Going around town with your pup/older dog - Page 2

I work for a small college and it is the BEST place to bring a dog!  There are so many sights, sounds, and textures.  I take my puppies on various types of stairs, elevators, small bridges over streams or a large bridge over a highway.  We walk all over the paths and meet so many people.  They get a lot of socialization from people, but also learn that some people don't like dogs or are too busy to stop so we can't pull the leash and go toward every person there is.  Lots of students stop to pet b/c their miss their dogs back home.  We have large soccer fields where we track and train, various paths in nature, and of course all the paths near the academic buildings with tons of people, strange equipment, bicycles, skateboards, etc.  Also our squirrels and chipmunks are basically tame, great if you want to work a dog with high prey drive under distractions!  I took my current puppy to work with me every day for over a month, so every day he got tons of socialization.

My city is not very dog friendly.  You can't go into Lowes or Home Depot or anything like that.  Basically the only other places we can go are pet stores and Tractor Supply Co. 

I also take my puppy to the vet any time another dog goes (so long as he's had enough shots for protection).

In October 2001, I had a business trip to LA to testify in court for a client.  The only centrally located hotel was that would allow two jumbo sized German Shepherds was a 4 star hotel, Hotel Sofitel Ma Maison in Beverly Hills.  The manager had Newfies and knew that it is the little dogs that cause trouble.

www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-0937-sofitel-los-angeles/index.shtml

They didn't charge extra for the dogs and we were treated like celebrities.  People lined up to meet Shadow and Phantom when we were checking in at the desk.  I was shocked at the number of people who wanted to ride the elevator with us.  It was fun and unexpected.

My bank is dog friendly, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, Orchard Supply Hardware, Lumber Yards and almost all the local Ace Hardwares.  Outdoor seating restaurants-I am very generous when I have Pharaoh with me.  That way they are happy to see us.   I bring Pharaoh with me to clients.

Carmel by the Sea is Dog HEAVEN.

Be creative.  Check out websites that talk about places to go with your dog or travelling.

Michele

I take mine to the pet stores, the parking lots, ball games and expose them to the mower, and other loud lawn equipment.
I'll take them to the club and play with them as much as I can while there and even feed them.
I like parks too.

I would like to add some of the video stores :) Blockbuster has always been dog friendly towards us. Also, big chain store parking lots. Lots of people, traffic and sounds. We've had luck with most any place that does not serve food save for the resturants with outdoor seating.

Melissa

So many people think that socializing your dog means that every Tom Dick and Harry puts their hands on my dog...That just isn't the case...You don't let just anyone touch your dog...You make it very clear whether or not you want them to pet...stroke or any how else to touch your dog...
If people ask "May I or my kids pet your dog"...then be honest...If they don't look like they'd be good to interact with your dog in that way...then just say "NO"...Don't be bashful...be HONEST...!
Every new place is a good place to take your dog...All the above suggestions are great...Maybe they'll strike up an idea in you that you'll be able to come up with new places...
Sometimes you can go to places where you don't have people right there...but instead go to places like Grocery stores and just walk your dog in the parking lot and around cars...both moving and parked...and like someone else said...walk them up and down the walkways in front of the stores...You will just about always strike up a conversation with someone...
Your puppy has a "blank tape" for a brain and you're the one that puts everything on it...So choose new things so they can experience new things to put on that "tape"...

~Bob~

I live in Massachusetts, I have taken my dogs in:
 

(Dogs are also allowed to ride on a train during certain hours, check the schedule)

Town Hall

The vets, (to weigh them & say hi, no appointment needed)

The Bank

The bookstore

The liquor store

Home Depot

Pool supply store

any pet store

Hospital's (Sneak in & ride on the elevator)

Assisted living facility

Indoor Dog Shows, if allowed,

Mind you your dog should be fairly well-behaved>Sit>Come>Leave-It>Wait>

If your dog is people friendly but having issues with other dogs, and you are walking down the street , you see a person walking their dog, walk right by and pretend to know them, say "Hi, how are you today! How old is your dog? He's pretty"  and your dog will think you know the person and accept the other dog, from a distance, I find it works like a charm, or else the people look at you like you have rocks in your head and run! (That never really happens though....)

mirasmom, I forgot about the bank. We've been there numerous times with mine and they even give treats.

Ya, and if you open an account for your dog, he can go in by himself and do his own banking!
I saw some dog on TV walk in the bank and make a deposit, it was pretty smooth!