Kera's Pet Supply Store Adventures

Has your puppy been socializing like he should? Take him to your local pet supply store for some great training experiences!

One of the most enjoyable things about raising a guide dog puppy is all the fun outings you get to go on together. Guide Dogs and puppies in training are allowed into many restaurants and movie theatres that would not normally admit pets. Even Kera sometimes got a few "hairy eyeballs" from restaurant managers that were concerned with her being in their establishments.

However, Kera and I discovered that may pet supply stores welcome dogs and other pets as visitors and you can really have great fun strolling the aisles of such an establishment.

Who knows... your pup might pick out a new toy or treat along the way, too!

Why your dog will love the pet store!

The reason pet supply stores are such great places for puppy socialization is that there is a TON there to see, do and smell.

First - there are other dogs roaming the aisles

Second - there are dog toys and treats everywhere. Talk about puppy heaven!

Third - there are other exotic animals, fish tanks, chemicals and all sorts of things that your dog wouldn't normally be exposed to in your home or outside.

What to look out for on YOUR big adventure!

Now, I love going shopping, and for the most part Kera does, too. But any time you take your dog someplace new and different, keep an eye on him to make sure he's responding well to the potentially overwhelming stimuli in the unusual environment. Remember - your pup's only been on the planet a few months... a lot out there is going to be new!

When Kera and I went to the pet supply store, I was surprised to see her shy away from the fish tanks. I don't know if it was the smell of salt water or aquarium additives, the hum of the pumps, or the slick floor where some water has spilled, but she looked a little uncomfortable and afraid the first time we strolled by the glowing tanks filled with rainbow fish!

I didn't force her, but we spent some time just standing quietly in the area looking at the tanks and I made sure to return to the area several times on that particular run to the pet supply store so that she could get used to the mysterious elements in that area and learn that there was nothing to be afraid of.

One Saturday, a whole bunch of us volunteer puppy raisers took our dogs to the Pet Supply store together.

We descended en masse and the employees there just loved it.

One area of the store that was a little disturbing to the pups, though, was the back where they sold saddles. Apparently the smell of leather - which was strong in that area - was disturbing to the animals.

Now, you might not live in the 'country' where they sell tack at the pet supply store, but if you can find a place to take your dog to expose him to livestock and livestock equipment, I'm sure you would both find it interesting.

I believe that the more different things you expose your dog to at a young age - without scaring or overwhelming your puppy - the more he will be able to handle new and unusual experiences as an adult.

The pet supply store is a great place to start - then move on and look for more every day puppy adventures in your own back yard!