Dogs at the airport.

[Barnes]

I have to go to the airport on Saturday to pick up some friends. I am working on socializing my dog by getting her exposed to different situations like the carwash, drive thrus etc.

Are dogs allowed on a leash at the airport? People obviously travel with them and I think I've seen dogs there before being led around on a leash before.

I know this is an odd topic but if there's anywhere to get an answer to a question, it's CP.

[OilersBaby]

Originally Posted by Barnes

I have to go to the airport on Saturday to pick up some friends. I am working on socializing my dog by getting her exposed to different situations like the carwash, drive thrus etc.

Are dogs allowed on a leash at the airport? People obviously travel with them and I think I've seen dogs there before being led around on a leash before.

I know this is an odd topic but if there's anywhere to get an answer to a question, it's CP.

Im not sure about Calgary, but they're allowed at SFO if they are small dogs and you can pick up them up if necessary. My husband used to bring my doggy (jasper, the jack russell terrier) when I went to calgary to visit my folks ..it was great coming back and seeing them both, and my doggy would be so happy to see me! But he was 17 lbs and could be picked up if it got really crowded or he got nervous. Im not sure you'd be allowed to bring a full grown labrador retriever or anything.

[chid]

Yes I've had my dog on leash at the Calgary airport. Just to make sure you might want to call the airport ahead of time though Phone: 403-735-1200 or Toll Free: 1-877-254-7427

[foofighter15]

i was so ready to call fata with the new sniffer dogs thread

[shane_c]

When my fiance and dogs flew down from Calgary to Halifax the dogs were out of their crates long enough so that security could check things out and then they were put back in.

When they arrived in Halifax we tried to put one of the crates on the baggage cart and it was too small and the dog flipped off. So we decided to take them out of their crates. Of course each crate had about 10 screws to remove and it was taking a while. So I waved over some old security guy and asked if he could help out. So I got a big lecture about how dogs are to be kept in their crates in the airport, blah. blah, blah. I informed him that until such time the airport decides to provide an adequate baggage cart then they will be leaving on their leash and that he can either help me or we'll be here even longer. So he helped me out. The crates were even falling off the carts when they were taken apart and no dog in them. Then when we were going on our way he informs me that I'll probably get in trouble from security further up the airport. I said what are they going to do tell me to leave, that's what we're trying to do.

On a side note, my fiance tells me the baggage carts in the Calgary airport were much better.

[SportsJunky]

I was at the airport the other day and watched a guy bring his dog in to the arrivals area to wait for someone. The "white hats" were on him right away and told him he had to take the dog out.

Truth is I don't think people should be bringing their mutts into public buildings like that. I love dogs but c'mon.

[moncton golden flames]

I bring my dog with me most times I go to pick somebody up at the airport, and nobody has ever said anything to me. Most people just smile and coo at her.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Okay, am I the only one that thinks brining a dog to the airport isn't the best way to socialize it?

If it's going to be a guide dog, I suppose it makes sense, but a normal run of the mill dog?
Seriously what is it going to accomplish by taking it to the airport?
I'm not trying to be a jerk, I'm just saying maybe instead of asking "Can I take my dog to the airport?" you should be asking "Should I take my dog to the airport?"

[ken0042]

I would also consider those around you, and the grief that you could cause.

Some religions consider dogs dirty animals, and if a person comes in contact with a dog they must cleanse themselves as quickly as possible; both physically and spiritually. Now you have people from all over the world at the airport; many about to embark on a 8, 12, or 16 hour journey. So by your dog going up and "being friendly", you could cause a person a great deal of grief.

Perhaps somebody who lives in North America has become accustomed to dogs, but what if they are seeing of relatives from their home country?

I'm also a dog lover, but I also think that there are places that dogs shouldn't be; or where they should be there as little as possible. So unless its a guide dog or Fido is coming with you on your trip, leave him home.

While we're on this, please don't bring him shopping either; unless its a pet store.

[flip]

Originally Posted by ken0042

I would also consider those around you, and the grief that you could cause.

Some religions consider dogs dirty animals, and if a person comes in contact with a dog they must cleanse themselves as quickly as possible; both physically and spiritually. Now you have people from all over the world at the airport; many about to embark on a 8, 12, or 16 hour journey. So by your dog going up and "being friendly", you could cause a person a great deal of grief.

Perhaps somebody who lives in North America has become accustomed to dogs, but what if they are seeing of relatives from their home country?

I'm also a dog lover, but I also think that there are places that dogs shouldn't be; or where they should be there as little as possible. So unless its a guide dog or Fido is coming with you on your trip, leave him home.

While we're on this, please don't bring him shopping either; unless its a pet store.

I hate to sound insensitive but who gives a crap about people who are from cultures that find dogs dirty. You don't want to touch dogs then stay the frick in your own country, or learn to deal with common accepted customs in ours.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by flip

I hate to sound insensitive but who gives a crap about people who are from cultures that find dogs dirty. You don't want to touch dogs then stay the frick in your own country, or learn to deal with common accepted customs in ours.

I think his point is that the dude who wants to bring the dog to a crowded public area should maybe have a little consideration for the people there.
Whether you don't want to be around dogs because you think they're dirty, or you're affraid of them, or for any other reason, it doesn't matter.

Maybe you can bring your dog into the airport, but why would you want to? It's crowded, and has the potential to cause anxiety for your dog, and the people around it.

[Barnes]

Originally Posted by Bring_Back_Shantz

I think his point is that the dude who wants to bring the dog to a crowded public area should maybe have a little consideration for the people there.
Whether you don't want to be around dogs because you think they're dirty, or you're affraid of them, or for any other reason, it doesn't matter.

Maybe you can bring your dog into the airport, but why would you want to? It's crowded, and has the potential to cause anxiety for your dog, and the people around it.

I really don't care about what people of other cultures think about my choice of pets to be honest. I am not asking them to hold the leash or play with her.

I have seen dogs in the airport before and thought it would be a good opportunity to expose her to something new. We are thinking of taking some rescue training with her and the prerequisites to be accepted are that they don't show any signs of anxiety under certain circumstances. That's why I want her to be comfortable in situations such as a busy airport.

That's all. It wasn't my intention to offend foreigners.

[browna]

Go take her to Petland or PetCetera on a busy weekend day instead.

[Barnes]

I have. The point, for the third time is to expose her to different situations in preparation for rescue training. The topic is 'are dogs allowed?' not 'in your opinion, is it a good idea?'.

It seems like some people have been able to and some not so i guess I will leave her at home rather than get asked to leave.

[Flashpoint]

Originally Posted by Barnes

The topic is 'are dogs allowed?' not 'in your opinion, is it a good idea?'.

I love dogs. But lots of valid points have been raised as to why you probably shouldn't take your pooch to the airport. And the statement above makes it sound like you don't care about how anybody else might feel about being next to your pet.

Which comes across as pretty inconsiderate.

[Old Yeller]

Originally Posted by Barnes

It seems like some people have been able to and some not so i guess I will leave her at home rather than get asked to leave.

Take her, if you're asked to leave by security, just say it's your guide dog and threaten to sue for discrimination.

[Barnes]

Originally Posted by Flashpoint

I love dogs. But lots of valid points have been raised as to why you probably shouldn't take your pooch to the airport. And the statement above makes it sound like you don't care about how anybody else might feel about being next to your pet.

Which comes across as pretty inconsiderate.

I wouldn't put people in the position to be next to my dog nor allow anyone to get close enough to be licked or sniffed. I am conscientious and aware of some people's feelings towards large dogs. I work hard at training her and take pride in the comments I get when people comment on her behavior. I don't put her in situations where she could get stressed. She has never shown any signs of aggression towards other dogs or people.

I am talking about parking in short term, waiting outside until my friends call me from the baggage carousel and then greeting them alone, away from crowds either inside or out depending on her reactions, crowds, and the circumstances.

Once again, we can debate my approach to training in another thread if you would like, I was just wondering if it was even possible to have a dog at the airport.

Being inconsiderate would be not asking, taking my dog to the airport, strolling in and walking around like a regular airport patron through the crowds and paying no attention to those around me.

[OilersBaby]

in my opinion the breed/size does matter. it shouldnt matter but it does. this is because a lot of people are afraid of big dogs, but not so afraid of little dogs. an unruly chihuaha isnt going to be that big a deal (if he barks) but a big german shepard who barks might scare someone.

i brought my jack russell but would leave my lab at home. this was because i could pick up the little dog and carry him if it got crazy.

however, i dont know if going to the airport is the best way to socialize the doggy....it might just cause you extra stress worrying about how others are going to react. to socialize a doggy, you might want to sit at a starbucks patio (they allowe them in california, not sure what calgary starbucks says) so that they are exposed to people walking by outside etc. or take them to a doggy park or something like that. or go to banff or somewhere in calgary that is banff friendly and walk up and down the streets.

cali is very dog friendly so i go to the stanford shopping center (outdoor mall) where outside almost every store is a big dog bowl full of treats and water since the stores welcome animals (not inside but walking outside just to get socialized). Same thing with Santana Row since its outdoor.

ive done it but i wouldnt do it if the purpose is to socialize....just because it might cause you more stress than its worth.

[Barnes]

Originally Posted by Old Yeller

Take her, if you're asked to leave by security, just say it's your guide dog and threaten to sue for discrimination.

Haha. I do have a leash and harness set up similar to a guide dog. Just need some shades.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Why an airport? So you have a genius that is able to distinguish between a busy pet store and a busy security intensive building? Why an airport? I don't follow your reasoning at all, if there is any that is.

You're just going to upset people with allergies when you bring a dog into a public building where pets generally aren't allowed to run free... just bring your dog to the zoo or something... that is unless your dog is some sort of genius super dog.