Dogs now allowed in John Lewis stores - good idea or not?

I totally understand that they are sometimes the only companion people have and that's great but please don't expect everyone to feel the same.

I think we're the opposite of dog phobic in this country. If you go to holiday places they are everywhere.

Absolutely brilliant post Rocknroll5me, could not agree more!!! I have never shopped in John Lewis but I certainly will now. Dogs are part of the family and yes some of us do treat them like humans, as sometimes they are the only companions people have.

Whilst I don’t mind seeing the odd dog in a cafe I don’t want to sit near one whilst eating or drinking. Having said that, dogs aren’t exactly the cleanest of animals - they scratch, shake and lick themselves. If I walked into a cafe and saw half a dozen dogs in there I’d walk straight back out. Dogs in John Lewis/shopping centres is a big no no.

I have to disagree RocknRoll5me Wanting your dog to go shopping with you in a busy department store is not a kindness to the dog. He/She would enjoy a walk in the great outdoors much more then being left to rest at home whilst we shop. We are not a nation of animal lovers you only have to look at all the rescue centres to see that. Some people treat their dogs like humans which is ridiculous, dogs need their boundaries to be happy and safe.

I say no to dogs. The only ones that should be allowed are guide dogs and similar dogs who are properly trained to help someone and wear the proper “uniform”

I love dogs and have one myself. In my opinion it’s cruel to a dog to drag it around the shops. I understand if you have to pop in for something, but in no way is shopping a treat for any dog

No, my youngest son and I are allergic anyway and would react if we sat where one had been. My son came up in a rash and got very wheezy on a ferry recently - dogs were only allowed upstairs in a separate lorry but on inspection I could dog hairs on our seats. People think if it’s just a tiny well behaved dog they can ignore the signs - and we had to pay the consequences.

Brilliant idea. We live in an ncreasingly dog phobic society confining their presence to cute adverts and some weird self belief we are dog lovers. Go anywhere else in world and you won’t see such intolerance. We have lived alongside this species as a companion for at least 25k years. They have now no freedom and are relegated to slave status. So good for you John Lewis. Lead the way bring back some respect for our animal companions.

I do not want to see dogs in shops and restaurants. If there is an out door area and the dog is well behaved then it might be OK. However if it is also a children's play area then there is always the problem of possible transmission of disease
www.cpha.ca/human-diseases-transmitted-dog-poop

I recently saw a young man walk his dog around Tesco. I couldn't believe it! It was evening time when a lot of part time young staff are working and none of them dared say anything. I've also seen a man who drives a disabled scooter round Tesco and he has a small dog hidden under his blanket!

Bad idea. The shops will smell different, the stock might too. Dog mess in large stores?

Not, I imagine, for the staff having to clear up.

But on a more positive note thought - another friend had a lovely black lab whose wagging tail could clear a coffee table of cups and plates. The thought of a few wagging tails in JL's china department sounds like enormous fun!

It wouldn't bother me in the least.

harrigran Our friend's DC had pet ferrets. If dogs are allowed into JL then why not ferrets?
Another friend used to take her Siamese cat for a walk on a lead.
If JL wish to be inclusive then they should not discriminate against people who own other animals than dogs.

srn63 I've encountered excited dogs in airports too. In each case they have been security dogs who seemed to find me and my handbags the most interesting items around!

The thought of trying to negotiate through a busy airport with excited dogs straining at their leashes - or worse still being let off to rush to their owners - is one more hazard I don't wish to encounter.

A dog crèche is a good idea. No one can complain that dogs are not well accommodated for. We have recently returned from a week in Devon. There were dogs everywhere, inside and outside pubs/cafes/restaurants. Bowls of water and treats were available everywhere. I think people are already very accommodating to them.

children in trolleys get to me too, fithy shoes in food trolleys, yuk. I never shop in JL, too far away but dogs would put me off anyway. Hair and dander get everywhere, unseen

Those links look a bit odd but the first one links to Wikipedia and the 2nd to a new article in the Independent

harrigran - you've obviously never heard of Emotional Support Animals! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_support_animal www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/emotional-support-animals-planes-flights-peacocks-marmoset-horse-a8190576.html

I know - it beggars belief.

A no from me too. My family are allergic to cats and dogs. John Lewis will lose a lot of trade if they take this attitude.
I made a complaint to M&S once about a pug in a foodstore and their reply was a bit dismissive even though I pointed out that the dog was actually standing on the checkout belt.
If people can't see what is wrong with animals in stores where will it end ? This week a dog, next week a pet lamb or goat FGS.

With more people holidaying at home more people are taking their dogs with them. The dog is part of the family and adds to the enjoyment - most of the time. But - you can’t leave a dog in a tent, caravan, holiday let or hotel room and certainly not (as used to happen) in your car. So shopping is out. I accept this but many don’t. Shopping is part of their life and something a lot still like to do on holiday although why one John Lewis would be different from another is a mystery. It would make more sense if museums and such like had dog days (and child free days!)

Riggy
I am with you fully there. Dogs with snuffly dribbly noses who are bred to have squashed noses because the owners think they look cute.

Many of those dogs have breathing and eye problems.
Sorry folks but they do. It's wrong for the animals.

Katy - I agree. There are so many dog owners who simply cannot fathom why others don’t love their dogs too (or at least, like the attention from their dog who is “just being friendly”)