~Serenade~ wrote:Though just a suggestion... I believe depending on your states health codes that it's illegal to bring your dog into any place that serves food so I would recommend against that.
I'm aware of this. However it only affects what goes on inside a building, not at a stand, and
I am not the person who would be fussed at if a health code officer catches me inside. It also depends what each store calls "food". I can go into a pet store that sells candy. I can go into Blockbuster too, but they sell candy. I'm not likely to be allowed in a grocery store or a Walmart. Some cafes and snack shops will allow dogs or have a certain section for dog walkers to come through to buy their goods. I leave it up to the discretion of the shop owner but I also use common sense and don't try to bring him anywhere that I know for sure pets won't be allowed.
There are also some shops that don't sell food but still don't allow dogs. I work at a RadioShack and I kick all pet dogs out. There have been two service dogs who we obviously don't care if they come in, but people coming in with either a huge dog on a leash or a tiny one under their arm are told that the dog must stay outside. I had a lady fight this and I called the cops on her (she also brought a bike in which is not allowed). Why do we care so much? Because no stores except for pet stores have insurance for what happens if something goes wrong with the animals. Pet store employees are super insured for zoonotic diseases, scratches, and bites. Pet store customers that are affected by any one of those are paid by that store's insurance, not the store itself, if they decide to sue. We don't have that at RadioShack, so pets are not allowed because RadioShack corporate doesn't want to deal with it.
I like doing training and desensitizing in public places because it allows me to do multiple things. First off, it's fantastic training with distractions. Second, unfamiliar public places are more mentally stimulating because of so much going on (con is that a dog not desensitized or used to public outings will be overstimulated). Third, let's say I want to go to a marathon next year. That's a lot of people and possibly other dogs. Taking him in his current state is asking for trouble. Taking him after he's gotten used to walking/running through/around large crowds of people would be significantly more successful. Thus it opens up opportunities for us to both get out of the house and wander. Bonus, any on leash time and training strengthens the bond an owner has with its dog.
