I can see it now, all these "well behaved, trained" dogs, peeing on shelves and stock.

Will be such a joy to those with kids afraid of dogs or anyone with dog hair allergies.

Oh, but thats right, most people with dogs dont think their dogs drop hair everywhere. Ive been into quite a few "my dog doesnt drop hair" houses that have dog hair everywhere.

The trouble is that dogs that go into a place like Bunnings are in an environment  they are not used to.......narrow aisles,  crowds(at times),  big trolleys, people carrying large items.  . So how can any owner guarantee their dog will behave properly. under those circumstances.?  My gentle girl would be freaked out. 

I am comfortable with dogs and love them but do think in this case they should be  muzzled., then surely it would work for everyone.     As for them being a health hazard because of the cafe the cafe takes up a tiny little corner of the whole warehouse . 

I'm all for dogs being more integrated into society but there are many people with dog phobias, and of course little children who often automatically go to pat a dog.  I do think these people should be able to feel safe.     Even in a leash free dog park I'm very conscious of those who are nervous or have little children. 

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@*julia*2010 wrote:

 

 

can we rely on responsible owners?

hmmm....well, I think most are.

 

 

 

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Yes I think so too.  

I think dogs are capable of going anywhere if they are restrained and if their owners know how to handle them.  The problem is not all owners are responsible and for some dogs the stress of being around other dogs, lots of noise or people may cause them to lash out.  I took my cat in there once, not to be a smarty pants but I had just rescued her and needed to buy something on the way home.  Bunnings had to check their policy regarding cats on the premises and apparently they couldn't discriminate.

Of course my girl was in her carrier and I was in there less than 5 mins.  It's not something I'd usually do, but I believe in equal rights for cats lol!!! Kidding, its more that Bunnings is an hour away for me.

Maybe there should be a policy that dogs should be muzzled on a lead? 

I met a dog in Bunnings once. They were working the checkout and insisted on searching my bag as I left.

When I went back to my car and looked at the sales docket, I found I had been seriously overcharged for purchase of a more expensive item.

So, I went back and complained to that person that while they were implicitly accusing me of being a possible thief, they were in actuality a real thief. That person, either through intention or neglect, stole (or attempted to steal) from me, while in the process of ensuring I hadn't stolen from them.

Needless to say, that person was immune to the appreciation of the irony of the situation.

(and, I had to stand in a queue and fill out paperwork, all because of this zealot who did to me what they thought I might be doing to them.)