Amazing store for dog owners, outdoors people, hunters, fishers, boaters, campers, and more. Great…read moreselection, and great value. It is also a really fun place to visit even if you aren't shopping for anything specific.
As a big-dog owner with a Doberman who is a service dog in training, I've now visited this store three times with my dog, and every trip has been fantastic.
The store carries a huge variety of outdoor equipment, clothing, hunting and fishing gear, camping supplies, boating equipment, shoes, dog supplies, treats, toys, and more. I especially love the aquariums and taxidermy displays throughout the store--they make it feel more like an experience than just a store. There's also an archery range, outdoor seating, tractors on display, and a beautiful entrance with a wooden bridge over water.
**** Why I especially love it for dogs in training****
For dogs that already have their basic commands down and are ready for more real-world exposure, I think this is an excellent environment.
There are so many opportunities to practice:
* Different surfaces: wooden bridges, smooth floors, carpet, stairs, rocks, etc.
* New sights: taxidermy, boats, tractors, aquariums, hunting and camping equipment, and more.
* New smells: fish bait, treats, snacks, clothing, shoes, other dogs, and people. (Smelling from a distance ofc, I don't let my dog stick her nose right up in there, that's rude haha)
* Loose-leash walking and heeling: It's a large store, so there's plenty of room to practice navigating turns, corners, and aisles.
* Down-stays: The many aisles make great opportunities to practice staying calmly while you browse.
* Focus around distractions: On busier days, your dog may encounter children, adults, other dogs, and all the other activity that comes with a large store.
* Tasking practice: For service dogs in training, it can be a useful environment to practice maintaining focus and performing tasks around distractions.
* Confidence building: The variety of sights, sounds, smells, surfaces, and people can provide gentle exposure for dogs who need to build confidence.
Of course, I would only recommend bringing dogs that are under control, non-aggressive, and have a reasonable foundation of basic obedience. And always follow the store's current pet/service-animal policies.
As someone who can get a little anxious about whether my SDiT is behaving perfectly, I also appreciate how comfortable and welcoming this environment feels. I've had my dog do the occasional "drive-by nose boop" to someone we passed, and instead of feeling embarrassed, I've generally found people to be incredibly understanding and friendly. I've even met fellow big-dog owners and had conversations about Dobermans.
One of my favorite moments was when my Doberman suddenly froze and intensely stared down an empty aisle with one paw lifted like she was "pointing" at something invisible. An employee and I both started laughing.
**** Great for big-dog owners****
I've found their dog selection particularly useful for larger breeds. Because of the store's focus on outdoor and hunting dogs, I've noticed a better selection of larger-dog equipment than I often find at typical pet stores.
They also carry things that can be useful beyond hunting, including scent-training supplies, life jackets for swimming, training equipment, toys, treats, and other gear. I could easily see using many of these products for scent work, dock diving, outdoor adventures, and general training.
I also appreciate the selection of dog treats and the ability to find options with ingredients I feel comfortable giving my dog.
**** Overall Experience ****
The staff have always been friendly, personable, professional, and helpful--and sometimes genuinely funny.
There's plenty of parking, and the outdoor area and entrance make the store feel inviting before you even walk inside. I also love that it's open until 10 p.m. on weekdays.
To me, Bass Pro Shops feels like more than a store. It's almost like a little mini-world where you can shop, explore, train your dog, and see other people enjoying the store too.
I highly recommend this place for hunters, boaters, fishers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.... but especially for dog owners whose dogs already have a foundation of obedience and are ready for more real-world exposure and distractions.