We sometimes run into problems with customers who bring their dogs with them to the market. There have been dog fights, people being bitten by dogs, customers getting knocked over or entangled in leashes, territorial markings on products destined for sale and even tables being toppled by dogs. Understandably for many of our customers these pets are a very important part of their lives yet at the market they could create problems.
My question is how do other markets handle the issue of dogs at the market. We told our vendors not to bring pets and we put up signs to discourage customers from bringing pets yet they continue to come.
Ideas we had were to build a hitching post outside the market so dogs could be tied up while the owners shop also thought about building a pen where dogs could roam freely. Has anyone had experience with this issue?
We used to welcome dogs to our market, but for the reasons stated below we no longer do. It is a touchy subject for people but due to insurance liability, we no longer can have dogs in the market. We have had to ask the very few vendors who used to bring their dogs to the market to comply with this as well. They haven't given us any problem over this.
In general, we usually quietly approach someone with a dog (not while they are conducting business with a vendor) and tell them that while most of the
dogs that have been through the market have been very well behaved, we have had some problems with other dogs and are not permitted to allow dogs in the market per our insurance company any longer.
If there is more than one person with the dog, I may suggest that one person
keep the dog on the periphery of the market while the other person finishes
shopping. We have a few shade trees that I can direct them to. I have also
offered to keep the person's dog with me at my market manager's tent until
they are done (my tent is also usually near an opening of the market). I also tell people that this is the one part of my job that I don't like because I do like dogs but it is out of my hands (however, I do support the 'no dogs' policy). As with most things, so much lies in the delivery of the message.
Most people are fairly understanding and cooperate. However, I have gotten
my share of attitude. I just stay calm and quietly reiterate the logic of the situation ("I'm sure your dog is well-behaved, but what happens if another dog goes at your dog ... or an elderly person trips over his leash?"). They never agree and generally quit the market in a huff and usually loudly "Well, I'll take my business someplace else." Or, "I know the mayor and wait till I approach him and the Village Board." I calmly tell them that I am sorry that they feel that way but thanks for trying us out anyway, or that if they feel the need to take their case to someone else, then by all means, they should. Our market takes place on village property and we have been specifically instructed by the mayor and board that our market is totally responsible for what happens on that space during our business hours - they agree with our policy. And, I have no difficulty in discussing the reasons for the policy with anyone who asks. What is interesting is that when this situation does occur, usually a bystander who has taken note of it will come up to me afterwards and say that they agree and are happy that dogs are not permitted in the market. They usually cite sanitary reasons (we had a Great Dane drool on baked goods, and another dog relieved himself on a crate of corn), or, especially if they are elderly, that they are nervous about being knocked off their feet (which is the same reason we have to sometimes ask people - surprisingly more adults than kids - to dismount and walk their bikes/skateboards through the market.)
It makes sense that the same rules and/or applications from the Federal Disability Act that apply to food markets, malls, and public place should apply to farmers' markets... without apology. If some patrons can't recognize this, then, yes, they should shop elsewhere.
Providing hitching posts to me would only exacerbate the problem as it
would still encourage canine accompaniment as well as provide a recipe for
territorial disputes... to put it lightly.
As a fisherman, it has done me well, as my father and grandfather have taught me, to "think like a fish". More properly put, study nature. I have only been selling in the green market for 5 months now but I can tell you this. The best markets I attend are where the dogs are. Even better next to parks. Why? No matter what the weather is that dog has to...So, most of my
customers keep the dogs on very short leashes passing through the market.
Keep the dogs.
As the Animal Control Sgt. for the Elmira Police Department and an active participant in 2 NYC Green Markets I would discourage the use of hitching posts. One problem would be related to the liability involved should someone walking by a group of dogs tense due to territorial and domination issue be bitten or injured you are creating a system that would encourage risk. Secondly most leashes are adequate to restrain dogs when the owner (alpha) is present but not when they are affixed to an immovable object and the owner is walking away or gone. We have many dogs come to our Markets and although there is the occasional minor confrontation we have yet to have anyone bitten or any dogs injured in the 6 years I've been involved. This may be partly due to the high level of socialization of dogs in NYC and the exceptional level of responsibility by the owners.
I would suggest the market post a policy that the market welcomes dogs that are on leashes not more than 6 feet in length and under the control of the owner at all times and to be courteous of other shoppers and dogs. Owners should also be advised to curb their dogs. It may be helpful to ask your Local dog control or Animal Control officer to make a couple of appearances at the Market to promote the image of control.
I have read with interest the exchange about dogs. I do think that people and animals can both behave well or improperly. Children can often be a nuisance in public places as well. This being a free country, one should be careful not to regulate EVERYTHING. What we should try to encourage is MANNERS and COMMON SENSE. Letting a dog relieve himself near food is obviously NOT ACCEPTABLE but forbidding them altogether would be, in my view, incorrect. On the other hand, having lived in Europe a big chunk of my life where dogs are allowed in restaurants (where they are usually under the table and not heard or seen), I am always surprised that one cannot bring onefs dog here even in some parks! c but that is how things are.
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