Have You Ever Seen a Dog Buy a Guitar? A Gentle Word About Paws in Our Shop
Have you ever seen a dog walk into a music shop, choose a guitar, ask about the pickups and pay for it? Neither have we. We would dearly love to hear a Labrador tackle a ukulele solo, although we suspect the audition might end with somebody eating the plectrum.
Dogs are wonderful. We love them, and we are dog owners ourselves. But there is a serious point beneath the terrible musical jokes: pet dogs are not allowed inside our shop.
This is not a judgement on your dog, your training or your love for them. It is a practical decision about protecting delicate instruments, our customers and the small business we work hard to keep running.
A wagging tail does not know the price tag
A music shop is a rather different environment from a dog-friendly café. Our stock includes valuable, easily damaged instruments. A misplaced paw, a sudden turn or an enthusiastic tail can knock a stand, catch a strap or send an instrument tumbling. It only takes a moment.
Whether you are browsing our classical guitars, considering a bass guitar or looking at guitar amplifiers, the surrounding stock needs careful handling. Damage could run to hundreds or even thousands of pounds, without any bad behaviour or bad intentions being involved.
The dog does not have to be naughty. The tail does not have to be particularly ambitious. An accident is still an accident, and the repair bill does not become smaller because the culprit has lovely eyes.
“But my dog is very well behaved”
We believe you. Most dogs brought to our door are much-loved companions, and most owners are perfectly understanding when we explain our policy. We genuinely appreciate that.
Unfortunately, good behaviour cannot remove every risk. Even a calm dog can be startled, become interested in something or simply move at the wrong moment. A lead helps an owner keep control, but it cannot make the surrounding instruments less fragile.
And it would not be fair to make this a personal assessment at the door: one dog allowed, another refused, with everyone wondering why. Our pet-dog rule is consistent. It applies to our own pets too. We do not bring them into the shop, however convincing their pleading expressions might be.
We would rather avoid the accident than have the awkward conversation
Our insurance does not cover damage caused by pets. That makes prevention particularly important for us.
We also do not want a friendly shopping visit to end with an upsetting conversation about damaged stock, repair costs and who will pay. Questions of responsibility can become difficult and costly. Avoiding that situation is better for everyone, including the dog owner.
For a small independent shop, a substantial loss is not something we can simply shrug off. Protecting our stock helps protect our ability to remain here, serving musicians, offering advice and keeping instruments in good playing order.
Dog-friendly is not a one-size-fits-all label
Some businesses can comfortably welcome pets. Others cannot. Different premises, different stock and different risks call for different approaches.
Our flutes, brass instruments and violin bows are here for people to explore and choose with care. A musical instrument shop is not a suitable place for a casual canine browsing session, even when the browser is an exceptionally good boy.
We know dogs are part of the family. They are just not yet part of the band.
A little understanding goes a long way
We realise this subject can stir strong feelings. Being told that your pet cannot come inside may be inconvenient, particularly when you were hoping to pop in during a walk. We are not trying to spoil anybody’s day.
Equally, asking us to make an exception, or suggesting that our business deserves to struggle because we cannot welcome pets, does not change the risks. We can love dogs and still have a sensible boundary around valuable stock. Those two things are not in conflict.
Please do not bring a pet dog into the shop or assume that the rule will be overlooked. If you enter with a pet dog, we will ask you to take them outside straight away. We would much rather explain that kindly beforehand than have an uncomfortable conversation at the counter.
A note about assistance dogs: assistance dogs are not pets, and this article is about pet dogs. Customers who rely on an assistance dog should not read this as a request to leave their assistance behind. However, we have a legal right to request proof of assistant dog status.
Still very welcome, just without the pet entourage
We would love to help you find your next instrument or the small essentials that keep you playing, from guitar straps to ukulele straps. You can also browse our website whenever a visit without your pet is not convenient.
Thank you to the many dog owners who understand, respect the rule and help us keep the shop safe. Your consideration means a great deal.
And if your dog really does learn to buy and play a guitar, please send us a video. We will happily applaud from a safe distance.
With love for dogs, respect for their owners and a healthy concern for gravity,
Music Bits Company
17 High Street, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9DS