Australia has the right idea! My dad's truck is usually employed for Ikea trips because he can fit eeeverything in it. I feel so badly dragging him along though. A Man/Dad lounge in my local Ikea would be perfect. Drop him off and shop for a while (translation: a few hours).

I think Manland is a great idea. If men were so hurt by it, then I am sure they wouldn't use it.I know of plenty of guys who would rather chill out and sit, than be dragged around IKEA. 30 min is not long enough.

I'd rather leave my dog at home. She'd be much happier.

It always makes me nervous when I see dogs chained up outside businesses and such - I would never be able to leave my little guy!

I'm always afraid someone would try to steal my dog (and then realize the mistake and try desperately to try to return it). But the man thing sounds good.

The lounge should be for EVERYBODY. I don't appreciate being pandered like a child at an arcade.

My dog would raise six or seven kinds of hell for leaving her out there!

My husband thinks that manland is a great idea - he always gets dragged along to drive (the bigger car/the one that can pull the trailer is a manual and I haven't mastered it yet) and carrying stuff (I'm not strong enough to move those big boxes over those stupid metal railings by myself), but he doesn't care too much about the actual shopping part (he likes getting cinnamon rolls and sometimes he likes browsing a little bit if he's in the right mood, but gets very annoyed when I browse) and would appreciate some kind of lounge to hang out. I think the time limit and pager is a little silly (if my husband gets bored and wants to meet back up with me/tell me to hurry up he can call my cell) but otherwise I see no problem - and I'm sure some women would also prefer to hang out there.

On the dog parking: No, I would never leave my dog to go shopping in Ikea. Trips to Ikea are usually long, and it doesn't look like they have the same check-in/check-out system as they do with children, so anyone could come along and take her. No thanks. As someone said above, my dog would be much happier at home than tethered to a pole.

On the Manland: There are many women who hate shopping at Ikea too. I think spaces like these are not productive in our current society and lead to stereotypes being reinforced. I, personally, hate shopping there, so does my partner. If either one of us opted to just hang out somewhere else while the other suffered through IKEA HELL there would be HELL to pay on the other end. Luckily, neither of us would do that to one another, and we get through the store together.

Why would anyone take their dog to Ikea to begin with?
As for Manland, same as poster above me!

As much as I love the idea and think it's forward-thinking, I can't help but wonder whether irresponsible/unknowing owners will bring reactive dogs or dogs that would be more comfortable at home (not to mention dogs who might be sick).

Maybe they should consider putting a 1-m high wall/gate between each dog. It only takes a moment for things to go horribly wrong, such as one dog staring at another for one second too long. And if the dogs are tied up, they perceive that they have no escape, so things could escalate quickly. Not all dogs like all other dogs.

Of course there are many owners who know their dogs very well and know whether the dog can handle something like this, but I suspect many other owners don't.

I'd love to see more dog-friendly places, but we need more educated and savvy owners. Just speaking from my experience of having a skittish/reactive dog, frustrated with owners who'd let their other dogs run over to us while they shouted, "it's ok, he's friendly!".
<end soapbox>

I think Manland is a great idea - but could go for anyone.

I, personally, hate clothes shopping, though I'm a woman. If my local boutiques had a seating area with "People" magazine and maybe some chickflicks on loop, I'd be happy to sit there waiting for my girlie friends until we were all ready to do lunch.

If the husband/father/boyfriend is accommodating her by helping carry her stuff but has no other reason for being at Ikea, shouldn't she accommodate him by keeping browsing to a minimum and making her purchasing decision quickly?

HHRI - My husband would rather hang out somewhere else than spend even the 15-20 minutes it takes to quickly check out the product, make sure it still seems the same as it did online (so that I still want it), and use the little computer to look up where the product is in the warehouse aisles. Even that amount of time (which I'm not sure I could cut down) usually puts him in a terrible mood against me.

I rarely take my man to Ikea, but when he does want to go, he is in the mood to walk around and look at everything, he's happy to look at new designs and get ideas for hacks and such. Why would men go there if they want to sit and eat hotdogs instead? As for dogs, it's great if you have no other option, especially if the dog likes people and other dogs.

Europe is far more open to bringing your dogs with you everywhere you go. Most resaruants there allow dogs to enter, and so do the stores, different customs in different countries. Manland- good idea fo the guy that would rather not shop. For years major retailers and malls have seen that having a spot for the other person in the shopping party to sit and relax is important.

I lucked out with a man who loves going to IKEA. He is usually tired/bored/annoyed/ready to go home before I am, but he's having fun for the majority of the shopping trip! That said, I am annoyed that Manland isn't just The Lounge. What if someone's elderly mother needs to go rest for a bit or something? They're going to tell her to go away?

The dog parking probably works well in Europe, where people often leave pets outside shops and there's little dog theft. But it would not hold up as well in the US unless there was a tag in/tag out

Manland would at least give my boyfriend a little break time while I shop. Wouldn't last the whole trip and he could still check out the things I pick out, but wouldn't have to walk around the whole store with me.

I'd never make it through Ikea in an amount of time I'm comfortable leaving my dog unattended. It's one hour minimum.

I'm really confused by this trend where people think they should be able to take their dog everywhere with them, I'm pretty sure the dog does not enjoy being tied up in front of a store, or carried around in a purse.

I have a few female friends that hate shopping and would enjoy relaxing in "Manland" too! And as for the "dog parking".....I wouldn't leave my dog unattended A-N-Y-W-H-E-R-E.

I thought they already had a Manland at IKEA...that place where they sell cinnamon rolls?

With a few adjustments, the Dog Lounge could work, such as a valet type system. I've just never seen total peace when you have leashed dogs within such close proximity. It seems optimistic for the US.

"Manland" is hysterical and a great idea. In the contemporary women's section at Barney's in San Francisco there is a big tufted leather couch that functions as a Manland jetty, so to speak. I wanted to sit on it (I'm a lady) but it was full with 5 guys already when I was there.

Sometimes, the dogs just can't stay home! Having traveled often cross country with my dogs and at the time, having no IKEA in my home city, I'd plan a super quick trip into a store but only in an IKEA with underground parking as I was traveling during the summer. However, one year, I was in Austin with no underground option. I put my dachsie in a bag and the bag in my cart and we shopped (but nervously wondering when they were going to ask me to leave). I would have loved to have an option where she could park in her travelling kennel like this.

"you get a buzzer to let you know when your man's time is up." - that line cracked me up! Hilarious! Who takes their dog to Ikea? I would leave mine at home. However, I think other places, like Disneyland should have a dog park so you can bring your dog but still enjoy the amusement. ;)

Oh...Sarah Sams makes a good point. My Ikea is like 10 minutes away. I'm lucky!

I'd also be scared of someone stealing my dog. But I also know that he would bark the whole time and probably pee on his astroturf, so it wouldn't work for me.

My dad, an otherwise mild mannered and patient man, just loses it in Ikea. We don't know why, but the place just drives him nuts. He used to bring a book and wait in the car, but my mom has finally convinced him to sit in the restaurant while she shops (she doesn't drive so Dad has to come along). A comfortable lounge would be a real help, although it shouldn't just be aimed at men. There are plenty of women who don't care for schlepping around stores.

I would like to point out that if anyone ever, I repeat EVER, named a section of a store "womanland," people would flip out. What if they created a holding pen with flowery sofas and hairdryers in Home Depot? I find that 'manland' business wholly offensive, even if it is meant in jest. Those of you who think it is funny are only serving to support ridiculously gendered stereotypes. Even those who will inevitably reply to my post with a 'chill out, it's all in good fun' comment that fails to see the point.

I agree with the other posters who think the lounge should be open to everyone. Calling it "Manland", while tongue in cheek, is unproductive.

I would hope that even men who don't enjoy shopping at IKEA would still come along if asked. Patience and support are pretty big in my book! That said, I'm reminded of the last episode of Louis where he visits IKEA. He probably could have used a trip to Manland!

Why a Manland? Why not just put some TVs in the restaurant? Why does it have to be gender-specific?

Maybe our local football stadium will open Ladyland?

(I won't even discuss what might be found there, though).

@Tracy333 Disneyland does have dog kennels. They are over by the entrance where the bus stops are. You can check your dog in for the day and they will take care of him while they are there. not sure if they charge or how much, but it is an option

Who needs Manland? Why can't people who don't want to shop just sit down on the first sofa they come to in the display rooms and read while others shop?

Though, I am never unhappy as long as I have book and a place to read. Perhaps others do not feel the same way.

My heart sunk when I saw the headline but I'm feeling encouraged by the comments. NEVER leave your dog unattended outside. There are so many reasons not to, including dog theft, safety and liability issues. If Ikea really wants to be dog friendly they should let them in the store (although I wouldn't bring mine with me in a million years!)

Here in Seattle, people would be offended at the very notion of leaving their dog outside of any establishment they shop at no matter how nice the "parking" spot. I just had the occasion yesterday to find myself shopping beside an adult great dane in the aisle of a grocery store. It boggles. Though the thought just occurred to me that such a facility were it built, could be called the barking lot - get it? get it?

Manland: my man stays with me :)
Dogland: my dog also stays with me. If he were to be leashed in this astroturf area, he would:
1. eat the astroturf,
2. eat plastic bowl,
3. get bitten by another dog because he loves licking other dogs' faces annoyingly,
4. whine until people's ears start to bleed,
5. pee and poo and repeat,
6. be really overheated (we live in Houston :) ).

I don't understand why anyone would take a reluctant man to Ikea. Leave him at home with the dog.

I second what BritInChiTown said.

i think both my dog and my man would be much happier at home. i can't risk having either one of them being kidnapped. lol.

I think my dog would prefer manland, especially for the hotdogs; dogland, not so much.

I assumed the picture showed a doggie daycare option - which I would LOVE! With attendants and climate control - like the Kidsland!

I bet these same people getting upset about the whole "Manland" thing don't see any problem in womens only gyms.Equality goes both ways, if you don't want to be seen seperately, don't seperate yourself.

I'm a man, and while I've never been to an IKEA, I'd love to, while my finance would most likely get bored, but she wouldn't get upset about this type of thing either.

FWIW I would love a Womanland at Home Depot. I'm visualizing it now. I can read magazines, get my nails done, watch all the HGTV I want. Sounds so much better than the usual Home Depot experience.

If I dropped my dog off in Dogland, I'd be afraid someone would steal her. On the other hand, if I dropped my husband off in Manland........eh, no such luck. Oh well.

My husband would love the manland. He hates shopping. I agree though, 30 minutes is not nearly long enough!

My Lhasa apso died at 17 yrs of age in 2009. He had horrible separation anxiety when left alone at home so I literally took him with me everywhere I went. (I was not working at the time) Since so few stores in the US allow dogs in the store this posed a tremendous problem; I could only leave him in the car for short periods and in the summer not at all. This made life a bit tricky, to say the least. If something like this was around it would have been wonderful for me, and as long as there were other dogs around he would have been happy as a clam, too. GREAT idea!!

PS I ASSUMED that this area has some sort of security to prevent someone walking off with the dogs...and some shelter to protect them from the elements. If for some crazy reason it doesn't then I can't see how it would be useful to anyone.

Final comment, I promise. ...This is in response to those who say that they take their dogs "everywhere"...I wonder where you guys live (one says in Seattle)...In most states (including Washington, BTW) no dog other than a trained and designated "Service animal" is allowed in a grocery store or restaurant. Most department stores also frown on and/or totally ban dogs from entering the store. I know that some people pull it off because they have little teeny things that they can carry in a purse. But many people do not have that option.I don't agree with this practice and I know its not the case in most of Europe. However, it IS the law and I follow it. Hence I STILL think Ikea (with the caveats mentioned) is providing a valuable service to the dog-owners of the world. As to "Manland," my men have always been able to fend for themselves...

That dog parking must be monitored... or I hope it is. Tying a dog out on a raised platform next to another dog is like baiting the poor pooches for a fight. A small dog could fall off the platform and get yanked by the short-leashed neck. Really bad idea there.

I think to understand the humor behind Manland you must know something about the sense of humor of your average Aussie. It's an idea that might go over in New Zealand, too (similar outlook). But 30 minute max? It's impossible to walk through Ikea and get though the line in that time.

I have no fear whatsoever that anyone would try to steal my dog. NONE. He's just not that appealing to anyone except me, what with his baleful stare and growling if you make eye contact.

What worries me is the absolute certainty that he would instigate a fight with another dog, or potentially bite some clueless kid who ran up to him in his chained and unable-to-flee state and started mugging him. Do they have someone there to watch the dogs, or do they allow the public to manhandle them? Ick.

@Amaranta - Unwilling men get dragged along to help carry boxes/be a second person so someone can pull the car around while someone watches the boxes. Probably wouldn't be necessary if Ikea let you take the cart right to your car and didn't make you lift all of the boxes over those silly metal railings.

My guy is the type that likes to browse and window shop at IKEA. Me, I've decided what I want online and make a beeline to see it in person, make sure it's what I want, and then go to the self-serve to go pick it up

Boycott Ikea. They're a load of ghoulish animal neglecters and they are suspected of using illegally logged rainforest wood. Watch this video - they let a bunch of terrified cats loose to make a video for their business. I would never leave my animal chained up like this. Many people will steal animals just for the hell of it. Tying up dogs like this is illegal in some cities, by the way.

Check this out. Cat abuse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCB7RqGS684

definitely love this.

No. No. No. If you love your dog you’ll leave it at home while you’re shopping.

Manland was a one-off gimmick they did for a long weekend - in one store. It's not something they'd legally be able to do as a permanent fixture in Australia - we have equal opportunity laws that means you can't exclude one gender (except in specific circumstances where you can get an exemption, like for single-sex schools and gyms)

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/ikea-introduces-manland-the-creche-for-retail-weary-men/story-fn9ql3sf-1226127519690

Thanks @EVERYTHINGISTAKEN! That explains it. At our local Ikea it's OK to take the cart to the car.

Well our Ikea is out in the middle of now where so I would never use the dog park. However!!! The manpark is a awesome idea!! Not sure why there is a timer? I can't complete much in half an hour more like four hours if I'm shopping.

Wish I had an Ikea closer than 6 hours away where I can even consider bringing my dog - - but even there, they haven't added dog parking. The above comments are really interesting. The points about potentially sick dogs, stollen dogs and bad dogs, leave me with the same opinion, that many dogs would prefer the comfort of their homes.

Having that said, it is a nice offering and it is always fun to see other four legged friends.