Tuesday, January 24, 2012

City Dog: Shopping and Winter Socialization

During the summer, our pooches are accustomed to being out and about, meeting different people, and exploring different places. But once winter in Chicago hits, we all head inside to hibernate. And we quickly learned last spring that when we stop exposing our pooches to new things all winter, spring-time becomes a tedious reteaching process. So we've been trying some new things:
 I didn't think we had many options to take them places during the winter, but when we heard Home Depot allows dogs we thought we'd give it a try.
We did make sure to ask the employees in advance, and Mr. B had a great time walking through the aisles with his 'tool backpack' and helping E get supplies. Plus I think he was happy to have some away time from all the ladies in the house.
I guess it isn't very often that you see a large dog in a store. Especially in a backpack. And with his own camera. Curious how Home Depot looks from a dog's perspective? Here are some of Mr B's highlights:
When we originally posted this on our Facebook page, people mentioned a lot of places where they were able to take their dogs. What are some unusual places where you're able to take your pooch?

17 comments:

Two Grad Students and a Pittie said...

Love it! We can take Havi to Bloomingdales!

In Black and White said...

Such fun! I've always fancied taking Bilbo to Home Depot but if he got too excited you know what his chattering would sound like in that echoey building. Yikes.
You'd be surprised how many of the clothing stores around here allow dogs too. Maybe Miss M should get a girly trip of her own.

goosie mama said...

omg, Mr. B just KILLS me he is so cute! Love these shots :)

Corbin said...

Besides the pet places, I can go to Lowes and Tractor Supply! In Saratoga, about a half hour north from us, they have a lot of dog friendly stores and a program called Dog Friendly Saratoga!
-Corbin

SherBear said...

The Gap on Broadway in Lakeview allows dogs, although I'd never be able to get any shopping done with Nala sniffing everything and trying to say hello to everyone! (esp any men, my dog is OBSESSED with men!!)

Millie and Walter said...

I've been waiting to see the Home Depot from Mr. B's eyes photos ever since you posted on Facebook. He looks so proud with his backpack on. Love it!

Cindy

Tanaya said...

We've taken our Bella to sporting goods stores. Those are interesting because of the tight spaces between racks. Lots of good challenges. Also great fun to see the looks on the faces of surprised shoppers not expecting to see an 85 pound pit while shopping for jogging shorts.

Emily said...

We were visiting a small town north of Phoenix one day with our Hades and we got out to walk along their man street. We spotted a row of antique shops and Jay stopped in while I waited out front with Hades. Anyway, it was cold out and the shop owner invited us in WITH Hades. At first Hades was totally nervous and his feet were all splayed out wide he was so cautious and walking around goofy. The owner joked, "He's not going to be like a bull in a china shop is he?" But they were very welcoming and Hades was very well behaved. It was pretty cute.

Mayzie said...

Oh, Mr. B, you deserves your own home improvement show!

I LUVS to go in stores! They're so exciting. But sometimes I kinda lose my mind and mom has to take me back out again. Sigh. I TRY! I really do. Sometimes I just can't help it.

Anyways, we have a sporting goods place here that we can go into and another whole outdoor shopping mall where lots of stores let doggies go in. It's fun!

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

brooke said...

Great shots! Mr B must have been quite a hit!
I've taken Darwin into Home Depot before and she loves walking the aisles. I wish REI allowed dogs in their stores cause I think that would be an awesome sight!

Michelle said...

We've been able to take Gracie to theusuals, hardware stores(her dad manages one), Home Depot, Lowes...we took her into a Best Buy once, where the clasp on her leash failed and she took herself for a tour. I took inspiration from your posts on leash/collar security and we haven't had another incident, thank dog. She's been allowed in the jewelery store and can go to our town office where someone usually gives her crackers. I have a habit of asking any place that doesn't sell food or that doesn't already have "no dogs" signs if they allow pups...the worst they can say is no :)

Kate said...

I love seeing how the store looks from Mr. B's POV. He looks really good in orange! ;) We took Heidi to a HD this past weekend and she really enjoyed it too!

Tucker The Crestie said...

Love the idea of E. and Mr. B. cruising through Home Depot together. So cute! Our Home Depot used to allow dogs but doesn't anymore, for what reason I am not sure.

Kolchak Puggle said...

I adore that pup cam. I'm planning a home depot trip this weekend to try and rig one up of my own.

We're lucky to live in a really really dog friendly area. My favourite spot to visit is Fort Langley, a heritage town filled with quirky independant shops & antiques markets. Most of the shops are dog friendly and often have bowls of water and treats at hand, just in case a canine customer should happen by.

Brenda said...

I've seen dogs in Home Depot before! But usually they're the little fru-fru dogs, riding in a stroller or backpack. Nice to see a "real dog" out there strolling the aisles! (no offense you little dog people :)

houndstooth said...

I heard dogs had to be able to ride in a cart to go in the Home Depot. I may have to ask about it and see if we can take them in there.

I guess one unusual place we take our dogs for socialization is the nursing home. Two or three times a month the girls go to visit residents there with our therapy dog group. Only a few of the dogs are certified and we've never had a problem. The girls love the attention and seeing the other dogs, too. It's a winning situation for all!

Nancy said...

Cal has been to the local Home Depot with the hubby and thoroughly enjoyed himself. He also has been to a local retirement/convalescent home for visits. Cal is not certified but goes along with our trainer as an "unofficial" therapy dog. Just lots of petting and licking - pure puppy love!

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