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Original poster

Dogs Everywhere

768 replies

SusanandMidge · 17/09/2023 20:36

I don't live in the UK but am just back from a holiday in Cornwall. We were shocked at the amount of dogs allowed everywhere. They were in every restaurant, cafe, pub and hotel. Two or three people with dogs would all go into a small shop, blocking the aisles for everyone else. In Port Isaac on a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon the whole harbour and uphill area was disrupted by loud and continuous barking. Dogs were running around off leash on every beach. People were clogging the narrow pavements with two or three dogs on leads, wheeling dogs around in prams and buggies, stopping outside holiday cottages for ages chatting while their dogs barked, yapped and howled and ruined the peace for the people inside.

We were genuinely wondering if the next time we came back there would be dog and owner spaces in supermarket carparks and an expectation that you should stand up on public transport to let people with dogs sit down.

AIBU to think England has gone a bit mad when it comes to dogs?

OP posts:
anunlikelyseahorse · 17/09/2023 21:41

Costa is the only cafe in our nearest town that remains as a no dog zone. It's also the only cafe I'm now frequent.
Dogs don't belong in town / city centres and shops. The noise and hassle and bustle can be really stressful to them, and I'm fed up of constant dog fights and yapping.

MatchyM · 17/09/2023 21:40

Carsarelife · 17/09/2023 21:36

@Susuwatariandkodama yes I noticed that. Both times stayed in caravan Park and in Cornwall dog was allowed in disco and bingo, but Devon wasn't allowed. Didn't want to leave him in caravan really as that's not the point of bringing him. Also I'm Devon Cliffs he wasn't allowed on the beach. He was allowed on open top bus ride though

Why have you got a dog that needs to come to bingo and the disco? Are you one of the new type of owners that cannot be bothered to train their dog?

Butterkist8 · 17/09/2023 21:39

Pisses me right off and I'm a dog owner/lover.

My dad had a shop and dogs were routinely allowed, in those days, to bring their dogs in.

The amount of stock that he had to destroy due to dogs peeing was almost ruinous.
He was so happy when he could , justifiably, put a 'dogs not allowed' sign up.

Dogs do not have human rights, nor should they. If you can't leave your dog at home for a short while then you shouldn't have had one.

Original poster
SusanandMidge · 17/09/2023 21:39

This thread has been an interesting insight into the minds of the kind of dog owners who can't understand why their dogs aren't welcome everywhere, poo poo the concerns or discomfort of other people around their dogs, insist that a beach that doesn't explicitly ban dogs mean they can let their dogs take over the beach, and refuse to accept that smelly slobbering dogs are unpleasant for other people in restaurants and pubs.

OP posts:
Nemesias · 17/09/2023 21:38

SusanandMidge · 17/09/2023 21:36

They're not 'dog friendly'. They're being taken over by rude and inconsiderate dog owners,

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my local beach has a small section between kiosks where dogs are allowed and they’re not allowed on the rest of it. Which beach was it?

LimeCheesecake · 17/09/2023 21:38

SusanandMidge · 17/09/2023 21:33

But Cornwall has been a popular holiday spot for decades. It is only in recent years that demanding dog owners have taken over the place, including intimidating shops and cafes into allowing their animals in. Not to mention allowing their dogs to run off lead around beaches and harbours, regardless of other people. That is selfish and pushy behaviour.

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Dog owners haven’t taken over the place- they’ve been invited in. They’ve been invited to bring their dogs on holiday there, they’ve clearly made it so it’s worth while restaurant owners welcoming them.

other counties have also been holiday destinations. They haven’t gone dog friendly. This is a choice the people of Cornwall have made and it’s unusual for beach holiday locations to make this choice.

it could be the people of Cornwall are more dog friendly than other tourist places, I’m not sure if they are high dog owners as a county! But they have made different choices than many other British seaside holiday destinations. And it’s a lot more expensive than many other parts of the UK for a beach holiday.

frankly it’s an odd choice for you - am assuming you just didn’t do your research or didn’t realise this was something that would annoy you until you got there.

MatchyM · 17/09/2023 21:38

Susuwatariandkodama · 17/09/2023 21:33

@MatchyM or some people have had a fair share of runs ins with truly nasty and horrible people. Dogs are reliable, loyal and loving, people unfortunately have faults and can cause great pain and trauma, there’s a reason they say dogs are a man’s best friend.

Yes well I have had unpleasant incidents with dogs. Of course it’s the shit owners’ faults but it’s the dog that has ruined my picnic or jumped up at me. Though many idiots think that stuff is an urban myth that only happens on MN.

Dogs are not my best friend. I have humans for that.

Screamingabdabz · 17/09/2023 21:37

Susuwatariandkodama · 17/09/2023 21:33

@MatchyM or some people have had a fair share of runs ins with truly nasty and horrible people. Dogs are reliable, loyal and loving, people unfortunately have faults and can cause great pain and trauma, there’s a reason they say dogs are a man’s best friend.

But dogs come with dopey owners who are also people. Many are the worst kind of selfish, inconsiderate and oblivious. Also children hating if this thread is anything to go by which means they’re the highest level of arseholes.

Nevermind202020 · 17/09/2023 21:37

Cosyblankets · 17/09/2023 21:32

Sorry but i don't believe for a minute that a dog pooed in a restaurant and the owner refused to clean it up
That did not happen

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-64566448

This happened in a shopping centre on the south side of Glasgow.
The post above also refers to a shopping centre.
You wouldn't believe how entitled some dog owners act nowadays, and they are giving the rest a bad name (just like the pooping campers that someone mentioned back there).

Dog outside Silverburn

Dog friendly shopping ends after poo complaints

The Silverburn centre in the south of Glasgow announces it has to prioritise "human guests".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-64566448

Carsarelife · 17/09/2023 21:36

@Susuwatariandkodama yes I noticed that. Both times stayed in caravan Park and in Cornwall dog was allowed in disco and bingo, but Devon wasn't allowed. Didn't want to leave him in caravan really as that's not the point of bringing him. Also I'm Devon Cliffs he wasn't allowed on the beach. He was allowed on open top bus ride though

Original poster
SusanandMidge · 17/09/2023 21:36

Nemesias · 17/09/2023 21:35

Don’t go to dog friendly beaches then

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They're not 'dog friendly'. They're being taken over by rude and inconsiderate dog owners,

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 17/09/2023 21:36

YABU you went to a tourist destination known for beaches etc and complained there were other tourists there with their dogs.

Redlarge · 17/09/2023 21:36

MatchyM · 17/09/2023 21:31

You are right. It’s social ineptitude that has led to this explosion of people only being able to go out attached to their hounds.

I do think the tide will slowly turn. I think we are at peak dog.

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As if it's social ineptitude, ha ha. People love their dogs and dont want to leave them home alone.

I've never been anywhere where a dog has caused an issue. In fact, I like it when a dog rocks up. Btw, I dont have a dog as I work too much, but when I retire, I'll definitely have a holiday with my pooch.

Nemesias · 17/09/2023 21:35

SusanandMidge · 17/09/2023 21:34

Where did anyone say it was horrific? It's annoying and irritating to have the constant noise of dogs everywhere and to have them running around beaches barking and yapping.

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Don’t go to dog friendly beaches then

Solonge · 17/09/2023 21:35

We lived in France for some time. There are loads of dogs, everywhere, the difference is most are small ‘handbag dogs’. But most restaurants in the UK only allow service dogs, in France every restaurant allows them and many eat at the table on their owners lap.

Original poster
SusanandMidge · 17/09/2023 21:34

Redlarge · 17/09/2023 21:31

Its hardly horrific watching a dog go for a little swim.

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Where did anyone say it was horrific? It's annoying and irritating to have the constant noise of dogs everywhere and to have them running around beaches barking and yapping.

OP posts:
Susuwatariandkodama · 17/09/2023 21:33

@MatchyM or some people have had a fair share of runs ins with truly nasty and horrible people. Dogs are reliable, loyal and loving, people unfortunately have faults and can cause great pain and trauma, there’s a reason they say dogs are a man’s best friend.

LimeCheesecake · 17/09/2023 21:33

SusanandMidge · 17/09/2023 21:28

And what's with all the dogs in prams and buggies? Padstow was full of them.

Oh yep, that’s elderly dogs who can’t walk very far anymore, or breeds that struggle to walk. Way for owner to be out for longer after the dog can’t walk very far anymore. You are more likely to see them on uk holiday as dog owners with dogs with health issues are less likely to be able to find a kennel who’ll take their dog. (Especially now where there’s a shortage of kennel spaces so the companies can afford to be picky about which dogs they’ll take)

Original poster
SusanandMidge · 17/09/2023 21:33

LimeCheesecake · 17/09/2023 21:27

I guess OP- you’ll know for next time to factor in “not dog friendly” in your travel plans. Cornwall is known for being dog friendly, it is unusual for dogs to be allowed on beaches in the summer all day, so Cornwall attracts dog owners and then the restaurants near the dog friendly beaches will be dog friendly to accommodate the majority of customers.

next time, pick a location where dogs aren’t allowed on the beaches and most the cottages for rent don’t allow dogs. You’ll find most of the restaurants aren’t full of dogs then.

But Cornwall has been a popular holiday spot for decades. It is only in recent years that demanding dog owners have taken over the place, including intimidating shops and cafes into allowing their animals in. Not to mention allowing their dogs to run off lead around beaches and harbours, regardless of other people. That is selfish and pushy behaviour.

OP posts:
MatchyM · 17/09/2023 21:32

Winniewoooooooo · 17/09/2023 21:16

Wow. Would seriously suggest that if this smell is following you around. Its you -not the dogs. I've never been in a restaurant that smelt of dog.

Dog owners can’t smell the stench. They even think their own houses don’t smell 😂

StarDolphins · 17/09/2023 21:32

Roiesin57 · 17/09/2023 21:12

@StarDolphins we were on a beach that was signposted very clearly as no dogs allowed until after 30th Sept, but there were still a couple of dogs in the sea constantly barking. People seem to disregard the rules more & more

Yes that’s not on. I have a dog g but I follow rules. I also wouldn’t take him in a cafe/restaurant (for his benefit) so the issue is the owners rather than the dogs.

I adore all dogs & happy to fuss any that will let me but I agree with you.

Comedycook · 17/09/2023 21:32

MatchyM · 17/09/2023 21:29

I am sorry to heat that. Do you not know any decent people? Or do you lack social skills yourself?

I have realised that the dog owners who defend poor ownership and have no argument other than ‘dogs are better than people/kids’, actually have zero social skills.

The pandemic made them unable to communicate with people so they can only cope with the company of canines. I feel sorry for them really.

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Yes you're right. They have no idea how to engage with other people and therefore feel more comfortable with dogs.

Cosyblankets · 17/09/2023 21:32

Bibbitybobbitty · 17/09/2023 21:00

YANBU recently a shopping centre here trialled having dogs allowed in the mall, shops & restaurants, much to the dismay of most customers, shop/restaurant owners& cleaning staff - after a few weeks accidents staff had to clean up it thankfully it didn't last long, came to a swift halt when 1 particularly lovely chap refused to clean up his dog poo in a restaurant!
I like dogs but don't feel the need to have them everywhere.

Sorry but i don't believe for a minute that a dog pooed in a restaurant and the owner refused to clean it up
That did not happen

MatchyM · 17/09/2023 21:31

Comedycook · 17/09/2023 21:13

I honestly do not understand the British obsession with dogs and I am British. I sometimes wonder if it's because we're such a socially inept bunch that people find it easier than trying to relate to other people. I don't find them cute at all. I can't imagine wanting one to live in my house.

You are right. It’s social ineptitude that has led to this explosion of people only being able to go out attached to their hounds.

I do think the tide will slowly turn. I think we are at peak dog.

Redlarge · 17/09/2023 21:31

SusanandMidge · 17/09/2023 21:26

But not nice for everyone else.

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Its hardly horrific watching a dog go for a little swim.