My dog will not per say choose the toy. But I want him there to see if he will freak about a toy, or the collar fits, and for advice on the dog really. Yes I want him to lay on the bed to see if it will smother him or if he cant get on it. Does this make more sence? So in a sense yes he will choose but really he wont. I took my gpigs to earl may to see if they would fit through the tunnels... when they went in I got it!
I will take him in there for the same reasons everyone else does.. My question was more would you take your dog in there? He will be in the cart, on a blanket so if he pee's/poop's its my stuff.
I want to make sure what I get him will be good for him, IE- dog shampoo, bed, collar, leash, ... you get the point...
Also after reading the last post... it did sound a little rediculous but when I was writting it, it didnt sound that bad. We all have those days!
I am sorry if you answered this and understood there are some who thought I was letting my pup walk all over me... no matter how much I tried to explain
I will answer again - YES!! I take my dog to PetSmart or the Pet store. I don't let him play with a toy before I buy it. I see if it squeaks and has caught his attention. If it doesn't catch his attention? I don't get it!! Does that make sense?
Editing answer - confused post with another one!! sorry!!
Your question was fine IMHO! And yes, I would take my puppy being careful if he/she is young so he/she is not exposed to disease.
We all have those days . . . no worries.
haha! Yeah, I did think you were one of those eccentric pet people at first. But I phrased my response in the form of a question because realistically, I know that you wouldn't *ACTUALLY* let your pet "choose" what to buy. At least not in any real sense of the word.
So yes, I do take my dogs to Petsmart. It's good for them to get out of the house & socialize a bit. My chihuahua HATES leaving the house so we never take him, but my boston terrier loves it and my Boxer is absolutely thrilled at the idea of picking out new squeaky toys.
Actually, my husband used to be a manager at a petsmart. And I used to work as a cashier there long ago. Lots of people bring their pets in, it's fun.
My dog is a little over 100 lbs and has bad hips. Getting her into our car is an effort of monumental proportions. So no, I do not take her to petsmart. If I get her a toy, I leave the tag on and see if it gets her attention. If she seems not to have any interest, I return it when I go back to Petsmart. For me, that is A LOT easier than loading her up in the car so she can shop.
Most of the stuff you are shopping for can be returned if it goes unused and the tags remain on. I believe dogs have preferences, but I am not sure our dog would know immediately what she likes in the middle of a store with a million distractions and new smells around anyways.
We only have cats, but we love to go to PetSmart and look around. Just about everyone else has their dog(s) with them. My kids have a wonderful time playing with other people's dogs. :) The only thing I'd make sure of is that your puppy is vaccinated before you take him out in public. You don't want him to catch anything and get sick.
If the store let me, I would take him in.
No I don't take Bella to the pet stores. She does not like other dogs so waht is the point? I look at toys and just buy them. So far, she hasn't been spooked by any of them.
She was diagnosed with DM and can't walk. I'm in the process of looking for a "but cart" or wheel chair for her. =(
Well, that's the idea behind pet stores that allow the pets to go in, right?
I don't see the big deal.....
Take your puppy with you and if it goes on the floor they have stuff at the store to clean it up. A little interaction with other dogs there should be just fine, people don’t usually bring aggressive dogs out and about.
Don’t go overboard with buying toys you will end up replacing them at some point (either they will come apart or the dog will just not play with it). Have one of the sales people help you when you are there, they should be able to guide you to what you will need.
Just be sure to get the basics and go for regular vet visits. I like the Pet Smart here in Florida but I did not like the one I visited in PA. The employees here know my dog by name and they have fun when she visits (there is one woman that just loves Boston’s and she always insists that we stop to see her).
I know how excited you must be about your new puppy!
But taking a puppy into a pet store is like taking a newborn into a baby store.
The puppy will probably be sleepy, indifferent, bored, maybe even a little scared.
A puppy will be so distracted by the lights, sounds and smells, he won't be able to display any "preferences" at this point.
Just like a baby wouldn't be able to show you what kind of carrier or swing they like, it's a matter of trial and error.
Keep him home, love him, train him, sign him up for obedience classes when he's a bit older (ask your breeder.) Once he grows and you get to know him you will know what kinds of toys he prefers. Hopefully he is NOT a chewer, our first dog was and nothing was safe, even with every chew toy imaginable, and our current dog cares about NOTHING but tennis balls, that's it, and they are the exact same breed!
Just like it took time to get to know and train your children, it will take time with the puppy as well :)
I admit that I had a little trouble figuring out what you were talking about, but I think I'm figuring it out (some).
The best thing you can do is ask for an experienced staff member at PetSmart to discuss with you the dog's needs. Experienced is the key.
They may not let you do what you are hoping for. I actually don't think that your puppy CAN indicate to you what he will prefer. And he has to wear a collar and leash whether he likes it or not. That should be non-negotiable. The earlier you start it, the better.
Not every dog is interested in sleeping on a dog bed. It's more about making sure he "fits" sizewise in it, and training him to sleep in it (not allowing him to sleep on your bed.)
Your guinea pigs and the tunnel really have nothing to do with this. (I know, having had both...)
You really need to read up on dogs and humans and the relationship between the two, and you and your family being alpha over the dog. You should REALLY consider obedience training - it will educate you as much as your dog, and make for a much happier dog ownership experience.
Good luck,
Dawn
