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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:
BarnacleBeasley · 09/01/2025 11:05

It wouldn't bother me not to bring my dog on a walk, but I would think it was a bit weird if someone did a survey about who wanted to go for a walk in a nearby location I knew to be dog friendly, and I thought 'ooh, that would be nice', and then when they organised the walk they advertised it as 'no dogs allowed' having not previously mentioned this.

I think OP do whatever you want as long as you won't be offended if someone then organises an identical dogs allowed event.

Nevergettheusername · 09/01/2025 11:06

ChristmasKelpie · 09/01/2025 10:51

Just say "DOG FREE WALK" if Dog owners take offence, tough. I am a dog owner and it wouldn't bother me because i understand many people are fed up of badly trained dogs and their poorly mannered owners.

Agreed absolutely

Nevergettheusername · 09/01/2025 11:07

IME national trust places only well behaved dogs on short leads in restricted areas only so not exactly “bring your dogs” absolutely dog friendly invite

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Dogs
GoneTooFarAgain · 09/01/2025 11:08

You can just say it firmly but politely -

"Due to the nature of these meet-ups, this is a dog-free gathering - we hope you understand. Looking forward to meeting you!"

Hermanfromguesswho · 09/01/2025 11:08

Could no dogs be the main purpose?!
advertise a ‘no dog walk’ to be inclusive of those that are nervous or allergic to dogs too

DaisyChain505 · 09/01/2025 11:08

Personally if I was thinking of attending this walk and then you started being controlling and saying no dogs I would immediately be put off.

Does it really matter if a few people bring their dogs along? They’re not bringing wild toddlers that they will be distracted by.

Maddy70 · 09/01/2025 11:11

So what happens if one of the ladies brings her dog. Walks 5 foot behind you and then sits on the table next to you. As she is perfect entitled to do. Will you ignore her ?

It's ridiculous ... Go to a non dog friendly place instead then you don't have an issue.

You sound very entitled and honestly I would run for the hills. This seems far from 'friendly". You assume these women are idiots that can't control their pets

RedRobyn2021 · 09/01/2025 11:12

Seems odd to organise a walk but not allow dogs to me

Like another poster said if it's a public place that allows dogs it's not really up to you?

Pogeatsalltheburgers · 09/01/2025 11:13

Yes say it.
Alot of people will be happy.
Some won't.
But I see they do other walks which allow dogs, so why shouldn't your wak be for people who want to walk without dogs?
I'm not a fan of dogs either and would be glad to have the option of going on an outing without them to consider.
So just write "this is a walk for humans only, sorry no pets"

Flossflower · 09/01/2025 11:14

Your message starts: I am arranging a dog free walk if anyone is interested…….

I do not like go on a walk with people who take their dogs. You can be walking and suddenly the conversation stops as they have to see to their dog or they meet another dog owner and have a chat about their dogs.
I like to maintain a certain pace when I am walking and this is impossible if someone has to see to their dog.

Pogeatsalltheburgers · 09/01/2025 11:16

RedRobyn2021 · 09/01/2025 11:12

Seems odd to organise a walk but not allow dogs to me

Like another poster said if it's a public place that allows dogs it's not really up to you?

Not everyone wants to be directly around dogs.
Why can't they also organise group activities?
You wouldn't say this if it were kids.
You'd recognise that it's not OK to just bring kids to any social gathering even if its at a place where kids are allowed to be usually. Why do you think it's ok to just bring your dog??
The main aim of the group is to go for a walk then to a cafe.. not to walk dogs. Start your own group if you are so fixated on taking your dog everywhere.

ViolinsPlayGentlyOn · 09/01/2025 11:17

So what happens if one of the ladies brings her dog. Walks 5 foot behind you and then sits on the table next to you. As she is perfect entitled to do. Will you ignore her ?

I think most people would want to steer clear of the weird person doing that tbh.

Just because a venue allows dogs doesn’t mean that individual groups attending that venue have to have dogs in their group. If someone wants a dog-friendly meetup it sounds like there are plenty, or they could arrange their own to meet their wishes (like OP is doing)

Pogeatsalltheburgers · 09/01/2025 11:19

Maddy70 · 09/01/2025 11:11

So what happens if one of the ladies brings her dog. Walks 5 foot behind you and then sits on the table next to you. As she is perfect entitled to do. Will you ignore her ?

It's ridiculous ... Go to a non dog friendly place instead then you don't have an issue.

You sound very entitled and honestly I would run for the hills. This seems far from 'friendly". You assume these women are idiots that can't control their pets

More entitled to bring your dogs to a group someone else has arranged and asked for dogs not to attend.
I'd think anyone who came with a dog to that was a complete twat.
Walk your dog there on a different day.. or even go on the same day and just avoid the group someone set up specifically to walk without dogs.
Don't force your pet on people just because you legally can.
It's you who sound entitled.

BahHumbug24 · 09/01/2025 11:25

DaisyChain505 · 09/01/2025 11:08

Personally if I was thinking of attending this walk and then you started being controlling and saying no dogs I would immediately be put off.

Does it really matter if a few people bring their dogs along? They’re not bringing wild toddlers that they will be distracted by.

Then you're not the target audience and OP's message will have worked as intended.

Nevergettheusername · 09/01/2025 11:25

Flossflower · 09/01/2025 11:14

Your message starts: I am arranging a dog free walk if anyone is interested…….

I do not like go on a walk with people who take their dogs. You can be walking and suddenly the conversation stops as they have to see to their dog or they meet another dog owner and have a chat about their dogs.
I like to maintain a certain pace when I am walking and this is impossible if someone has to see to their dog.

This!

Nevergettheusername · 09/01/2025 11:26

ViolinsPlayGentlyOn · 09/01/2025 11:17

So what happens if one of the ladies brings her dog. Walks 5 foot behind you and then sits on the table next to you. As she is perfect entitled to do. Will you ignore her ?

I think most people would want to steer clear of the weird person doing that tbh.

Just because a venue allows dogs doesn’t mean that individual groups attending that venue have to have dogs in their group. If someone wants a dog-friendly meetup it sounds like there are plenty, or they could arrange their own to meet their wishes (like OP is doing)

yes exactly, just because it allows children you don’t have to turn up with a child 😂😂

Cloacina · 09/01/2025 11:29

I would organise one that is billed along the lines saying that you have many dog welcome events on this occasion let's do a dog free walk so we can focus on getting to know each other. Or say that another member regretted that she couldn't come as she was afraid of dogs (so it's not you but you are responding to someone - who remains anonymous - else's concern).

Pinkyhere · 09/01/2025 11:33

Kindly note this event is women only (no dogs this time).

CrushingOnRubies · 09/01/2025 11:36

Maddy70 · 09/01/2025 11:11

So what happens if one of the ladies brings her dog. Walks 5 foot behind you and then sits on the table next to you. As she is perfect entitled to do. Will you ignore her ?

It's ridiculous ... Go to a non dog friendly place instead then you don't have an issue.

You sound very entitled and honestly I would run for the hills. This seems far from 'friendly". You assume these women are idiots that can't control their pets

This is exactly what I'd do tbh.

Tisthedamnseason · 09/01/2025 11:36

So what happens if one of the ladies brings her dog. Walks 5 foot behind you and then sits on the table next to you. As she is perfect entitled to do. Will you ignore her ?

Well a woman would be perfectly entitled to bring along her husband, or child, but it would still be rude.

It's one dog free walk in an organisation where it sounds like any member can arrange an event. So it's not even removing a dog friendly event and replacing it with a dog free one. If anyone is bothered, they are welcome to organise their own walk - just like it sounds like they already do. This is just an additional thing. I really don't see why people are bothered by it.

GreenTeaLikesMe · 09/01/2025 11:37

Say "Sorry to ask this, but I'd like this to be a no-dogs walk, as I'm nervous of dogs I don't know well. Obviously, if those who would like to walk with dogs want to organize another walk that is dog-friendly, go ahead and do so!"

Depending on the demographics of your area, it's possible a no-dog walk might result in a lot less people turning up, but this is your decision to make of course.

ViolinsPlayGentlyOn · 09/01/2025 11:37

CrushingOnRubies · 09/01/2025 11:36

This is exactly what I'd do tbh.

Show quote history

Why? Can you not cope with the thought of one event that isn’t dog-friendly?

Beekeepingmum · 09/01/2025 11:38

Maddy70 · 09/01/2025 11:11

So what happens if one of the ladies brings her dog. Walks 5 foot behind you and then sits on the table next to you. As she is perfect entitled to do. Will you ignore her ?

It's ridiculous ... Go to a non dog friendly place instead then you don't have an issue.

You sound very entitled and honestly I would run for the hills. This seems far from 'friendly". You assume these women are idiots that can't control their pets

In a group of dog walkers there is bound to be one "idiot" who can't control their dog. We have all been walking when random dogs have run up to us being "friendly". Organise the dog free walk - many people will be grateful.

CrushingOnRubies · 09/01/2025 11:39

Because the dog will need a walk anyway, and kill two birds with one stone

eightIsNewNine · 09/01/2025 11:41

CrushingOnRubies · 09/01/2025 11:36

This is exactly what I'd do tbh.

Show quote history

I suppose this little demonstration would perfectly fulfil the goal of getting to know each other. Or at least for the others to know you.

Failng fast is definitely a strategy.