To ask these owners to sort out their barking dog?

[flitwit99]

I am having a coffee in a coffee shop with a patio sort of area outside. There is a big dog, retriever I would guess, the one with the shaggy coat, tied to a lamppost beside me while the owners sit inside. I am sitting outside. The dog has barked on and off for 10 minutes. It has a good bark then is quiet for maybe 20 seconds then starts again. The owner has come out once to tell it to stop then disappeared again.

AIBU to go in and ask her to do something? I don't have dogs so I don't know what is reasonable to ask. But surely its not ok to sit inside enjoying your tea while your dog is annoying everyone outside? Or is this just what dogs do and I have to put up with it?

I don't have a dog, I don't particularly like dogs, so I don't want to be unfair. But it is very very annoying.

[CheekyChappy710]

Weird they wouldn't just sit outside with their coffees and dog if there's seating outside.

[SeventhWave]

Can you record it on your phone, then go inside, sit right next to them and play it back. Loudly.

[BreconBeBuggered]

Yes, what's the point of bringing the dog with them then tying it up outside when they could easily stay with him? The dog's most likely only barking for his owners. YANBU. It would annoy me too, and I love dogs.

[AdultHuman]

I feel sorry for dogs that are so distressed that they bark, humans subjected to dig barking have my sympathy, alas some people are selfish and anti-social with their responsibilities.

I would tell the owner why you are leaving the premises and find some peace.

[LeesPostersAreInFrames]

It's not normal, it's obviously not a happy dog, but tbh I don't think I'd say anything. Frustrating for you.

[DeRigueurMortis]

YANBU

if you take your dog with you then you need to stay with it.

It's not like popping into a shop for 5 minutes.

The owner should be outside controlling and soothing their dog rather than inside ignoring it at everyone else's expense (including the dog).

[flitwit99]

So I'm not being U if I go in and ask them to please do something with their dog? First bit of sun in ages and I have to listen to this.

[PrayingandHoping]

I would go and ask the coffee shop owner to sort it out

[DeRigueurMortis]

No not unreasonable in the slightest.

However I'd talk to the staff in the shop first rather than approach the owners.

[flitwit99]

Too late! Live update, someone else has just gone in and asked them to come out and see to their dog.
The owner is now outside explaining to the man that the dog is only barking because it can see it's family but can't get to them. But the dog is not dangerous. (Phew)
The man is just looking a bit speechless at this explanation. I can almost see the cogs turning as he tries to think up a smart remark.

[JaneEyre07]

That's so cruel, the dog must be really distressed. I'd have long gone in there and kicked off at them.

[Tink2007]

Did the other person suggest they sit outside with their dog instead of tantalising the dog but letting him/her see them through the window?

Idiot owners.

[flitwit99]

I couldn't hear what the man was saying unfortunately but one of the owners is now walking the dog around. The other one is inside. I need to leave in 5 minutes anyway but it was fun drama while it lasted.

[HarrysOwl]

Selfish owners. Why not just sit outside with the dog? Poor thing will be anxious being separated from them and that's why he's barking.

[DeRigueurMortis]

So they obviously know the dog gets anxious when it can't see them (but knows they are close) but chose to leave it anyway.

Selfish buggers.