Yes, Portobello Market in London is considered very dog-friendly, with many visitors bringing their dogs along while browsing the outdoor stalls in Notting Hill. Dogs are generally welcome, but it is recommended to keep them on a lead due to the crowds.
Just a reminder that it's the monthly Portobello Local Market this Saturday from 9.30-1.30 in Brighton Park! Come along and support local makers and produce. Dogs are welcome too!
too and some of the little stalls along the prom sell homemade dog treats to takeaway. It's the perfect place to enjoy a day out with your dog but maybe not the best seaside resort to visit if you're not keen.
Selfridges. Another of the iconic departments stores of London, Selfridges – which Oxford Street's store opened in 1909 -, has a dog-friendly policy. However its pet rules are quite restrictive: dogs are allowed in the store only as long as they are held in a bag or carried at all times.
The "5-second rule" for dog walking is a safety test for hot surfaces: place the back of your hand on the pavement or asphalt; if you can't comfortably hold it there for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads, which can burn quickly on surfaces much hotter than the air temperature, so walk during cooler times like early morning or late evening.
Portobello Market & Notting Hill ☀️ London 4K HDR | 2023
What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?
The "7-7-7 Rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, suggesting that before 7 weeks old (though often adapted for later, post-vaccination stages), a puppy should experience 7 new surfaces, 7 different people, and 7 new objects/challenges to build confidence and prevent fear, fostering a well-adjusted adult dog. Key elements include varied textures (grass, carpet, tile), meeting people of different ages/appearances, and gentle exposure to things like toys, crating, sounds, and simple obstacles (steps, tunnels).
An hour for a dog isn't a fixed "dog minute" but feels longer because of their higher metabolism and focus on routine; an hour can feel like a long time when bored, but they also perceive time through scents and body cues, making short waits feel longer or longer periods feel shorter depending on stimulation, though a simple (but less accurate) idea is a ratio of about 7 dog minutes to 1 human minute.
Can I take my dog into Marks & Spencer? Sadly, Marks & Spencer doesn't allow dogs access to their stores – even M&S stores that only stock clothing and homewares. But M&S have created a dog toy in the shape of the icon that is Colin the Caterpillar so you can go home with a pressie.
What is the number one food you should never feed your dog?
There isn't one single "number one" food, but chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, and onions/garlic are consistently ranked as extremely dangerous toxins, causing symptoms from vomiting to severe kidney failure or seizures, with chocolate being a top concern due to its widespread availability and theobromine content. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is also highly toxic, causing rapid insulin release and liver failure.
No, Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) is generally considered non-toxic and safe for dogs, according to the ASPCA and other pet resources, though eating large quantities might cause mild stomach upset, so keeping it out of reach is still a good idea.
No, generally dogs are not allowed in Waitrose stores, except for certified guide and assistance dogs, as major UK supermarkets enforce policies against pets due to food hygiene regulations, with store-specific rules applying to their cafes/food halls. While Waitrose welcomes assistance dogs and trains staff to help them, other pets are typically restricted from the main shop floor and eateries.
London is known for its many museums and galleries, but did you know that some of these museums readily welcome dogs, or even put on exhibitions designed to be attended with your pet? One great example is the Brunel Museum, which readily accepts dogs (and cats) alongside its human visitors.
Many UK shops are dog-friendly, with popular chains like John Lewis, The Range, Apple Store, Lush, FatFace, Dobbies, and Hobbycraft welcoming well-behaved dogs, often on leads; department stores like Liberty London and Fenwick also welcome pets, while many independent retailers and garden centres are dog-friendly too, often indicated by a water bowl or paw sign, though policies vary, so it's always best to check with the specific store first.
Generally, Starbucks does not allow pets inside due to health codes, with the exception of trained service animals, but many locations welcome dogs in their outdoor patio areas, and some UK/international stores might allow them inside at the manager's discretion, so it's best to check with your specific store or use the drive-thru/mobile order for pickup outside.
The "7-second rule" for dogs is a simple test to check if pavement is too hot for their paws: place the back of your hand on the surface, and if you can't comfortably hold it there for a full 7 seconds, it's too hot for your dog, who can suffer severe burns on hot asphalt or concrete. This rule helps prevent paw injuries by encouraging walks in cooler morning or evening hours when the ground temperature is safer for pets.
No, pet dogs are generally not allowed in Harrods store to ensure customer safety, with the strict exception of certified Assistance Dogs and Guide Dogs. The luxury department store's policy prohibits animals, except those for assistance, to maintain a secure environment for all shoppers.
No, Primark generally does not allow dogs in their stores, except for registered assistance animals, with staff often asking customers with pets (even in strollers) to leave or pick them up; however, there are occasional reports of specific store locations being more lenient or even seemingly dog-friendly, suggesting local management discretion or a lack of consistent enforcement.
As you leave and go about your day, your scent gradually fades. By the time you return, the intensity of your scent has diminished. Dogs can gauge this change in scent strength to predict when you will come back. Horowitz also highlights that the movement of scents can inform dogs about past and future events.
How do they do this? It's biological. All animals have circadian rhythms - physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle, responding to light and darkness in the environment. They may also be affected by factors like temperature and social cues.
That's a question people often worry about, especially if they're leaving their dog for a few days or weeks. Well, have no fear. The answer is yes, your dog will remember you, through both your scent and your face, especially your eyes.
