Which dog for my flower shop?

[littleflowerlady]

I'm thinking about getting a dog...

I have a flower shop and would really like to take him/her to work. Ideal candidate would need to be calm and good with people/children. I have this vision that the dog would be able to roam freely in the shop. Not too much tail wagging either as I want my flowers to go out of the shop with their petals intact!

Anyone have any suggestions?

[Booboostoo]

To be honest it does not sound realistic. You would need to find a super chilled dog that did not bark and did not move around a lot and still some of your customers might be scared of the dog or be allergic to dog hairs. I assume you work long hours having your own business so how able would you be to walk the dog 2-3 times a day?

[twooter]

Don't get a puppy!

[Quodlibet]

How about a little whippet? They mainly like sleeping all day. Or a retired greyhound - very chilled out, never aggressive, don't jump about, like sleeping, happy with a couple of 20 min walks a day. Not all greyhounds are enormous, they vary a lot in size.

[1MitchellMum]

Don't get a flatcoat! They're fab dogs but you rarely see one without a waggy tail! I walk past a local hairdresser that has two terriers in the shop - they bark and yap at any passing dog, not good for trade I'd imagine.

[littleflowerlady]

I did think a greyhound or a whippet.

I do have staff so could quite easily go out for a few trots during the day.

[fanoftheinvisibleman]

And just be aware that some dogs have a thing for biting the heads off flowers. Mine does.

[Quodlibet]

I am getting a bit misty eyed about the idea of a retired greyhound getting a new life in a flower shop.

[TakingTheStairs]

I had a bichon that had exactly the right temperament for what you seem to be looking for. Doesn't shed, small so wont knock flowers over, lap dog so happy to chill most of the day, didn't mind strangers stroking her. However I would suggest a rescue or rehome, as as a puppy was a lot of work (as all puppies are) and bichons need professional grooming about every 6/8 wks so be prepared to learn how to do it yourself or factor in the cost of that too.

[littleflowerlady]

Definitely want an older dog rather than a pup. So many retired greyhounds in rescue too...

Interesting about the Bichon, Taking. I knew someone who had one and it was a complete nutter. Person who owned it was a bit nutty too though...

[littleflowerlady]

"I do have staff."

I sound like the Queen!

[saintmerryweather]

I would say a greyhound too, they sleep for hours and hours

[littleflowerlady]

What about lurchers? Are they similar?

[saintmerryweather]

It depends what they are crossed with, if theres collie in the mix they could be too high energy (collie for example i mean!)

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

I reckon a rescue centre could match you with a dog that would be more than happy to hang out in your shop. There's a hardware store here that has a resident, grumpy schnauzer. He grumps and grumbles if you touch the stock, then huffs away into the back

[pinkpaws]

Basset hound great dog great people dog

[pinkpaws]

Basset hound great dog great people dog

[pinkpaws]

Basset hound great dog great people dog

[CMOTDibbler]

My lurcher is smooth coated, bit bigger than a whippet but smaller than a greyhound, and sleeps most of the day. He loves people and is a total soppy object. He is very waggy though! And is all power, no steering, though he is only 10 months so may gain more control over his legs

A whippet or an italian greyhound would be a good size for hanging out in a shop

[HoneyDragon]

Pinkpaws

So are Basset hounds great dogs great people dogs, then?

[pinkpaws]

Go basset hound team basset hound make you smile people will come into your shop just to see the basset then sell them flowers . go with basset

[poorpaws]

My whippet x border collie stayed with my daughter and her partner when I was ill and she went to work with future son in law in his garage every day. Apparently she was a dream, loved the customers and they loved her. She was quiet, well behaved and well just lovely. She had her own little area with a blanket and would just lie there quietly between customers. When I got better he didn't really want to give her back to me and the customers always asked about her.

[Bunnylion]

I take my 2 year old boxer to work and he's an angel! But I have known many MANY boxers who would be an absolute nightmare in that situation. Even within a breed, their are a lot of different characters, energy levels, phobias and social skills.

A rescue centre will know each individual dogs character and be in the best position to match you.

My dog roams the shop but he will get in his bed under my desk within 5 seconds of me telling him to when I see someone coming to the front door. I then ask if the person is ok with dogs and reassure them that he's very friendly before he's allowed out his bed - if he's awake. I also have a door to the back office that I can easily close him behind if anyone comes in who is allergic or frightened of dogs.

One thing to consider - although fully house trained, I'm not sure my male dog would be able to resist cocking his leg on all those lovely smelling plants

[WMDinthekitchen]

It is not so much the breed but the training. You are serving members of the public, some of whom might be intimated or afraid of a dog even if it is very quiet and well-behaved. If the dog is properly trained and thoroughly obedient at all times (if that is possible) and you have a back area where he/she can be put behind a door if any customers are afraid then it might be OK. It would, however, be very off-putting for customers and distracting for employees if the dog barked every time a customer or delivery person came in.

Also, will you have time to exercise the dog properly? All sorts of behavioural problems and unhappiness for the dog can result if not. Reading posts from poorpaws and Bunnylion it would seem that it's possible but nothing is guaranteed.

[SunnyL]

Definately a lurcher, whippet or greyhound. They don't tend to be particularly territorial so won't bark when someone comes in the shop. They are also solar powered couch potatoes so won't get off their beds unless they've had at least 2 hours lying in the sun. We always joke that my mum's lurcher would let a burglar walk straight in the house and nick the telly if the radiator was on behind her bed.

My sister has a retired greyhound. He's lovely but has a few abandonment issues. When the family are out he goes around the house collecting 1 item of clothing for each person then cuddles them in his bed. Nightmare in winter trying to find gloves and hats!

Although saying that I have a collie x labrador x retriever who comes to work with me. She loves the office and everyone loves her. Unfortunately I don't think she'd be suitable for a shop as she's quite hairy and has to say hello to everyone who comes into the office. Some people don't like being met by a dog at the door. A lurcher or greyhound definately couldn't be arsed meeting everyone and would stay in their bed.

[Frettchen]

Definitely pop into a rescue and have a chat with the staff about your requirements. I would guess you'll be better off with an older dog.

I work in an office with my dog (mostly lab, with a enough of something else to take the edge off) and she sleeps for most of the day. She's 11 now, and has been coming to work for 3 or 4 years. It's only in the last half-year or so I've had her off lead in the office, because it wasn't appropriate for her to be wandering around. She has a lunchtime walk, as well as before and after work; as she's old, she's not so fussed about long romps through field and woodland.