Dogs Trust has welcomed the news that John Lewis will allow all dogs into its high street stores.
The charity has now issued advice for dog owners who want to take their four-legged friends shopping with them.
The department store now welcomes dogs in its shops, as long as they are ‘well-behaved’ and on a fixed lead at all times.
While it is still just one of a handful of major high street brands allowing dogs on its premises, many independent shops allow dogs to enter.
Top Tips for shopping with a dog:
1. Always keep dog on a lead
2. If you have a small dog, consider carrying them around to prevent them being caught underfoot on a busy shop floor
3. Consider how sociable your dog is and whether they will be comfortable walking through the hustle and bustle of the retail ‘jungle’, with distractions around every corner
4. Be respectful of other shoppers; not everyone is going to be as comfortable around dogs as you are
5. You know your dog best, so consider what they might get excited by in the store, how they might react and any areas of the store you may need to avoid
6. Check whether there are restrictions for going into certain areas of the store
7. Be aware of other dogs in the store. Always greet a dog from the side giving them as much space as possible.
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A Dogs Trust spokesman said: “We are pleased to see a major high street brand open the doors of its stores to all dogs, reducing the risk of dogs being left at home, unattended in the street or in the car for long periods of time.
“If we want more stores to follow in their pawprints, it’s important for all dog owners to make sure their dog’s etiquette in shops is up to scratch.
“It’s vital for dogs to be properly trained as puppies and our Dog School classes help owners read their dog’s behaviour and build on their training skills to ensure they are calm and well behaved in a shop environment, and be confident around people.”
Dog School will also educate owners on signs to be aware of if their dog begins to feel stressed or anxious in a public place, such as a busy shop.
