Hi MaryLou, filled it out.
My Newf Orka is my service dog. I have autism with spatial deficits so do not drive yet. One of Orka's tasks will be hauling a wagon for me to the store and back to get groceries.
I am able to bring Orka into a store because he is my service dog but have experimented with hitching him up outside and observing.
Leaving a Newf outside the store is not a good idea because:
Too many cars whizzing around.
Ppl shove shopping carts at the line and miss.
Ppl use motorized assistance vehicles and do not drive them carefully.
Ppl will not and cannot resist coming up to a Newf and petting, playing, touching the equipment.
Ppl will leave their small children outside with the Newf while they go in to shop, with no supervision.
I have actually heard ppl talking about whether they can get away with stealing the dog and / or equipment.
I have had ppl warn me about deliberate kicking or poisoning.
I have had ppl warn me about allergies / fear of dogs / dislike of dogs.
From my limited experience so far I would recommend a Newf owner never leaving a Newf tied outside any store. The level of ignorance and disrespect out there is shocking.
I will be locking Orka's wagon (Wilczek) with a bike cable outside the store entrance, out of the way, with permission of the manager, and hope nobody tries to steal or vandalize it. But I will always take Orka inside with me and wherever I go.
A note about backpacking: in Canada they have the Newf follow behind the hiker.
I have been training Orka for joring (pulling activities with a bungee line) and one drives the dog verbally from behind, and trains a lot off leash for bomb proofing. Driving the dog from behind works really well and becomes applicable to many sports. I like to see him ahead of me and he likes to lead. He has learned not to chase bunnies, rabbits, cats, squirrels, deer or horses.
Hope if the NCA adds backpacking the deciders will try hiking with the Newf in front and also behind. I think it is much more enjoyable with the Newf in front. Takes a lot of work and hours to train but once the dog knows the commands and understands what is expected it is extremely useful. And this skill can branch out to so many practical helpful activities.
Ronnie