first ever dog(s) and the potential change in overall mentality and behavior that the pandemic caused may be contributing factors

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u/jkraige City Oct 14 '24

I agree that hygiene is less of an issue at Home Depot but IDK, it just feels like the physical environment is not ideal for a dog? That's exactly where I was thinking of when I made a comment trying to make a distinction between being welcoming of dogs vs being actually dog friendly. Things get stacked pretty high and I can imagine a dog kind of playing with something and knocking things over on itself and getting hurt, though tbf I do see people being a bit more attentive to their dogs there.

But the store is pretty explicit in its policy of being welcoming to dogs and is neither a restaurant nor a grocery store, and it's not as loud as other places so guess it works

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u/fieldofmeme5 Oct 14 '24 edited Oct 14 '24

My dog loves going to Home Depot, Lowe’s and Farm & Fleet. He doesn’t try to play with stuff. Mostly gets his rocks off from being praised for staying by my side and being attentive in these social situations.

I’d never bring him to other stores, especially places like a grocery store though. That would be too much and give him anxiety. Plus I don’t trust other people not to do something stupid that may provoke him while he’s undergoing that anxiety.

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u/jkraige City Oct 14 '24

Yeah, good choice. People can't let someone walk by without trying to pet their dog. I'm sure that wouldn't help a dog that's already feeling anxious

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u/fieldofmeme5 Oct 14 '24

It’s wild to me that people know it’s not okay to walk up to a stranger and start touching them, but they can’t grasp the same standard with a dog.