The local wrecking yards here in Oregon sound like they are a lot nicer than the ones on the east coast.
Here all the cars are organized by rows with a large ariel photo in the office to see what section you need to go to.
There are no cars stacked on top of each other, and each car has makeshift stands under each corner made of 2 rims welded together like a T.
Ask them what part you want and they tell you where its at.
Take your tools out and find your goodies.

BTW I have never seen a dog at a junkyard before.