I'm a noticing a trend these days: In shops where there is a "no dogs allowed" policy (which in my state means EVERY public place) people are bringing in their little dogs. They're carrying them in their arms, walking around the grocery store or at our local coffee shop while the people with medium to large sized dogs have them waiting outside or in the car.

Is this fair? I personally love dogs. I wish we could bring our well-behaved dogs, of any size, with us everywhere. But I understand that the board of health does not allow it and I accept that rule. Perhaps this is what owners of little "carry-ons" are thinking when they bring their pocket dogs into the grocery store-- that the dogs are being carried and therefore won't be peeing or pooping anywhere.

But--they can still shed (and technically they can still pee if they get excited) and what about people who have a fear of dogs or, especially, an allergy to dogs? Size doesn't matter then.

In any case, I think it's a double standard...and no one seems to mind it. It irritates me for some reason because no one (managers, etc) ever says anything to these people. Technically, I could carry my 30 lb Corgi in to get my coffee. Is it okay for me to bring my GSD puppy in? At what point isn't it okay anymore? When I can no longer hold him?

This is maybe a silly topic...and I have no bias against little dogs. But since this forum seems to have many large dog owners, I was wondering if it bothers anyone else?

I guess my irritation with it all comes down to people who think that rules don't apply to them while the rest of us follow them...whether with their cars on the roads, their pushing in front of people in a line, or with their dogs.

What say you? <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Well, the problem seems to be with customers' reactions to larger dogs, not the dogs themselves. I have a Chihuahua that I bring lots of places. I don't put him in a bag, I just usually carry him in if he's not left in the car. I would leave him outside while I get a coffee or something, but I worry about a larger dog snacking on him or someone stealing him. My GSD and my Pit Bull also go just about everywhere with me, but I've had the experience of people getting up and leaving the patio of the coffee shop b/c of my Pit (who was lying around the corner chewing her bone peacefully). I can't prove that they left because of her, but just before they did, they were staring and whispering. Keep in mind that she was not in a place that people had to walk around her, or over her-nothing to make people nervous, IMO <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />. She was also attached to the side of the building.

My GSD can sit in the same situation and there haven't been any problems. I really think a lot of it is intimidation, and the fact that store owners don't want to lose business over dogs, so they just single out larger dogs.

This is just something I've thought about based on my experience w/my Chi, APBT, and GSD in identical situations, and the very different reactions they've received. All seems like PR to me.

That is so weird. I noticed the same thing this week. In Philadelphia there are many pet friendly places (like corner bars or cafes), but most places are only friendly to "regulars" of these establishments. Many places have a water dish set inside the foyer just for dogs that stop by. Just because you can carry a little dog in your arms doesn't mean it should be let into office buildings uncaged, which I see often. My 70 lb. gsd loves for me to pick her up and hold on to my shoulders and carry her around the house (I usually do this to weight her). Could you see me walking into a building/supermarket with her on my shoulders? I think it is rather unfair that little dogs are allowed into places where as a bigger dog will be told to leave. Some of the meanest dogs I have ever seen have been mini's. One time 2 unleashed mini poodles came running at my pup trying to go after her while I was walking her in my neighborhood (they were hiding under a bench so I didn't see them), my pup was totally confused and didn't even react to them. I think she wasn't sure if they were dogs because they were no bigger than our smallest cat.

I think there will always be a bias towards letting bigger dogs into public places, but this should apply to any size dog. A little dog can go after a person, pee/poop on the floors, leave dander/hair etc just like any bigger dog. Next time, say something to the store's manager to see if it is a pet friendly establishment. If it isn't brought to their attention that this little dog big dog bias bothers you then most likely nothing will be done about it.

If the owners of the establishments made up their own dog policy...such as saying "no large dogs allowed," that would be different. I may question the double standard, but at least it would be clearly stated, and then people could choose to frequent that shop based on whether or not they agree with the policy.

My issue is that ALL dogs, of any size, (exception: service dogs) are forbidden to go into any public establishment...it's a board of health rule that has nothing to do with the store owner's choice. I think it's a fair rule...some people have health issues and they deserve to be able to go grocery shopping without sneezing or gasping. Same principle applies to smoking in a public place, I think. It all comes down to not forcing your choices or preferences on other people.

I love dogs...and the few beaches and trails that allow dogs are my favorites. I wish we could bring our dogs with us everywhere. But I understand that not everyone loves dogs, or their dander/fur, and I respect their needs.

Maybe I'm being hard on the little dog owners that do this. Maybe they think it's only an intimidation thing and that people won't be scared by the little dog in their arms. It's a quandry. I haven't ever said anything to a manager or a little purse-dog owner because I'm not personally affected by their fur and I feel like I would sort of look like a self-righteous jerk. Maybe I am? I don't want to be! I just think that if the rules make sense, everyone should follow them. I just don't like double-standards.

I just thought of something...I'm a journalist. Maybe this would make a good feature story?

Ok, Amber. Define "large dogs" <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />.

This is not going to change. Most people will just ignore a dog who is not creating a disturbance, so the fact that it's a health regulation doesn't mean much. It does primarily come down to the merchants themselves, whether right/fair or not. If they don't mind little ones and are afraid of big ones, then you're going to have prejudice.

I think a sign should pertain to BEHAVIOR/S, not size/breeds.

I hear you! I love my dog, and she is better behaved than most of the kids out there. I take her into our local farm store often, and have gotten many comments on how well behaved she is. But rules are rules, and like you said, not everyone appreciates my dog like I do <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

These folks are breaking the law - and the store owners could face fines from the health department. To my knowledge, these laws only apply to places that serve/sell food. An interesting side note - in some places therapy dogs, or those in training, are allowed into some of the above places. It all depends on how the health code is written in the area. But I'm sure that doesn't apply to 99.9% of the folks you see.

I suppose you could play clueless dog lover, walk up to the person and say "oh my, I've never seen a tea cup poodle as a service dog before". And see what response you get.

I could always ask them if it's true that little dogs are hypo-allergenic! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If you wouldn't allow a Great Dane to do it, then you shouldn't allow a Chihuahua to do it!

It's odd you posted this thought. I went into our local Tops Market which I am ABSOLUTELY positive there is a sign that says "No Animals, Shirts & Shoes a Must".. you know the red signs with the red circle and line through them. Pretty clear as you walk in. Yet I Went around the corner and there was a man with this raggedy (I'm sorry this dog looked like it hadn't been groomed in years) little dog probably about 15 lbs sitting in his grocery cart. No one said anything - and the EXACT same thought came to my mind - why is it okay for this man to do this? If I was to walk in with my 50 lbs GSD would that be okay? Maybe if I stuff his rump into the cart it'll be okay than? The manager finally told the man he had just had to take his dog out.. I mean it's the law and customer's were complaining. But I think it's the point that he had the nerve to do it in the first place. *Shrugs*