When did dogs in food shops become a thing?!

[HermioneWeasley]

I went to a local bakery today and there were 3 dogs in there. It’s a bakery and cafe. I thought it was illegal to have dogs where food is made and served but apparently not. DH told me it’s pretty standard now and all the local coffee shops and cafes allow them.

I’m sure all the dog lovers will say it’s fine, but I was really shocked. Am I the only one? I’m also allergic so normally choose not to be indoors with dogs.

I fucking hate it. If we’re booking somewhere I’ll scour the website first and give the place a swerve if it’s dog-friendly. I want dog-unfriendly while I’m eating, thanks.

I spent 22 years living in rural wales and this is one of the things I miss the most from there. Dogs were allowed pretty much everywhere. You wouldn’t take them to a nice restaurant, but they were allowed in any pub/cafe/ice cream parlour (popular seaside town). I’ve never see a single issue caused by any of the dogs, but attitudes to dogs are a lot healthier there and they are so much better socialised and trained than dogs I’ve seen in a lot of places since. It’s the exception there rather than the norm to keep your dogs on leads away from each other on walks/parks/beaches etc, they’re all just let loose no matter the size and breed and allowed to play from puppies so they’re all friendly and know how to behave.

I think for some more rural/village coffee shops without dog owners they would perhaps not be viable. I drink far more coffee meeting friends for dog walking than I ever would otherwise.

I worked in a busy pub serving food in the 1980s and dogs are allowed to come inside. I had no idea that dogs had been stopped from going into pubs

I hate it & I have always had dogs.

There was a post on Nextdoor the other evening, with a picture of little Luna, asking what pubs they could go to for a meal that would let her in.

Just why? Leaving the fucking dog at home!

We were out having a coffee the other week, at a farm shop that had to be driven to, no walking paths nearby just a farm shop in a lay-by, and there were two separate people with dogs, one of which barked incessantly the whole time. Bloody rude inflicting that on other paying customers. Grrrrrr.

I also dislike it, can’t imagine how problematic it must be for those who have an allergy. Hygiene is also an issue. But I’m more of a cat person anyways, part of the reason why I prefer cats is that they’re generally much more clean animals then dogs and do not smell.

Apparently dogs are 'people' now and have rights. It's vile, we certainly don't go in food places that allow dogs, same with hotels/B&Bs etc. It's getting harder and harder to find places like that though. Personally I'd like to see whole parks/streets/villages/towns which are dog-free, so we non dog lovers could live there, and all the dog people live together. We'd all be happy then and not have others' choices forced upon us.

I have dogs and I love dogs BUT I don't get why people take their dog everywhere! Just let them chill at home on the sofa without strangers trying to wipe their hands on them 😂 Taking your dogs everywhere with you will give them separation anxiety eventually ...

I also feel sorry for people with allergies and some dog owners don't even bath their dog so they have that awful doggy smell that lingers for ages , don't even get me started on wet dog smell 🤮

too many owners seem to think everyone should be as delighted by their dogs as they are

This is so true. Pre Covid I walked into the vets with ours and a woman let her slobbering dog, on a long lead of course, come right over to us drool on my leg and bother our poorly dog. She grinned at us like we were so lucky her dog and come over to greet us!

Dogs aren't welcome in city shops, cafes or restaurants I find, but only in the country where they don't want to lose the custom.

I don't mind them outside but it's not right indoors. The only time I take mine indoors is when on holidays and out walking all day, stopping off at walking pubs.

I dislike it too. Went through a train station today and someone’s dog was doing a turd inside the shopping arcade. On a marble floor.
Just gross.

I was in Boots Opticians last week and a man brought his dog inside. The dog looked ashamed on behalf of it's owner.

@ginghamstarfish I’d like to see the same for people who dislike children. Child free areas would be amazing

Dogs are allowed in Starbucks.

[quote Mirrorxx]@ginghamstarfish I’d like to see the same for people who dislike children. Child free areas would be amazing[/quote]
Oh god, people comparing dogs to children is just ridiculous

I'm not a fan of dogs but dd works in an independent cafe that is very dog friendly and has food for dogs on the menu like sausage ice cream and dog treats.

On every MN thread about dogs there are some posters who genuinely can't seem to see why there should be a difference between rules for dogs and rules for children. It's a bit disturbing.

I think it comes down to demand. If places get more customers by allowing dogs in then why wouldn’t they?

I suppose it’s like anything else. Vegetarian options were limited before enough people wanted them to make it worthwhile. The same with gluten free options.

If enough people complain about not wanting to have coffee around dogs in your area then I’m sure a designated spot will open up.

It's disgusting. I went to a cafe like this once. The staff made a huge fuss of every dog coming in, stroking and cuddling, dogs were jumping up at staff. All with the staff aprons on, aprons kept on when staff returned behind the counter to prep food. Urgh.

I also don’t like badly trained children in cafes. On the whole, there are more annoying children than dogs in these places.

I was expecting to see this nonsense within the first 10 posts.

The last time I was in an independent coffee shop a man came in with a large chow chow type dog, which jumped up with its front paws on the table and proceeded to eat off the owners plate. In between bites it was drooling over table and floor. Everyone seemed to think this was the cutest thing ever, whilst I was concentrating on not throwing up. Thankfully the chains don't seem to allow this so that is where my business will go.

@bizboz

On every MN thread about dogs there are some posters who genuinely can't seem to see why there should be a difference between rules for dogs and rules for children. It's a bit disturbing.

Totally agree, very warped

It's my understanding dogs cannot approach the food preparation area so that usually means they cannot go to the till if the drinks machine is behind. They can sit in the cafe section. They are not allowed in general food shops without a cafe

I don’t have a problem with well behaved dogs that are sat/laid quietly under the table minding their own business. They cause less disruption than most small children do. If it’s somewhere in the countryside you get people tramping inside with muddy boots and shoes so the floors aren’t exactly clean.

I don’t think people should take dogs into cafes however if they’re prone to barking/scent marking etc.

We take our dog when we’ve been on a long walk as we tend to get a coffee/breakfast/lunch afterwards. He had to be bribed to lie down when he was a pup but he’s now happy to chill out.

It wouldn’t be the best business move to ban dogs if your pub/cafe was located near to popular dog walking spots/the seaside. You’d be missing out on the majority of passing trade. I have been in some pubs and cafes that have a separate dog friendly area which I guess would be a good compromise.

Ps nearly everyone had a dog in the pub this lunchtime, they were all impeccably behaved too (humans and dogs)