Leaving a dog outside a shop is still one of the biggest problems in our society. There is more and more discussion on the internet and opinions are divided. What does it look like from a behavioral and safety perspective for our dog? Is it possible to teach a dog to stay under a shop?
Stress, discomfort, uncertainty
There is no denying that most dogs feel a great deal of stress when they are left alone outside a shop. One of the main behavioral needs of dogs is a sense of security, which is shattered in such a situation.
Another important need for our pets is walking. This is the most important physical activity for a four-legged dog and at the same time a way to build a bond between the carer and the pet. When, during a walk together, we suddenly leave our dog alone, among many strangers, in a noisy place, it can feel abandoned and lose its sense of security.
Often we only notice the problem when the pinned dog barks, howls or growls at passers-by and other animals. These are not the only signs of stress. Just like humans, our quadrupeds can experience emotions differently depending on their personality or character.
Sometimes we see a yawning four-legged dog and we may think that it is calm and simply bored. However, it is important to remember that this reaction means something different in dogs than in humans. We yawn when we are tired or just after waking up, whereas in our pets this reflex represents an attempt to get rid of stress.
Some left-over dogs may shake, others will have the whites of their eyes visible and still others may lick themselves with nerves. There can be a whole host of signals, and without knowing the body language of dogs, one can misjudge the situation.
My dog waits for my command
Very often we try to teach our pooch the slogan “wait” or “stay” to make him feel more confident. Keep in mind that training does not always mean easy tasks and, even when practicing at home, can cause stress. Conditions outside are very different and can intensify this feeling.
Thinking about this, let’s try to recall our emotions when we were left alone in the checkout line as a child. Despite the fact that our parents would leave for a while and always come back, we felt anxious. Translating this to our dogs, we can understand what they may be experiencing.
Yes, we can meet dogs that, left to their own devices, walk, sniff and take care of themselves. However, this does not mean that they are not accompanied by nervousness.
What dangers may befall our dog?
We need to be aware of the dangers faced by a dog left behind.
Before New Year’s Eve, it is possible that someone may want to test how loud the bang firecrackers shoot. Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans. At the moment of the explosion, they may want to run away, whereas if they are tied up they are no longer able to do so. This may cause our pet to become afraid of gunshots, even though it did not do so before. Remember that it is not only firecrackers that can frighten your pet.
Other animals can be a threat. Even if our pet does not have a problem with strange pets, he may be approached by a so-called runner. This is a dog that roams the area without a lead and without control. If it ends up just sniffing around, there is not too much of a problem. Worse if it ends up in an attack on its part. Let’s remember that in such a situation our pooch has no way to defend himself or escape.
Strangers can also be dangerous. We never know who we will run into. Most people will pass by without accosting our pet. But, unfortunately, some may frighten him or her, for example by trying to stroke him or her. There are also situations where the dog may be given a dangerous substance, which can have a bad effect on its health. Unfortunately, there are also people who may intentionally unhook our pet and he, feeling free, may get lost. Sometimes there is also theft for ransom.
Although it seems unlikely, it can happen that a distracted owner may forget about their dog and only realise when they get home. Such a situation can cause huge behavioral changes that will need to be worked through with a specialist.
How do you avoid the dangers of leaving your dog outside a shop?
The answer to this is one!
First and foremost, we conscious guardians must learn that a walk is a walk and shopping is shopping. The two should not be combined. And in emergency situations where we need to go into a shop to get water for the dog, we should ask if it can be done with the dog and choose that establishment where our pet is welcome. It really is as simple as that!
Walking is a shared time for the carer and the pet, so we should not combine it with shopping. There is no point putting our friend on four paws under unnecessary stress. And two walks will be good for our health 😉
