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

So I assume Duncan Pickles a dog and is his 'mum' a person? Give me strength. We were on holiday recently, sitting outside at a restaurant. There was a couple with two dogs there. Every time the woman of the couple got up to go inside, these dogs whimpered and yelped until she came back. We couldn't believe our ears when the man said to the dogs 'Its OK, mummy won't be long'.

I do not have a dog but did years ago , I walked my dog in suitable places. Who would want to take their dog shopping as for food places there should be a set place for them . Not everyone likes dogs some people have a fear of them. John Lewis that's ridiculous.

It won't be good for business if we all avoid going there!

I guess JL may have done this as a strategy to attract dog lovers who would otherwise shop online like everybody else.

I suppose John Lewis have done their market research and permitting dogs is good for business, taking everything into account

No. I do not want to see dogs in shops and cafes.

There is absolutely no need to take a dog on a shopping trip.

The poor dog. It is not a good environment for it. I also hate having dogs in places where there is food.

I know some are well controlled but most strain at the leash to get to crumbs, or, in my experience rest their jaws on your knee or the edge of the table to drool and hope you'll give them bits from your plate. It happened to us in Edinburgh not long ago. The owner smiled on adoringly.

One woman spoke up and asked the owner not to allow dog breath to contaminate her air space! I love dogs but indulged ones are not everyone's cup of tea.

I have no idea why dogs cannot stay at home. A dog on a lead in a busy shopping area is not having a good time. It seems almost cruel to drag them everywhere the owner goes.

It all seems such an about turn on all the policies and procedures about good hygiene practice in public places/cafes.

No - to dogs in cafes and food shops.

No - to dogs in John Lewis - why, just why?!

I was in a shop yesterday and someone brought their dog in. It was lying on the floor seemingly having breathing issues in the heat (squashed nose type of dog) and left a puddle of drool (not envy) behind that was a slip hazard and that someone would have to clear up.
Felt sorry for the poor dog out in the heat. Owner seemed totally unconcerned

Apparently they were challenged about their policy on Twitter as the 'mum' of Duncan Pickles wanted to take Duncan there for his birthday

Providing the dog is well behaved and on a fixed lead (unless they're being carried) they can go into JL. So that's OK then - as we know, all dog owners abide by the rules at all times.

Why on earth would anyone take their dog to John Lewis?

I'm a big dog fan, had them all my life but ours have always gone out for their pleasure not to accompany me . The only time I'm in favour of dogs being in cafes etc is if they are a service dog or a service dog in training becoming accustomed to life .

I certainly wouldn't take my dogs to the shops and tie them up outside either. If they are not with you they are not within your control.

Its a ridiculously bad idea poorly thought out !

Why would anyone actually want to take a dog shopping

Exactly Gabriella!

Ditto SirChenjin!

Who on earth dreamt up this idea? I love animals, but do not wish to be potentially 'on guard' whilst I'm shopping in case a dog decides to approach/lick me!

What about customers - and staff - who are allergic to dogs, or frightened of them?

Horrible idea.
Glad I never shop in John Lewis.

Bad news for me, so just online shopping now, since - well - I don't hate dogs, but I'm scared of them, big ones especially. And it makes me very uncomfortable when they're near me.

- Angela

No- awful idea.

Why would anyone actually want to take a dog shopping. Ok to leave outside if popping into Waitrose for a few items but surely better left at home after being walked and fed.
I certainly don't want dogs sniffing round me or clothes which hang at dog height. What about changing rooms? Will they be allowed in their too? As another poster wrote, I too will be shopping online in future.

My thoughts exactly Lindy.

I would hazard a guess that most of us have been on the receiving end of poorly behaved dogs, ranging from being jumped on by dogs who are 'just being friendly' to bites and attacks. Those owners are not going to take kindly to being told to leave and it's not fair to the staff to have to deal with that and with anything the dogs leave behind. I'd prefer to shop without having to worry about any of that so will probably switch to JL online. I hope not too many people think that way, the High St is struggling enough as it is.

Not in favour of dogs in eating areas or in shops, guide dogs excepted.

Bad, bad idea. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs and I would like to do my shopping without tripping over dogs and leads. What will happen if the dog decides to cock a leg, sniffs or dribbles over clothes or towels. Dog owners have managed to shop without their dogs so why change the policy now. Online shopping for me from now on then!

Yes, it really does depend - with both dogs and children! - how well-behaved they are. Maybe shops and cafés should advertise their option of asking people to leave if the children/dogs are a nuisance. That might make at least some people supervise them better.
Personally I'd rather not have dogs. I'm more tolerant of children now I've got a grandchild, but when I was teaching I avoided them like the plague outside the classroom

Sounds like poorly trained dogs and over indulgent dog owners was the real issue there. You get them everywhere unfortunately.
Dogs in cafes are very common over here in Ireland and if I had to choose, I’d prefer a quiet well behaved pooch tucked under the table over a noisy toddler and parents with buggies, any day.