Going around town with your pup/older dog - Page 3

mirasmom LOL.  I guess I should open an account for them then.

Mirasmom,

Are you kidding?  If your dog is having issues with other dogs...just because you walk up and say hi and strike up conversation you think the dog w/issues is going to say "okay, yeah, I'm comfortable now".  Sorry, that's not the way it goes.  I do have a dog that has issues w/other dogs and If I did that and expected him to "play nice" I would be sorry and so would the other dog. With your dog maybe that works but I don't think that would work for most dominant dogs.  I also live in MA.

 Remember to make sure your pups are old enough and had all their shots before you start taking them out to strange places. JMO

frankm205  if you wait until they have all of their shots you miss a lot of key socialization points. I would vouch to say many on this board took their pups out from 8 weeks on.   I've done it with my dogs as well and have never had any problems from it.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  You know I had no idea that people took their dogs to all of these places.  I am use to seeing those small lap ankle biters being welcomed into malls and any and every store but when it comes to big dogs like a GSD it seems like you never see it so i always felt like they weren't welcomed.  I would have never thought about taking them to a bank or home depot or anywhere else.

I live in Arizona so you have to drive somewhere and places are spread out.

I will start going places and wait to see if someone has the balls to walk up and tell my dog and I to leave...lol 

From these examples it seems like society is more socially accpeting of GSD's/large breed dogs..

Ace...buy a back pack in brigh color for your dog..and put it on the dog..you will be amaized how many people will let you into places...I always say "she is in training" and if anyone asks more specific I say OB training and thats it..no more questions...:)
I get away with going everywhere....backpack makes it look more "working" / "on the job" status and good way to have your dog carry your water, keys, etc...

LadyFrost....great idea!!  Thanks and that is exactly what I will do.

I really love my 2 boys and want to take them around with me wherever I go.  Being gone all day because of work makes me feel bad so I want to spend the times on weekends with them outside of training 2-3x a week of course.

Any suggestions on backpacks?

It depends on what is near you store wide....I have a red one with reflective stripes on sides with large flat pockets ..lightweight, water proof and adjustable straps 2 under neat and one in front of the chest..I picked it up in a sports store called "general" for $37.00 but I seen some in Pets Smart,  Petco (way overpriced if you ask me)...look into local privately owned pet stores or on line...you may get a better deal. :)

also, when introducing back pack, put it on him and start walking don't let them get fixated on...eventually they forget they have it on and keep walking....

Thanks!  Will do

I put on a pair of dark sunglasses and a service dog in training vest and take my dogs EVERYWHERE. Before I don the glasses and vest - the dogs are obedient and will walk on a leash without pulling.


Without the dark glasses and vest I tank mine to the following.

any casual bar or restraunt with outside seating
book stores
starbucks and other coffee houses with outdoor seating
Ace hardware,
any feed store
many multi functional office buildings with out securty guards - good for elevators!
down town  main street  at noon
any weekend festifal or arts and craft show
any dog shows or trials
all my friends homes
fire station, police department
the busy areas of beachs and parks
boat docks
small amusment parks
rent a horse stables
outdoor shooting ranges
side walks just outside of elementry and jr high schools 
   - expect the cops to show up, they will take down your drivers liscense info just in case  -LOL
many different vet offices - usually inbetween 12 and 2pm

many small non-franchise stores are happy to have a puppy or young dog visit 
   - long as they aren't too busy and the pet is controlled.

There are so many places to take a puppy or dog for socializing........just be creative
you never know unless you try -  if you get kicked out of a place - so what!