Is it strange that I bring my dog to pet-friendly establishments to practice socialization and training? I have been taking my dog to the dog-friendly tractor supplies store nearby so we can practice being calm around others. We walk out if he doesn’t listen. I also don’t allow him to annoy others.
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It is not strange at all. Taking your dog to pet-friendly stores for socialization and training is a great idea. It helps your dog get used to different environments, people, and other animals, which can be very beneficial for their behavior and confidence.
Many stores welcome well-behaved dogs, including:
- Petco and PetSmart: These pet stores are perfect for training and socialization as they are designed to be pet-friendly.
- Michaels and Hobby Lobby: These craft stores often welcome pets, making them good options for socialization.
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I attest that it was a terrific experience to take my dog to Home Depot. Quick departures were especially simple because of the exceptionally wide passageways.
I really liked that I could utilize my dog’s ability to see and smell the dog in the next aisle as a teaching tool to help her become desensitized. After initially smelling the dog close by, she gradually advanced to approach an opening where my dog could see the other dog (it took a few tries for her to move forward and backward like she was peeking in and out of sight), and finally she walked past the aisle where my dog could see the other dog in full.
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We love going to Lowes and Home Depot. When we first got our girl last April she was so nervous around people. She would whine, couldn’t sit still, etc. She’s soooo much better now and we work a lot on sit-stays and look at me’s at the hardware store and her focus has gotten so much better. I can even take her to the store on my own now, not only when my partner comes. It’s definitely a great training method!