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Expert Charlotte Reed, the author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette, takes on a dilemma that every city-dweller must face: Should you leave your furry friend outside a store when running an errand? Do you have a dilemma that you'd like her to tackle? Drop us an email at tips@peoplepets.com!

Dear Miss Fido Manners:

Each time I run an errand with my boyfriend, he wants me to tie my dog up outside of a store. What should I tell him?

Dear Fit To Be Tied:

Part of everyday living includes frequenting business establishments in your local community. The modern pet owner, especially those living in major metropolitan areas, likes to take her pet everywhere--even just on a trip to the dry cleaner. Whether you are shopping or running errands, please be mindful of your pet manners.

In the last few years, dogs have been allowed to accompany their owners to a myriad of stores and other businesses. Some establishments, like hair and nail salons as well as supermarkets, are not allowed to admit dogs due to health codes (unless the dogs are serving their disabled human beings). For the rest of us, it's always a good idea to telephone your destination and make certain that you are welcome with your dog. And if all else fails, depending on the size of your dog, a stylish carrier to hide your pooch is an absolute essential -- but, you didn’t hear that from Miss Fido!

Occasionally, we forget or don’t have a chance to inquire about a store's pet policy. If denied admittance, take your dog home and come back later. Sure, there are occasions when we don’t want to take our dog home or come back later, and we might be tempted to tie our pet outside the store. Don’t do it! And don't let you boyfriend convince you otherwise.

Please tenderly explain to him that you also love your pooch very much and that part of being a responsible pet owner is keeping your pet out of harm’s way. Tell him that it only takes a minute for your dog to be lost or stolen: Each year about 2 million dogs have gone missing from their homes and yards, parked cars and store fronts. Additionally, the presence of a dog in or near the portal of a store could deter other patrons from approaching the store, too.

Now, if your boyfriend doesn’t get it, it may be time to find an actual dog lover -- not dog leaver.

Happy Tails,

Miss Fido Manners

How would you deal with this situation? Leave your suggestion in the comments below!

More Petiquette on PEOPLEPets.com:
Petiquette: Dealing with the Dog Who Wanders Onto Your Property