We all love to take our dogs with us when we go out and about, but should you really leave your dog tied up unattended on the sidewalk while you go inside shops and restaurants? Animal welfare advocates say that there are too many threats to your dog’s well-being to risk it. In fact, it’s illegal to tie your dog up outside a shop in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Here are some common sense reasons why you shouldn’t do it.

• Look at the facial expressions and body language of dogs you see left tied up outside. You’ll see how stressful it is for dogs when their owners leave them by themselves in unfamiliar places.
• Did you know that one out of five dogs are lost or stolen in the U.S. every year? Certain breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Chihuahuas are particularly vulnerable to being stolen outside of shops and restaurants.
• Your dog could get frightened by something and escape, or get injured if his leash gets tangled up or wrapped around a pole. A well-meaning stranger trying to help your dog could get bitten if your dog is scared.

• Your dog may be sweet, but the combination of being left alone by you and getting approached by strangers could trigger fear-based aggression. Little children will often want to reach out and pet dogs they see on the sidewalk, but your normally friendly dog could turn irritable and display hostility towards kids, and also other dogs walking by.
• It’s common courtesy to supervise your dog. You can’t monitor your dog’s behavior on a busy city street if you’re not with him.