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Original poster

How to say 'No dogs'?

189 replies

LadyPamelaH · 09/01/2025 09:02

I belong to a local friendship group for women. It works on the basis of anyone arranging events and putting up the announcement on our social media page.

I may arrange a walk (I did a survey and there was some interest.)
However, I've seen that when another member arranged a walk, some women took their dogs along.
I noticed from the chat that one dog was 'lively'.

The venue allows dogs on leads only but nevertheless there is a cafe etc...for a drink afterwards.

I'm not scared of dogs and I don't dislike them, but I admit I don't like them jumping up, slobbering over me, or barking. Is there are nice way of saying 'No dogs' because it may not just be me who feels like that.

I want a relaxing walk where we can all chat and get to know each other, not women trying to control their dogs.

OP posts:
chollysawcutt · 09/01/2025 09:36

I think if it is a dogs on lead venue only, the chance of them jumping up and slobbering you are probably quite low.

However, I agree, as a dog owner I would like a clear instruction. 'No dogs' means I can make an informed choice to leave doggo at home. I would certainly rather that than feel an uncomfortable vibe from you if I rocked up with my (in control, on lead!) dog.

mrsm43s · 09/01/2025 09:37

Erm, I don't think you can demand that no dogs are brought to a dog friendly public outdoor venue. Why do you think you can dictate rules for others like that? It's up to the venue to set rules on whether dogs are allowed or not, not up to you!

If you want a dog-free walk, you need to arrange it at a dog free venue, but tbh generally good walking places are dog friendly.

LoveBluey · 09/01/2025 09:38

I am a member of a women's walking group. The rule is dogs allowed but no kids.
I am very much not a dog person but on a walk it's easier enough to avoid them. We normally have around 10 people and I'd say max 2 dogs so it's never overwhelming.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Dogs
midgetastic · 09/01/2025 09:39

Good grief - most places here are dog friendly but none of the official group walks take dogs - of course it can be no dogs

Who wants to go on a walk with 20 people and 22 dogs - how quickly that gets out of control !

SD1978 · 09/01/2025 09:41

'Since there have been several doggy walks organised I'm proposing a non doggy one for those of us who would like to go to x place at y time'

Northumberlandgirl · 09/01/2025 09:42

Suggest well behaved dogs only as you’ll be visiting a cafe.
i have three dogs and would feel enormously guilty having a walk and not taking them with me. Alternatively choose a cafe that’s not dog friendly then dogs won’t be there. I agree there’s nothing worse than badly behaved jumpy slobbery dogs.
Before I get a pile on I would never take all three dogs into a cafe. At best I’d hope for an outdoor seating area well away from anyone else.

StillAtTheRestaurant · 09/01/2025 09:42

I hate dogs, but even I don't think you can/should attempt to ban them from a walk outdoors in a place where other people will be walking dogs!

ttcat37 · 09/01/2025 09:43

“No dogs please, so that those with phobias or allergies are not excluded”

eightIsNewNine · 09/01/2025 09:43

mrsm43s · 09/01/2025 09:37

Erm, I don't think you can demand that no dogs are brought to a dog friendly public outdoor venue. Why do you think you can dictate rules for others like that? It's up to the venue to set rules on whether dogs are allowed or not, not up to you!

If you want a dog-free walk, you need to arrange it at a dog free venue, but tbh generally good walking places are dog friendly.

Of course she can organise going there as a dog-free group, why not?

She wouldn't stop other people outside of the group having dogs there, but her group can be human only.

Dogs change the dynamics.

NormasArse · 09/01/2025 09:43

LadyPamelaH · 09/01/2025 09:35

The venue is National Trust.
They permit dogs on leads.

The whole point of the group is for women to get to know each other and build up friendships.

There are regular doggy walks arranged within the group so anyone who wants that can do those.

Thanks for the ideas about how to advertise this as 'no dogs.'

If the dogs are on leads, isn’t the issue solved though?

Astrabees · 09/01/2025 09:45

Our local walking festival has a no dogs rule for the walks it arranged and plenty of people come along. I think the U3A groups are similar. I believe it is a risk assessment thing, if you welcome all dogs you cannot be certain one will not be aggressive or just too bouncy and someone could be hurt, the organiser might be liable then. Just say “no dogs” for this walk, there is no need to say any more.

Nanny0gg · 09/01/2025 09:46

LadyPamelaH · 09/01/2025 09:35

The venue is National Trust.
They permit dogs on leads.

The whole point of the group is for women to get to know each other and build up friendships.

There are regular doggy walks arranged within the group so anyone who wants that can do those.

Thanks for the ideas about how to advertise this as 'no dogs.'

Speaking personally, I have managed to walk and talk at the same time. Taking the dog along has never stopped me

EmmaMaria · 09/01/2025 09:46

I don't think it's much of a "friendship" group if you are looking for excuses to make to get what you want. If you want a dog free walk, then just say so and make no excuses. Then people can make their own decision as to whether they want to join you on a walk or not. You may find some are happy with that. Equally you may find that all those who expressed an interest in a walk are the dog owners and want to bring their dogs - in which case it is for you to hand over the organisation to someone happy to do that.

mummy3456 · 09/01/2025 09:46

StillAtTheRestaurant · 09/01/2025 09:42

I hate dogs, but even I don't think you can/should attempt to ban them from a walk outdoors in a place where other people will be walking dogs!

😭

midgetastic · 09/01/2025 09:46

No the issues are not solved if dogs are on leads - they can still be difficult to manage and fight each other

It only takes on badly trained dog

Original poster
LadyPamelaH · 09/01/2025 09:46

mrsm43s · 09/01/2025 09:37

Erm, I don't think you can demand that no dogs are brought to a dog friendly public outdoor venue. Why do you think you can dictate rules for others like that? It's up to the venue to set rules on whether dogs are allowed or not, not up to you!

If you want a dog-free walk, you need to arrange it at a dog free venue, but tbh generally good walking places are dog friendly.

Kindy, I can do what I want as it's the organiser's decision. No one is forced to come, with or without a dog.

The walk is not the main point- it's more 'let's walk for 30 minutes then get together in the cafe.'

It's not a 'dog walking event'. Those are arranged by other members usually over open fields and public footpaths in the countryside.

This is a stately home venue, with smallish grounds. It's also expensive to get in (unless you're a member) so not exactly a 'cheap' dog walking venue.

I've had enough helpful suggestions, so thanks.

OP posts:
Comedycook · 09/01/2025 09:47

This reply has been deleted

Withdrawn at the poster's request.

I agree.

I'm also not a huge fan of dogs but it's a walk...I don't think you can request this. Well you can, but I think it will annoy people

Original poster
LadyPamelaH · 09/01/2025 09:48

Comedycook · 09/01/2025 09:47

I agree.

I'm also not a huge fan of dogs but it's a walk...I don't think you can request this. Well you can, but I think it will annoy people

Show quote history

The walk is not the main point. It's for a coffee in the grounds of a stately home where you can take dogs on leads.

Sorry if that wasn't clear.

OP posts:
Nevergettheusername · 09/01/2025 09:48

I agree to be explicit as other posters have said. Dont be unclear and add extra fuss words, just say what you would like. I think its fine if there are other dog friendly activities.

or start a discussion on why it bothers you about “women having to control dogs”..ie what is is you’re looking for

I happen to agree, and im a dog lover, but i have a friend who cant be separated from her dog and its waring, mainly because she expects everywhere to admit her and her little dog, even the chemist! She decided to bad mouth and review the chemist that wouldn’t let her in with her dog! And really didn’t have an idea about why not, Ffs. And yes we go to those national trust places so it turns into a “we can only see the garden”..I find this all very self centred and unadaptable

Nevergettheusername · 09/01/2025 09:49

eightIsNewNine · 09/01/2025 09:43

Of course she can organise going there as a dog-free group, why not?

She wouldn't stop other people outside of the group having dogs there, but her group can be human only.

Dogs change the dynamics.

Show quote history

Thoroughly agree with this

Original poster
LadyPamelaH · 09/01/2025 09:52

There are dog walks arranged within the group, often.

This is not a walk where the 'walk' is the main objective- with or without dogs- it's a coffee where there is a short walk around the grounds first.

As no one knows anyone else, women trying to control dogs isn't helpful to conversation. If they want to walk with their dogs as a group event, those exist.

OP posts:
Nevergettheusername · 09/01/2025 09:52

eightIsNewNine · 09/01/2025 09:43

Of course she can organise going there as a dog-free group, why not?

She wouldn't stop other people outside of the group having dogs there, but her group can be human only.

Dogs change the dynamics.

Show quote history

To add, Yes, that would be like saying men can come along because they are allowed in the venue, when its a women only walk! You CAN make a criteria if you are organising it

Nevergettheusername · 09/01/2025 09:53

LadyPamelaH · 09/01/2025 09:52

There are dog walks arranged within the group, often.

This is not a walk where the 'walk' is the main objective- with or without dogs- it's a coffee where there is a short walk around the grounds first.

As no one knows anyone else, women trying to control dogs isn't helpful to conversation. If they want to walk with their dogs as a group event, those exist.

Thoroughly agree

helpfulperson · 09/01/2025 09:53

SD1978 · 09/01/2025 09:41

'Since there have been several doggy walks organised I'm proposing a non doggy one for those of us who would like to go to x place at y time'

Something like this is perfect. You are not trying to make all walks in this group no dogs, just this one. I think it's a great idea for a group to have some walks where dogs are allowed and others where they aren't.

Nevergettheusername · 09/01/2025 09:56

I think you can say it like that. You’ve just identified why dogs would be totally inappropriate.

I also think if you are organising a women’s focused group its important that people come with that in mind, so as not to perpetuate the potential overlooking of women we see in society. You want to create an atmosphere where women are centre