Nowadays many places recognize dogs not only as pets but also as family members. Hence, a lot of cafes, restaurants, and small stores allow you to enter with your dog.
But what about Menards?
Read this article to find out:
- If Menards allows dogs (and if they’re dog friendly).
- 3 top reasons why pet parents want to bring their dogs to Menards.
- Everything you should know about Menard’s pet policy.
- 5 must-read tips before going to Menards with your dog.
- And more…
Table of contents
Are dogs allowed in Menards?
Dogs are allowed in many Menards stores. Service dogs are always welcome. Pets are also allowed as long as they are on the leash and well behaved. Many stores also don’t mind dogs as long as they do not show aggression.
Is Menards dog friendly?
Many Menards stores are dog friendly. They welcome pets that are well behaved and on the leash. The stores also allow dogs as long as they don’t open dog foods or cause trouble. In addition, pet owners are expected to clean up after their dogs.
Menards: A brief history
Menards was just an idea, the brainchild of John Menard, Jr.
He was still in college when he decided to build pole buildings to finance his education. The business was booming during this time due to the farm industry’s revolution.
By the end of the year, his name was gaining a reputation. He had hired more crews to keep up with the demand.
Many of Menard’s customers often inquired about lumber and building materials. This inspired him to begin selling building materials.
This was the beginning of Menard Cashway Lumber, which was founded in 1960.
Menard’s business was already a success
When he graduated from college, he was the president and the major stockholder of the company.
It was during this time that they erected their first office and shop in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
In the following years, they added more into their inventory. They sold roofing, interior and exterior doors, lumber, and trusses, among others.
In the mid-1980s, the business name became Menards. By 1986, Menards was the 15th among home improvement chains.
In 2007, Menards began selling groceries. The company was already selling office supplies and pet supplies.
In 2016, Menard, Inc was 37th on Forbes’ ‘America’s Largest Private Companies.’
Its estimated revenue was $8.7 billion.
Today, Menards is the third largest home improvement retailer in the United States.
Why pet owners want to bring their dogs everywhere
Dogs have since become an important part of a family.
They’re no longer relegated outside the house to serve as a guard dog. These days they walk beside their owners or in their owner’s arms.
Thus, it’s no surprise that pet owners want to take their dogs whenever they go. Even to big stores such as Menards.
Over the years many changes took place.
More people have become tolerant of dogs. And businesses opened their doors for these four-legged customers.
Now it’s a normal sight to see dogs everywhere. Even in places they weren’t welcome before.
#1: Socialization
For pet owners, taking their dogs to busy places is beneficial.
First, it helps the dog with socialization.
Too often, adult behavioral problems stem from a lack of socialization in early life. Many past studies have proven how important socialization is for the well being of a dog.
A pet owner can take advantage of the benefits of early socialization. That is if they know when it’s most effective.
The period between the 4th week and the 12th or 14th week is the most important. That’s according to this study. A puppy’s socialization during this period will determine a puppy’s adult behavior.
According to scientists, this is the critical or sensitive period of socialization
Dogs this young have no protective vaccinations yet. So you can’t take them everywhere with you.
Thus, socialization is limited to within the family environment.
A dog reaches juvenile age on their 12th week and lasts until their sexual maturity. During this period, their socialization will depend greatly on their environment.
Notice differences between a dog in a human family and a dog in a kennel. The differences are brought about by their experiences within their environment.
The juvenile age is also a time when behavioral problems occur. If you don’t train the puppy, they will become aggressive and destructive.
Although not all pet owners are aware of this, they do know that socialization is important. They expose their dogs to other people, pets, and an environment outside of their home.
#2: A bit of exercise
Going to a store provides your pooch with a bit of exercise. Unless your dog is in the shopping cart or in a carrier.
Shopping means going from aisle to aisle. It can take a few minutes to more than an hour.
And some pet owners take advantage of this by hitting two birds with one stone:
Get some shopping done and walk their dog.
#3: Training a service dog
Some owners prefer to personally train their service dogs.
And where else to do it than in places where the owner goes to? Such as Menards.
This is a service dog being trained to sit, down, stay, and come.
The video is taken in a Menards store. Service dogs are taught to focus despite the distractions of shoppers and carts.
People who disagree with bringing pets everywhere
Some people believe that pets have no business being in stores, restaurants, and malls. Even some pet owners think so.
Non-pet owners
On one forum, several non-pet owners share their experiences about seeing dogs everywhere.
One woman observes an increasing number of people with dogs everywhere. She’d see dogs sitting in shopping carts or sniffing and licking at things.
Which, for her, is rude.
Another observation is people bringing dogs in bars and salons. She wonders how a person needs ‘emotional support’ when getting a haircut. Or enjoying a beer.
In addition, some pet owners get fake emotional support animal permits. And for what?
Just so owners can take their dogs with them in a pet-free apartment complex. And to avoid paying the extra rent for the pet.
In some cases, some people just don’t like dogs
This one woman says it’s unfair how pet owners are selfish by bringing dogs with them. They assume everybody loves having dogs around.
Another woman points out:
Why bring the dog when they don’t even care if they’re in Paris, or the Great Wall?
Yet another person observed that people who don’t like dogs are in the minority. And that they just have to deal with the problem.
Others are complaining due to health reasons. One person had allergies and had to take 3 different antihistamines.
Pet owners
There are pet owners who don’t like bringing their dogs to public places.
One pet owner shares her opinion regarding bringing dogs in public places.
She says that emotional support animals and therapy dogs are not protected by law. Technically, only service dogs (and miniature horses) are allowed in public places.
Unfortunately, pet owners could buy cheap ‘therapy dog’ or ‘service dog’ vests online.
She explains that her dog doesn’t have the qualifications to be a service animal. And she’s not about to bring the dog to places and claim it’s a service dog.
But she worries about other people’s dogs, particularly after making some observations
She sees pet owners eating in restaurants while their dog stays under the table. Or they drag dogs in and out of dressing rooms while shopping.
Sometimes owners take them to their office, when their dog could be sleeping at home.
Even humans don’t like being at the office all day. They’d rather be at home and live a dog’s life. You know, sleeping, nothing to do, and no work.
Menards pet policy explained
Some pet owners might get confused regarding Menards’ policy on dogs.
The company appears to have no clear policy on dogs for its stores. However, it’s clear that service animals are always welcome.
One Menards employee says that pets are not allowed. But she had seen dogs coming in and going out of the store with their owners. The manager did nothing to stop them.
Another employee from another store shares his own experience. He says that they have a ‘no pets allowed’ sign on the door.
But they don’t stop well-behaved dogs from entering the store. They won’t turn away the owner if their dog does not make a mess or bark excessively.
Lack of uniform policy
Many Menards stores are actually pet friendly. This is according to past and current employees.
Although only service dogs are allowed, there are managers who love dogs. Thus, the store allows pets.
That is, as long as they’re calm and don’t go opening dog foods in the store.
In addition, owners have to clean up after their dogs. And ensure that their dog will not be aggressive.
Some Menards stores have no signage about the policy. Employees just follow what their manager tells them about it.
5 tips when shopping at Menards with your dog
#1: Confirm their policy with a phone call
Because of the lack of uniform policy, it’s best to give Menards a call ahead.
The dog policy may differ from store to store. Talk to a manager to know what the store’s specific policy is.
#2: Prep your dog
Menards is a very busy place.
While you shop from aisle to aisle, your dog will see and meet a lot of people. Adults and children. Some of them might be persistent when asking to pet your dog. Or worse, they might not even ask and surprise both you and your pooch..
Aside from people, there will be other dogs and cats. Imagine what could happen if your dog or the other pets are aggressive.
In addition, there will be noises and sounds to deal with.
All of these things can be too much for a dog that’s not used to these stimuli.
For instance, the sound from the loudspeakers could easily scare them. A kid who loves dogs might hug your dog all of a sudden.
And if your dog is reactive, then they might become aggressive.
Note: You can avoid any of these by making sure your dog is calm around these stimuli. And that means preparing them long before taking them anywhere with you.
#3: Train your dog not to pee or poop indoors
I can’t emphasize this enough:
Housetrain your dog before taking them to Menards. Or other establishments for that matter.
By doing so, you make shopping a little less stressful. And a little less inconvenient for other shoppers.
It means being a responsible pet owner by cleaning up after your dog.
Did you know that there are 3 main strategies that pet owners use with their dog’s poop?
That’s according to a study that collected data over six months. The author observed pet owners and their dogs that defecated during their walk.
So here are the strategies mentioned:
One, a pet owner pretends to not see the dog defecate. They leave without doing anything about the poop.
Two, a pet owner bags the poop but drops it somewhere or ties it to a fence.
The above two options are convenient to the owner themselves but unethical to others.
Three, a pet owner bags the poop and throws it in a trash can. A pet owner usually does this option if someone is watching.
Note: Always bring poop bags and wipes. And whether or not someone is watching, bag your dog’s poop and clean the area.
Better yet, have your dog pee and poop before leaving your house.
#4: Feed your dog before shopping
‘Don’t shop when you’re hungry.’
You’ve probably heard that many times before. Apparently, that’s true for dogs as well.
They won’t go choosing junk foods off the shelves. But they could cause trouble. And you’ll end up leaving the store without any shopping done.
So feed them before leaving your house. It will keep them from scavenging in the store.
It will also stop them from chewing and biting at things out of hunger. You don’t want to pay for things that you didn’t intend on buying.
#5: Follow Menards’ rules
Follow the store’s rules out of courtesy.
Since they allow leashed dogs in their stores, have your dog on a leash. It will keep them walking close to your side. Thus, it’s easier to keep an eye on them while you shop.
By using a leash, you can also react quickly. For instance, your dog sees another dog and shows aggressive behavior. You can quickly distract your dog or take them away from the other dog.
In addition, a leash keeps your dog from doing their own excursion around the store. There’s no telling how they would behave in certain instances.
So don’t let them out of your sight. Unless you are very sure that your dog can be trusted to remain calm at all times.
Bonus: Leave your dog at home
Sometimes there’s no need to bring your dog to Menards.
These are instances when shopping won’t take long. But there are also others when shopping will take too much of your attention.