Why do shops say "no dogs except guide dogs"?

Question

Surely a dog's a dog? If they let guide dogs in, why not other dogs?

I'm not asking why do they let guide dogs in shops - I know that it is for anti-discrimination laws - I am just wondering why if guide dogs are allowed in why do they not let other dogs in. And I don't think the question is stupid.

Answer 1

Cos dogs gets in the way, get under customer's feet, frighten some people, some are allergic to them, some can be unclean, they can knock over and break stock, what if two dogs started fighting each other - which is an obvious safety hazard?.....Loads of reasons BUT guide dogs are necessary for their owner's safety and are exceptionally well trained so are an exception.

Answer 2

If shops said No dogs Including guide dogs! you may as well say no dogs or blind people. Some blind people rely so heavily on their guide dogs keeping them independant.
Can you imagine a blind person in a shop with no Human help or guide dog? It wouldn't be pretty or very safe for them or other customers.
The guide dog is so well trained that it is not a hazard whilst the general publics dog can be very noisy and if two or more are in a shop together could fume a fight!!! also many people are scared of dogs so we don't need too many in a shop at one time!!!!

Answer 3

Because the shop owners have health and safety laws to worry about, that consider dogs and other animals a health risk. A person has a right to go shopping and not have to worry about dog allergies and such. A guide dog is considered in the eyes of the law not so much a dog but an aide for a disabled person.

Answer 4

Guide dogs have to be allowed as they are the means by which the owner is able to shop & to ban them would be discriminatory, they are also highly trained & well behaved which is a plus from the shops point of view. Shops can ban other dogs at their own discretion, you don't want to risk dogs jumping up or helping themeselves to a quick snack in a food outlet for example. I worked as a manager for a retail chain that did not ban dogs & quite frankly some owners let their pets behave abominably- sprawling on the floor in the way of other customers, jumping about, lunging at little kids in pushchairs, knocking over breakables with huge tails sweeping about..... I could go on & on. I am not anti dog by the way, I really like them & of course the majority of owners behave responsibly when out with their pets.

Answer 5

A guide dog acts as the eyes and ears of those that are visually and audibly challenged. People who are trying to meet the challenges of this mad world with dignity and optimism.
A guide dog, no matter how well trained, might be distracted by another dog in a shop, with unfortunate results.
Yes, there is the consideration of hygiene, but let's face it, to see a well trained guide dog in action, the few times that you do in a shop, is a wonder to behold!
These exceptions in society, although appearing initially unfair, can be accepted by most of us, for reasons of understanding and respect.

Answer 6

Environmantal Health don't like animals in food shops, an exception is made for guide dogs so blind people can do their shopping.
Guide dogs have to reach a certain standard of training and probably won't crap on the floor, start a fight or whatever.

Answer 7

They really dont want any dogs in but the law says that they have to allow guide dogs. Besides, can you imagine the havoc if everyone was allowed to bring their dogs into shops? At least guide dogs are guaranteed to behave in the shop.

Answer 8

because the law states that guide dogs should be allowed inshops for the benefit of the owner. Plus they are trained so they wont run riot like other dogs may do. But it is a legal requirement of shops.

Answer 9

If they allowed all dogs into shops it would be chaos . Imagine a supermarket with about 30 dogs being dragged around getting under everyone's trolleys and sniffing and snorting all over the food. Yuk. Guide dogs are working dogs and must be allowed in shops for the blind person to be able to shop.

Answer 10

They might not want dogs in the shop in case they brush up against clothes and get hair on them, bring fleas in, frighted other customers, go the the toilet on the shop floor or up the side of a stand in the store. Eat food off of tables or eat food off of a display etc etc etc there are lots of reasons why - just use your common sense.

However, guide dogs are highly trained and provide a service to someone who is unable to see or has impaired sight so they are needed. You can't discriminate against someone who needs the aid of a guide dog, that would just be ridiculous.