Leaving Dogs Tethered Outside The Supermarket

[persephone]

I don't take dogs to town these days ..but yes, I used to leave them tied up outside the shops :)

Edited February 10, 2013 by persephone

[fainty_girl]

When I was a kid I used to tie my dog up out the front of a supermarket for a few minutes. It wasn't something I did regularly and I used to keep an eye on her.

It's not something I would do now. The only time I would consider tethering one of my dogs would be if I was only a couple of steps away and could clearly see them (eg. inside the bakery with glass doors so I can see my dog the entire time). I haven't done this in a few years though, because I don't take them out if I'm planning to go in any shops.

If the dog you saw was in the shade, had water and was relaxed (not dog or human aggressive) then I can't see why you would need to report the owner. It is very common around here to see dogs tethered outside the supermarket. A little while ago I saw an aggressive cattle dog that absolutely should not have been tethered though...walking into the shops I saw a grown man come close to getting nipped when he went to pat the dog. Then on my way out of the shops I stopped a young girl and her mother because the young girl was going to pat the dog. The dog was baring its teeth at her and looked very uncomfortable, so I stopped the girl and explained to them how some cattle dogs can be wary of strangers. Regardless of breed you would think that people would know not to pat a strange dog.

Edited February 10, 2013 by fainty_girl

[Tilly]

I don't even call into the shops to grab a loaf of bread or milk when I have the dog/s with me ... it can be an absolute pain when I am taking him/them for a walk and we walk past the shops on the way home ... but then come back once I have taken him/them home again.

To me it just isn't worth the risk - but it would be good it they had walk-by shops for this purpose. Walk up to the outside window and grab my milk or bread without entering the shop :laugh:

[Guest Maeby Fünke]

I don't even call into the shops to grab a loaf of bread or milk when I have the dog/s with me ... it can be an absolute pain when I am taking him/them for a walk and we walk past the shops on the way home ... but then come back once I have taken him/them home again.

To me it just isn't worth the risk - but it would be good it they had walk-by shops for this purpose. Walk up to the outside window and grab my milk or bread without entering the shop :laugh:

Yes, a doggie walk-thru (like a drive thru)... That's what we need! :laugh:

[*Avanti*]

Coincidentally on the news tonight was a story about a dog recently stolen from outside a supermarket. It was caught on security camera. Some bloke dragged a 10 month puppy away. http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/breaking-news-blog/10monthold-puppy-stolen-in-front-of-coles-bentleigh/20130207-2e13m.html

I had a Labrador that used to come everywhere with me, I'd leave him outside sometimes but only would choose shops and tether spots where I'd be able to see him. I don't do it with my two girls now.

[Guest Maeby Fünke]

I used to do it years ago, as a first time dog owner... But after a few times I just felt uncomfortable. And once, when I came outside, my dog was clearly overwhelmed by the attention from a squealing bunch of girls.

Nope, never again :)

[Guest Maeby Fünke]

Coincidentally on the news tonight was a story about a dog recently stolen from outside a supermarket. It was caught on security camera. Some bloke dragged a 10 month puppy away. http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/breaking-news-blog/10monthold-puppy-stolen-in-front-of-coles-bentleigh/20130207-2e13m.html

I just saw this... How awful for the owner

[D'smum]

Posted twice. Sorry

Edited February 10, 2013 by D'smum

[D'smum]

I wouldnt. No way, not ever. My car was stolen from outside woolies in under 8 minutes, it was bad enough not knowing what happened to my poor car. I know I would never forgive myself if my dog went missing. Another staffy went missing (likely stolen) just today in vic. The potential consequences, for me, outweigh the convenience. Friends of mine, however, tied their malamute outside a cafe where they could see him, only about 30 metres from a busker. They saw people crowding around the dog and later found out that people had thrown coins into his water bowl, rather than the buskers hat. They found this quite amusing.

[*Avanti*]

Coincidentally on the news tonight was a story about a dog recently stolen from outside a supermarket. It was caught on security camera. Some bloke dragged a 10 month puppy away. http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/breaking-news-blog/10monthold-puppy-stolen-in-front-of-coles-bentleigh/20130207-2e13m.html

I just saw this... How awful for the owner

She must be devastated. I notice that article was before the security footage was shown or known about. It was on the news tonight and you could see the guy walking off with her dog. Hopefully someone might recognise the fellow who took her and she is safely returned.

Edited February 10, 2013 by LabTested

[Simply Grand]

There was a Bondi Vet story too where someone had taken their friend's dog for a walk, left the dog tied up outside a pub ( ) for a few minutes while they ducked in and someone else came along and untied the dog, took the leash and let it run off (caught on CCTV). Poor dog got hit by a car, passersby took it into the vet clinic. Cant remember but I have a bad feeling it didn't survive

I did walk Saxon to the shops sometimes and leave him tethered outside while I ran in. He was fine but I stopped doing it once I had more than one dog.

I avoid it now, although Saxon on his own would still probably be ok at the local suburban supermarket. Riley would hate being approached by strangers, especially kids, and Quinn would love it but would jump all over people and probably hurt them accidentally *rolly eyes* so definitely not worth the risk.

[Sheridan]

There was that one last year where a kid took off with a staffy. Somewhere in Sydney, I think.

[Poppy's mum]

There was a Bondi Vet story too where someone had taken their friend's dog for a walk, left the dog tied up outside a pub ( ) for a few minutes while they ducked in and someone else came along and untied the dog, took the leash and let it run off (caught on CCTV). Poor dog got hit by a car, passersby took it into the vet clinic. Cant remember but I have a bad feeling it didn't survive

I did walk Saxon to the shops sometimes and leave him tethered outside while I ran in. He was fine but I stopped doing it once I had more than one dog.

I avoid it now, although Saxon on his own would still probably be ok at the local suburban supermarket. Riley would hate being approached by strangers, especially kids, and Quinn would love it but would jump all over people and probably hurt them accidentally *rolly eyes* so definitely not worth the risk.

Dog was badly brain damaged and ultimately PTS. I'll never forget that episode. I never watched Bondi Vet again. All because some sick loser stole the poor dog's lead. Owner was away a few minutes at the bottle shop. Truly tragic.

I'd never do it. Have heard of kids letting a dog go...

[Daisys Mum]

I have never left my dogs outside unattended ... If I have to go out my housemate is usually home or they are left at home .

[Rebanne]

I've left my dogs tied up outside the local milkbar while I nicked in for the paper. Usually around 6 am. If I was still walking the dogs at that time, and if the milkbar was still there :D , I most likely would still be doing it.

[Rosetta]

As the owner of a small fluffy no way I would leave him outside a shop or anywhere else. I would be worried about theft firstly and secondly people - particularly kids - hurting him. I am paranoid about theft though - he is locked behind high fences at the back of the house when I am out. There are far too many instances of dog theft in the suburbs and it would be terrible having your dog stolen and never knowing its fate

[Sares]

I would never do it under any circumstances... Just not worth the risk. I have a female Frenchie, and I would be so scared that someone would steal her. Or what if a stray dog came up and attacked her, she would not be able to get away. She is very well socialised but it still wouldnt feel right leaving her out by herself.

[griff]

No way would I leave my dog tied up unattened outside any store

not with all the " sickos " around these days.

[Pawfect]

There's anti-theft dog leashes available (goes around the dog's neck too so thieves can't take the collar off). Called Dog Lock, i think? They have steal cable runiing through so can't be cut, and need a combination to undo it.

I still wouldn't leave my dogs though, because I would't want anyone annoying, scaring or hurting them

[Are You Serious Jo]

I think it really depends on where you live and how big the shop is. Leaving a dog outside woolies in the burbs is very different to an IGA in a country town.