to think it’s time to ban dogs from shops and cafes?

Our town has become very dog friendly, I don't like it and feel like most cafes here do accept dogs. The thing I hate the most though is having to dodge the endless puddles of wee on the pavement. It feels very unhygienic.

I don't agree that this is where dog attacks are happening though. Most of those seem to happen in people's homes. Not shops or cafes.

Species is irrelevant.
Now go choose to avoid a cafe with dogs in it should you wish to do so.

I'm a dog owner and I don't entirely disagree with you.

However. I don't thing the dog attacks are happening in the cafes and gift shops.

All the dog attacks in the news have been very particular breeds and have generally happened in people's homes , often to their family members sadly.

We don't usually take our dog shopping with us but we did the other day as we were on holiday. He just sat quietly while we browsed the shop. We spent over £100 , which we spent in that shop rather than competitors because it allowed dogs. Equally I am sure the dog free shops benefit from feeling like safe havens for those who are nervous of dogs.

Same species, daft comparison

YABU - but dog ownership should be regulated and a minimum level of acceptable behaviour in public spaces should be part of that. e.g. dogs should not be permitted to jump up, should be trained to quietly sit under tables, and should have good manners with dogs and people so that they do not interfere with service animals or other people. A six month training "licence" can be applied for to enable dogs to be trained in these spaces. I do think cafes or restaurants of a certain size should have animal free areas for people that do not like being near them. However, culturally dogs are widely ingrained and a blanket ban would unfairly impact many businesses in many areas where people go with their dogs during or after walks, commonly, and tourist areas where owners have to keep their dogs with them because their accommodations do not allow them to be left alone in a lot of cases.

The choice should remain with the business as they are implementing policies to appeal to their customer base. If you don't want dog-friendly spaces then don't frequent them. If enough anti-dog people did this, and it impacted business revenue, then the businesses would change their policies.

In the same way CFBC aren't entitled to a child free world, Dog-FBC, aren't entitled to a dog-free world. However, both camps are entitled to be annoyed at poorly mannered individuals in either camp - child or dog.

My dog is a gorgeous clever boy but he is also a total dick at times. So I only take him in pubs with no food service or once food service ends. I'd never take him in a shop because he would probably try and steal food or anything fluffy in display. He doesn't shed so very low allergy risk (which is why I have this breed). I know not everyone likes dogs but that's their issue not mine. I don't live in a town or city and I don't think he'd enjoy going but he does quite like a bus ride. If there's food around I muzzle him. Same around kids

However providing a dog isn't plating up food or working in the kitchen in a cafe I'm not sure how its mere presence would make the place hygienic.

Dog attacks that are fatal are the majority large and even banned breeds. Not the type of dog I've ever seen in a shop or cafe or pub. I do see a lot of badly trained reactive dogs, the type that can't walk down the street without barking at other dogs. They tend to be the smaller fluffier breeds. They are not the same type of dogs who are carrying out dog attacks

Tl:Dr business owners will do what they think will bring the most customers. If the balance tips to fewer customers if there are dogs on the premises then the owners will ban dogs

I agree. I dislike having dogs around, having them in shops and cafes is a huge problem for me. Unfortunately people with my views are a minority. I just avoid shops as much as possible, and virtually never go to cafes or pubs, even on holiday. On the plus side it saves us an absolute fortune.

banning dogs because of one breed is a bit of an overreaction

There are plenty of cafes that dont accept dogs.
There are also plenty of cafes that do.

I swerve cafe's and restaurants that are crammed with kids. I have no wish to ban them though.

Its how choosing which establishments you want to frequent works.

Christ, the daily "dogs in cafes" post. 🙄

There are dog free spaces.
Generally dog attacks don’t occur in the spaces you mention.
YABU.

Also, capitalism.

if it made more money to exclude them permanently from everywhere it would already have happened.

Is it partly because people don’t want to leave dogs tied up outside anymore? Fear of dognapping?

I don’t mind, phobias don’t get better for annoyance. Dogs make most people happy.

The vast majority of places you can’t take dogs to. That’s still the case. So Yabu imo.