Which Errands Can I Run with My Dog?

As a working mother, I like to take my dogs with me whenever I can, since I leave them at home enough when I go to work.  Once I come home, I hate to leave them again.  The obvious places I can go are the pet stores. Another one is when my sons have sports events. Even when they are swimming, I drop the boys off and walk the pups.  This way we all get exercise!

Here are some other places that made me feel happy this week.  I had to pick up my son’s glasses and had my dachshund with me. Island Eyecare let me come in with pooch. She really enjoyed that.  Not sure it would be ok if we had a doctor’s appointment though.

I also had to get some wine for the weekend. Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits was wonderful. I was able to browse the isles, discuss different wines with a manager and in the end, they even offered my extremely shy Aussie a biscuit! He might actually want to go again next time, and you can be sure I do too.

As the farmer’s markets are coming back to life, I know I will be frequenting them with my pups too. I can get most of my produce with the whole family! Not sure which ones will be reopening, but the one on Riva has started and I can’t wait for the one downtown, even though it is a bit pricey.

Here are the commands we are working on to make all this shopping doable.  Sit/stay as I look at possible purchases or when I am paying is essential. I cannot have them suddenly running off in the opposite direction to greet another dog or just because.

Sit in a heel position and wait as I meet and greet friends I will inevitably bump into is also a must. No, they cannot forge forward (or backward, as my Aussie would) when a person waves and approaches. They need to wait until the person has agreed to be greeted.  No jump is also important. Greeting in a civilized way is what I encourage and always praise, often with a treat.

Sometimes I will just go pretend shopping to get my dogs ready for the real deal.  Given all these opportunities, who needs a dog class in the spring?