Why & How to Go to Stores that Allow Dogs – Part 2 of a 3 Part Series
Chicago Weather Can Make Natural Enrichment Challenging to Find
Sometimes the Chicago weather makes it harder for there to be outdoor, natural enrichment. At some point there’s cabin fever – especially if we don’t get out of the cabin or bring something into the cabin.
The following suggestions are for dogs who don’t have issues with dogs or people. This is not for all dogs. Because if it’s too stressful, it’s not enriching. A Xoloitzcuintli, a dog with no fur, might be less stressed outside on a below freezing day than inside, if it’s more stressful inside than out.
Stores Where Dogs are Allowed: Preparing for Natural Enrichment in a New Public Place
Whether the weather’s too hot or cold, an indoor space can be the place for natural enrichment. Private spaces are typically best, though hey can be hard to find. We can sometimes find fairly private spaces in public places. Before you get all excited and load up to go to an indoor space that allows dogs, consider a few things.
The list of stores I will provide in Part 3 isn’t about finding other dogs and people for your dog to be with, it’s about finding a fairly private space where your dog is comfortable and can enjoy an indoor area for enrichment. It’s not enrichment if it’s too stressful for your dog, other dogs, or people. Some things are more stressful than the weather. If your dog has issues with people or dogs, the following list of places are not places for you to go with your dog. If your dog has issues with people or dogs, help your dog with your dog’s issues instead of going into stores that allow dogs. If you’d like help with your dog’s issues, let us know.
If a dog is already in the store, consider not entering the store even if your dog is comfortable with other dogs.
Be respectful of people and other dogs. Not every person wants to be with a dog, and not all dogs want to be with a dog they’ve never met before. Sometimes the thing to do, when you get there, is to go somewhere else. Maybe walk around outside, for a few minutes, instead of going inside. Know when not to go, and when and how to leave.
Rush hour is maybe not the best time. In the morning, when the rest of the world is slumbering, might be the prime time. If a flood of people are about to or already have poured in, you might navigate your way out.
Things to Leave Out
No treats. Leave treats at home. No commands. This isn’t about training your dog. This is about finding a comfortable space for your dog to be.
Excitement. Keep from riling up your dog at any point, including: before you leave home, while you’re away from home, and after you’ve settled back into home. Be calm, even if your dog gets excited.
When you get to the door of a store, before going in, let your dog have a moment. No treats, no calling your dog to come inside. Be quiet and wait. See if your dog wants to go in. If so, go in with your dog. If not, then don’t. It’s their choice. Maybe walk around outside for a few minutes. Maybe they needed a toilet. They might circle back to go in, pausing again at the threshold. They do that. Let your dog have a moment before going in. Dogs do that, if we let them, which we should. If your dog still doesn’t go in, go somewhere else, maybe back home. That might be enough for one day.
When a dog enters a space, they pause. They look around, they listen. They take in the space, before they enter and again after they enter, if they enter. Let your dog have that time. It doesn’t take long. If your dog chooses to continue on, continue on. If your dog chooses to leave, leave. Try again another day.
Leave Your Shopping List at Home
Keep from having an agenda. No shopping. This isn’t about shopping. It’s about enrichment for your dog. Keep from purchasing a single item. One thing leads to two leads to ten. You’ll get distracted. Your hands and thoughts will get filled with things. Be with your dog. If you happen to see something you want to purchase, come back another time. This is about your dog, not about your to do list, other than to be there for your dog.
Slippery When Dry
Dogs use their nails for traction. Flooring such as marble, hardwood, and linoleum is like being on ice. Those floors are slippery even when dry. It can be frightening for a dog when a shopping cart is coming too fast. Slippery flooring and tight spaces can be too stressful. If your dog is too stressed, it’s not enriching. If it is or might become too stressful, too crowded, too busy for your dog to be in the store, find somewhere else to go. If you’re already in the store, calmly exit.
This isn’t about having your dog in a down stay while you walk away. This isn’t about having your dog heel while you go up and down the aisles. Take care of your dog’s personal space. Know when to exit. When you do, do so in a calm way.
Reconnaissance: Without Your Dog
You’re looking for a relatively quiet, private public place. Go ahead of time, without your dog. Imagine you are your dog. See what it’s like before bringing your dog so you know whether or not to bring your dog. If you decide to bring your dog, you’ll have a plan for where, what part of the store to go, where it’s quiet, how to get there, and what time to go. Things are different at different times and different days. The time of day and day of week has an impact.
Know the entrances and exits ahead of time. It takes just one time without your dog. Get to know the store, including the people who work there. Ask if it’s ok to bring your dog.
Consider being a patron of the store before and after you go with your dog, the fee for being allowed to bring your dog.
A Few More Tips Before the List of Stores
Bring water to offer after you have left the store. Give your dog an opportunity to toilet outside the store, before going in.
Limit the amount of time you spend inside the store. Thirty minutes maximum, unless you happen to find a quiet place for water, for you to sit, and your dog to rest. Otherwise, go somewhere else, maybe back home, for that. Thirty minutes is the maximum. You might do less. Depends on your dog and how things are. Less is more.
When stress goes up, water goes out. If your dog thinks about peeing or pooping in the store, your dog was probably too stressed to be there in the first place. Your dog might have too many issues, for now, to go into a store.
If you’re somewhere with escalators: use a ramp, elevator, or stairs instead of an escalator.
Limit the amount of stairs, so it’s not too much. How much is too much depends on the dog and the stairs. Prevent issues by limiting the amount of stairs. The stress of climbing and descending a steep slippery staircase might outweigh the benefits of going there.
Indoor natural enrichment isn’t a permanent replacement for outdoor enrichment. Indoor enrichment can help in the short term. An indoor toilet for your dog and never getting outside, as a long term plan, is typically not the best plan.
It’s possible to get some fresh air even on the coldest and hottest of days. Bundle your dog up on cold days and be outside. Sit in the shade on hot days and be outside, even if just for a few minutes. It’s ok to skip a day or two, it’s just to know it’s possible to be outside, even if just for a few minutes here and there.
“Sniffspot” is a company which offers a list of private yards you can rent for a period of time. It can be great for finding a private place for natural enrichment. Let your dog off leash and let your dog be. You can sit while your dog sniffs around. They are outdoors, but can be somewhat sheltered from the elements. Find them at https://www.sniffspot.com/.
About the Author:
Lennox Armstrong is an International Dog Trainer School (IDTS) certified Dog Trainer, Calming Signals and Dog Behavior Specialist through the Nordic Education Centre for Ethical Dog Training. His primary professional focus is educating himself and others about how to take care of canines.
