bringing goats too petsmart?

[1acrefarm]

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Yeah thanks for speaking for ALL goat owners

No one lost control of their dogs while I had Billy in there. And Billy does better on a leash that alot of dogs I've seen. Billy was browsing everywhere. Trying to pick up stuff and sniffing everyone. Santa was even walking him around for a while. Not one issue. I say if you feel comfortable with your goats manners and personality then go for it.

I feel plenty comfortable with my goats manners. It is the unknown dogs manners I am most uncomfortable about. It is good nobody lost control of their dog. That does not mean it won't happen in the future. Sounds like you may have desensitized your goats fear of dogs now. If a pack of strays come on your property will the goat still know to get away or defend itself?

As far as speaking for all goat owners. I am speaking of the fairness for the goats themselves. It is not fair to take them inside a building full of predators. If you don't terrify or put them in danger you still get them used to dogs. A goat who has no fear of dogs is an easy target for strays. Putting up over a half dozen rolling eyes does not change the facts of the matter. I think open conversation is better than a bunch of silly icons. If we both explain our point of views instead of eye rolling then we both might learn something.

 

[allanimals21]

Yes my goats do know when to run...if one of the dogs here tries to approach to quickly the goats do run. Any animal can sense danger. I do not feel that in anyway my goat was uncomforable in that situation. He was having a great time. He met other dogs, other people, got his belly rubbed and everything. I did not put the rolling eyes. But that was a good point. You are saying that all goats would be uncomfortable. It is not fair for you to assume that all goats would be uncomfortable in that situation. Thats your opinion and that is fine by me. But also if you can't control your dog it shouldn't be out in public.

 

[PineappleMama]

I don't even take my DOGS to PetSmart... too paranoid about an incident happening. Either my dog getting cranky or someone else's (dog OR cat) and us humans not moving fast enough. But I do get all googly eyed over the ones other people bring in. I'd love to see a baby goat in there... but that's just not likely where we live unless maybe it was a 4H student maybe? Knowing our town someone would probably call the cops or Animal Control.

Question... y'all said that goats are badly scared by dogs? Scent of dogs even? Can they 'get used to' them by being exposed in a safe environment (IE HumanMama's arms) to the smell when they are young? Or is that so ingrained that no amount of contact can tame it? Seems if HM had a dog that some of the doggie smell would get on her clothing, so the baby goat being held and fed would have some exposure to the smell... along with HMs... Just curious.

 

[allanimals21]

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As I said my alpine wether Billy who is not quite a year I raised here from....gosh I think he was 2 days old when I got him. Any how he grew up with our dogs so he doesn't see dogs in general as a threat as long as they are civil. Although even if our dogs get a lil bit to forward with him he knows to back off. He will run from our dogs if they chase him. He knows when hes safe and when hes not. Not my newest goat. She is a 2 1/2 year old fainter doe. I guess she was never really exposed to dogs. Well she doesn't so much mind my lab on the other side of the fence but she hates my boxer with a passion. Everytime Lady(boxer) comes into the pen with me to feed Laila is on her like white on rice. So I try to keep Lady out as much as possible although she LOVES Billy(she still think its her baby, he would nurse on her even though there was nothing there). So eventually I'm hoping Laila gets used to the dogs.

 

[Chicks R Friends NOT Food]

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This is true but you do have to consider that people don't expect goats to be in Petco. I bring my dog thehre sometimes assuming that other dogs will be there and that's fine because he loves cats and dogs. I would never have expected a goat until this thread. I honestly have no clue how he would react to one. If he thinks it's a dog it would be fine, if he thinks it's closer to a chicken, it would be a huge problem. Most people might disagree, but I don't see why goats should be allowed. I wouldn't want to be responsible for my dog attacking someone's goat at Petco when a dog is a predator and goats are prey. It's the same reason I wouldn't bring my chickens.

 

[JCoogle]

The local pet smart from where I grew up seemed to frown apon differant pets. I took my Carpet Pyton in and the manager thought it would be a good idea for me to take him back to my car. I have never been back to one since.

 

[greathorse]

If my dog was not fully manageable on a leash no matter what the outside influence is I would be back to work on leash training. I get so frustrated watching dogs strain against a leash, totally uncalled for. Consistent leash work (loose leash) under all conditions is a must. I would never settle for less with a dog under my control.

So Chicks R freinds if you and your dog were to encounter a chicken on a neighbor hood walk your telling me you will not able to control your dog and that you are not accountable or responsile to control the dog. I beg to differ.

 

[Goat_Walker]

i'll be taking my ducks in for christmas pictures next year and if they do easter pictures i'll take them in then.

I have been told plenty of times that it wont be a good idea because of the dogs there but Its not like my animals are going to be on a twenty foot leash. Or that the other dogs will be on a 20 foot leash. If i do take my ducks it will be along with my schnauzer pup since sh is like mama to them.

I think as long as you keep the goat by your side or in a shopping cart that its your decision. Your animal, Your learning experience. Good luck!

 

[agnes_day]

heres a question...why does anyone really want to take their pets out to the stores anyways?
i dont even take my kids with me if i can avoid it..i like to go to get away from things that need watched/handling.

 

[Blue Ribbon Bantams]

my friend took a miniature horse and it baby the people gave them funny looks.... but thats about it