Dumb people are everywhere, not just here.

Actually petsmart is the perfect place to socialize a pup. Petsmart even offers socialization classes for pups. My pups were scared when I took them and they nipped a couple people but they are now huge teddy bears whenever they leave the house. Train em right early.

There aren't enough details to know if OP was carrying the puppy or just shopping with it in the cart/on a leash. I'm just saying that, barring a class specifically for socializing where nipping is expected, unpredictable/antisocial dogs shouldn't be in situations where they can hurt people or other animals.

I'd say if it had been a small child, considering it seems like the injury wasn't significant, then the child would have learned their lesson not to touch other people's dogs when told not to. The parents would also have no basis to sue. PetSmart is one of the best ways to teach dogs to trust and/or behave.

the point here is that he was told specifically not to touch the dog he is in the wrong.

however you're correct on the child part because warned or not courts tend to side with the parents where a child getting hurt is involved

We socialize our puppy with dogs we know and can trust. We know the people he sees and they know him so there are no accidents. It's much better than taking him to an unfamiliar setting to start. I also said the man was at fault. But if it had been a child & OP was busy picking out squeaky toys, it could've been bad. Puppies have sharp teeth and children have fragile skin. It was just a bit of advice for anyone with a new pet.

@49 maybe we can't know for sure if the pup was in a class. It is however totally stupid to blame a dog owner for socializing a dog at a place that's pretty much made for that sort of thing. IMO that's like saying you shouldn't take a puppy to a dog park to socialize because he might nip at someone there.

It's a catch 22 with an untrusting dog. If they aren't socialized, they don't get better, but taking then out could cause problems. While I don't think op deserved it in any means, maybe it's time to talk with a trainer on the best way to do this. Kids get easily excited with dogs and don't always know better. It could have been worse. Depending on area, if the bite is reported, damage or no, the owner and dog are required to go through good dog citizen courses. While some may consider a muzzle cruel, it may not be a bad idea while trying to socialize the dog. The key is to get him comfy with it in his safe environment before taking him out with it. Even if we warn someone, as dog owners we need to be prepared for someone approaching our pet uninvited. Most of the time, we don't know if the dog will bite though. When I'm asked if mine does, I always say he hasn't yet. The dog I tried to adopt from the rescue I foster for was getting out of control with biting us, so I had to send him back so they could work with him. But the rescue won't put him down.

OP could have been at the pet store to talk to a trainer and socialize her puppy in a safe environment. I know my local Petsmarts hold classes specifically for rescues/untrusting pups while still servicing other customers.

I agree it's a catch 22 but there's better and more appropriate places to help a dog get socialized then a store, even being a pet store

Petsmart is a store that ENCOURAGES you to bring your pets in. The customers should be aware of this and be respectful of the pets the same way they are of other customers. It's not like this is a kids toy store, they make a big deal about bringing your pet in. And if you or your child don't know not to touch animals (or people!) without asking if it's all right first, then the one with the socialization problem isn't the animal.

that is always a good idea. my uncle trains guard dogs for a living and his number 1 rule: always ask to pat a strangers dog, let the dog sniff the back of your hand, and keep an eye on the dogs reaction.

It is hard to socialize a dog if it is not allowed into social settings...

And odds are the dog isn't volatile, it probably felt threatened. It's a rescue, and probably was abused by a man, considering it's reaction.