Are there more dogs in no-dog places than before?

[Soubriquet]

Has anyone else noticed that there appears to be more dogs around than there used to be, especially in places where dogs aren’t supposed to go in, like shops and shopping centres?

This is NOT a dog bashing thread. I have a dog myself, but lately when I’ve been out, I’ve seen dogs in places where signs say no dogs, and yet no one says a word.

Yes they are generally accepted everywhere now. I tripped over one in the Apple Store, and there have been a couple in my hairdressers. Gym has one hanging out (sheds hair everywhere), plus the usual places such as cafes, pubs etc.

Apple store do allow dogs though, so that's not a dog in a no dog place.

Yes, there are.

Definitely. I almost tripped over a dog on a long lead at the entrance to the Barbican centre this week (not a guide dog) which I found a bit of a bizarre place to bring a dog

I’ve not seen signs banning dogs from shopping centres or stores except food shops. As a dog owner til quite recently I’m amazed people subject these animal to very busy areas - even outdoor events are not dog appropriate due to noise and amount of people - but yet there they are. I remember doing university open days with my DD and shocked how many dogs were being dragged around! It was during temps in the 30s that year and the poor animals looked bewildered and miserable.

Yes, there is a creeping presumption that dogs are now equivalent to people, and have the right to be everywhere their owners go.

I have, however, seen two local shops put apologetic signs up rescinding the welcome, after someone’s little darling shat on the floor. So there’s some limited pushback against the insanity.

I see dogs in shops, cafes, hairdressers etc but they are allowed in there. The only place I’ve seen a dog where they shouldn’t be is on the beach a few times in months they aren’t allowed.

I take my dogs to lots of places but only where they’re allowed. They love our local cafe as it has a dog menu, they get fuss from the staff and then snooze.

Hate to see them dragged around busy shopping streets and parades in summer, trodden on panting and obviously not enjoying themselves - leave em at home.

Dogs are allowed in lots of shops and shopping centres.

A lot of this will be people on holiday who can’t leave their dogs alone in the holiday accommodation.

Decades ago it was normal for dogs to go into shops. On the whole, I would say that too many people get a dog without understanding what dogs need and without being prepared to learn.

Tbh, I don’t mind seeing well behaved dogs around, when the weather and the environment is fine. I love dogs, and I love being able to get them scratches and cuddles.

it’s when they are clearly misbehaving, or the owners don’t have control of their dogs that I’m not so keen. Especially if it’s extremely hot or there is a lot of crowds because of an event. It isn’t fair then.

I wouldn’t take mine to a shopping centre in case he wee’d,let alone how stressed the crowds would make him. That said, I’m off to Cornwall next week where dogs are warmly welcomed, so he’s coming home n his holiday too!

I don't have a dog and in general I do not mind them. However there are two annual street festivals that I go to that are held in enclosed areas and you see people tripping over or standing on dogs paws as the crowd is do dense they are not seen.

I saw more than one terrified looking small dog in a very large, very busy train station at the weekend, including one in a rucksack on someone's back visibly shaking and showing the whites of its eyes as people and their rucksacks squeezed past in very close proximity at eye level.

Yes, lots of dogs in clothes shops now! I don't go into clothes shops now because I am allergic to dogs.

It's sort of interesting to see where it makes a difference. Usually I don't have a problem with dogs in pubs -- I think this probably is because they stay on the floor and the floor isn't upholstered? Fabric attracts the allergen somehow. When there is carpet and there are clothes on low rails, this seems to pick up whatever it is I'm allergic to. Bookshops also a bit tricky.

My neighbour has a lovely dog who loves me very much and wishes to be near me at all times. 😂He firmly believes one day I will stroke him. It's fine when we're outside but if we sit on the covered deck and the dog cuddles up on his rug, then pretty soon my eyes and tongue start swelling.

There seem to be a lot more dog friendly places these days definitely.

Dogs in public places for me are like small children - totally fine if the parents/owners are controlling them properly. Not if they’re being allowed to run riot & disturb everyone else/trip people over.

I've seen that several times - it's unbelievable. Or maybe not given some people's behaviour.

The last time I went into a very crowded place because of an event someone was carrying a tiny chihuahua, who was clearly terrified, because it was snarling aggressively at anyone who came too close. It almost bit me