There are many dog owners in the world. Each owner knows about general dog care, guidelines, and how to keep the dog healthy and happy. Still, no matter what the general recommendations are, owners usually have rules of their own.
Small adjustments to general rules are made frequently, as everyone is creating a routine of their own. Plus, every dog is an individual being with needs of his own.
For example, if the general recommendation is to take your dog out 2-3 times per day, some owners might take the dog out 4 to 5 times, even more, depending on their schedule, lifestyle, and dog’s needs.
Similarly, some dog owners love to have their dogs with them in the park, in the walk, and even when shopping.
Today, more and more stores accept dogs inside, but there are still some areas where dogs cannot enter.
Now, when you are so close to the shop, it seems only logical to leave your dog outside while shopping, right? After all, it’s only for a minute, what can go wrong?
Let’s see what can happen to your dog while you are inside shopping and if its a really good decision to leave your dog outside?
Do You Leave Your Dog Outside While Shopping?
Before you continue reading this you should know that every year hundreds of dogs are stolen from outside shops!
Leaving your dog tied up outside a shop may seem like a perfect practice. However, with this short and simple practice comes a number of risks that could result in harming or even losing your dog forever.
Here are some reasons why you should rethink your decision to leave your canine outside the store alone.
1. Theft
Unfortunately, this is a real-life scenario that happens very often. Dogs can be taken back yards while you are inside your home. Therefore, stealing them while you are away is even faster.
The hard truth is that small or smaller dogs that are expensive-looking, you are more likely to be stolen.
Chances are minimal that someone would try to steal a German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois, right?
These dogs are large breeds and overly protective with the strong defensive urge, so grabbing them suddenly could only lead to grabber receiving a strong and aggressive bite.
However, that’s not the case with small size dogs, such as Pomeranian or Chihuahua, or any mix that resembles them.
True, they could still bite, but their bite is much different from those in large breeds.
Plus, some breed bite by grabbing a body part and not letting go, while some like Rottweiler might bit as a warning, while the second bite could be tragical.
Even senior dogs are in danger because they might be used as bait in dogfights. The mindset, “But I’m only in the shop – I’ll keep an eye on him,” doesnt work, because stealing a dog is just a matter of second.
Would you feel comfortable leaving your mobile phone on the pavement while you are shopping? Feels uncomfortable, right? Do you think that you live in a perfect rural community where everything is safe? Don’t forget that people have cars, and in a matter of seconds, your dog may be miles away.
2. Fear
If it were up to dogs, they would follow us around all the time – some even do so. Dogs are social, and they love spending time with their pet friends, and their human family.
When their emotional needs are neglected, dogs tend to develop separation anxiety when they feel alone or feared.
Dogs may understand many commands, but they can’t ever know why you left them and where you are going. This is the main reason why most of the dogs can find their way home when lost – because they get attached to a shared place.
So, when you leave your dog outside the store, and he cannot see you, the fear may kick in and boost separation anxiety.
Leaving a dog alone, especially in a strange place, with strange people passing by or trying to pet him, can be stressful.
In these situations, someone who isn’t familiar with a dog’s physiology may try to pet being rough or using sudden moves, which can lead to unexpected bites, and this can cost you both time, money, and bureaucracy.
3. Weather
Weather is something that you should have in mind when having a dog. Dogs usually have an undercoat and do well in colder weather, especially if they are Alaskan Malamute or a Siberian Husky.
However, if you are a proud owner of a small dog breed, you should know better than exposing your dog to harsh and windy weather. On the other hand, you should be extremely careful when it comes to summer days.
If your home is based in a warmer location, you should know how dogs can difficulties handling hot weather and how often a heatstroke may occur.
So, being tied outside a store on a 35 deg C day or even being in a car – especially without water – can result in dehydration, heatstroke, or stress.
Dogs can develop heat stress symptoms in only a few minutes. Usually, when a dog starts showing heat stress symptoms, it’s often too late to save him. Don’t forget that humidity plays a significant role in your dog’s health.
What Can You Do?
Yoru dog may enjoy his trip to the store, but it may be better to leave your canine at home. This way, you will be productive at shopping, you can search for discounts calmy, and you will eventually keep your dog safe.
If you are with a friend, family member, and partner than one should stay with the dog when the other one is shopping.
If you see a dog outside the store, you might want to think about waiting for the owner and informing the owner about possible issues listed above. Don’t yell and maintain a non-non-threatening stance.
Why should you do this, you may ask? Well, they may not be aware of the risk, and they might be grateful that you care about their dog’s well-being.
Of course, if the dogs are allowed within the store, you should take your dog with you. Remember that this isn’t allowed in every store, but until it is, make sure that you take all reasonable precautions to protect your dog,
What To Do If You Must Leave Your Dog Outside?
Sometimes unexpected things happen, and someone just might ask you to grab something for a family member. You may need a minute inside a pharmacy or two minutes to grab fresh fruit for toddler’s breakfast, or it’s a last-minute shopping – life happens, right?
So, if you must leave the dog alone, make sure that you are within the area that dog knows and try to provide the following:
- If you are going to be inside for 10 minutes or more, your dog should have a bowl of water next to him, especially if the weather is hot. This way, you show your dog that you actually care about him and perform an everyday action, such as water access, which will keep him balanced emotionally.
- Tying your dog to a pole can be a tricky process, especially if your dog is a smaller breed. Again: don’t forget that small dog breeds are stolen daily in front of the store. Make sure that you provide the right amount of leash. You don’t want to make it too long for your canine to run onto the road. On the other hand, if you give too little, they ‘feel trapped and become agitated. You can always think about the muzzle.
- If possible, make sure that your dog sees you while you are inside the store. By doing so, you are keeping your dog calm, and you can see the dog’s behavior. This is a great way showing your dog that you aren’t leaving him.
Don’t Dawdle
If you have to leave your dog in front of your store, make sure you are fast. Shop quickly! The less time your dog needs to spend outside alone is the better.
Be practical, and don’t forget that a living being who sees you are a pack member wais for you outside. Always chose to be a responsible dog owner.
