To wonder why the UK became so dog friendly?

[LancelotsLeftArm]

I have had several dogs in my life but I'm finding recent events in the last 2-3 years baffling.

Local ice cream shop lets dogs in - no longer go there as last time there was a massive dog blocking serving place where DC choose flavours, not sure what breed but size of a Labrador. 2 year Old's face ended up getting licked and knocked over,now DC doesn't feel comfortable around dogs. Always dogs there now but usually not that bad.

Family member has 2 labs that hate each other (no idea why) plus a history of "nipping" each other (?!) and recently they were growling at each other, teeth bared, lips rolling back. Toddler right between them with a toy. Heard the growling, got worse for about about 2mins, decided to tell toddler to move away quietly and calmly. Put myself between toddler and dogs. In law Relative went ape shit , offended. FFS. Decided we're not welcome in future if we don't accept that the dogs would "never harm a child" (like that's a reassurance).

School (primary school) is dog friendly and allowing dogs on leads in playground at pickup times which would NEVER have been accepted in my school. Including larger ones, not terriers etc - more Pointers etc.

It changed because it brings in more customers. Its ab6momey. Nothing else.

I've just been pondering and it seems that maybe the issue isn't actually dogs in cafes, its badly behaved dogs and inconsiderate owners in cafes?
Would it be a good solution to keep everyone happy if businesses chucked out and banned bad dog owners and made it clear on entry that the dog must be kept under control
Its not tolerated in public transport for example. I see dogs on buses all the time and they are generally well behaved probably because the only time I've seen a badly behaved dog on a bus, the driver pulled over at the closest stop and made them get off 😆

I'm afraid that most people think their dog is well behaved. Even when it patently isn't.

For me it's laziness and/or a lack of education around dog training. So many people think that if their dog has learned not to lol on the floor in the house and does sit and fetch, it's trained. But there is so much more to it than that. Dogs can and should be trained not to jump on strangers, to come back when called (or always be on a lead if they can't), should be calm around humans' food and not help themselves or beg for it, and shouldn't bark excessively. Where I live, neighbours think it's ok for their dogs to be barking in the garden for hours and it is just so annoying. They shouldn't be allowed on human seats in public, and only at home if they are well behaved enough and understand the pecking order. Some owners seem to just accept that their dogs are just reactive by nature and use this to excuse bad behaviour but this needs to be addressed with training and it is possible if you put the time and effort in.

I'm a dog lover and anyone who dislikes dogs is scum but I agree. I'm not taking my dog everywhere, if I go pub she is staying at home

Really ?? People who dislike dogs are scum! That is a tad harsh. Child molesters are scum but I can’t see how people who dislike dogs fall into the same category.

I’m not sure I entirely trust people who don’t like dogs….

my DH had to be persuaded to leave our very tired, she’d had a huge walk with lots of swimming, dog at home on Saturday rather than take her to friends where we were having dinner. They like dogs but don’t really get them and she’d have been trying to get on the sofa, been snuggling round their garden and generally a pain. He’s blind to it all…

I grew up 50 years ago, on an island around the other side of the world, reading British children's books and always believed that the UK allowed dogs everywhere. Fascinated to find it wasn’t always so!

I’m not sure I entirely trust people who don’t like dogs….

....whereas I'm not always entirely sure I trust dogs!
I have several friends who have dogs and I am comfortable with them because I trust the friends if that makes sense. If I am out running for example and I see a dog I am sometimes unsure if it will try and jump at me or run with me. And if I invited people for dinner, the invite wouldn't include their dog I'm afraid.

So I don’t like dogs (there I said it!) so I am scum” and some people can’t trust me.
really??!! The dislike of dogs makes me less trustworthy?! Think the owners who can’t control their dog are scum and can’t be trusted

I am pretty sure I mistrust people who own dogs.

So I don’t like dogs (there I said it!) so I am scum” and some people can’t trust me
No you are not scum. You are entitled to not like dogs. Trust has nothing to do with it. As long as you don't expect everyone else to act like dogs are pesticides.

I am pretty sure I mistrust people who own dogs
As silly of a generalisation. So you really judge people just on that basis?

I definitely don’t expect everyone to dislike dogs like I do. I had a bad experience as a child so get scared of them and don’t like them therefore. However I will happily walk past/be in rooms with dogs when owner has them under control or if the dogs aren’t bothering me. It’s the dogs that tap around me/bark as soon as I’m by the door/come and sniff me outside that I get bothered by. I have loads of friends who are dog owners and we all respect each other dog or no dog!

I don't actively dislike dogs. I would never choose to have one as I'm too lazy to walk one in horrible weather. Much happier with a cat that comes and goes as it pleases. More and more holiday cottages seem to be dog friendly these days than 10 years ago. Personally I'd choose one that didn't allow dogs as there's often a smell that tends to linger,

I don't consider myself scum or untrustworthy - what ridiculous comments!

People are free to like and dislike whatever animal they want.

I find it very strange why anyone would associate a dislike for dogs with being untrustworthy.

I personally don't trust dog owners who believe everyone else should adjust their behaviour to suit them.

FWIW, I'm indifferent to dogs and am only friendly with the dogs whose owners I know. That is because I know their owners are responsible and I have spent time around them.

I am not fussed about random dogs. I stick to my space and allow them plenty of room where possible.

Today I saw a good example of a well trained dog. Owner saw me approaching a narrow bridge, asked dog to stay behind while I passed which they did, and was rewarded with a treat.

Yesterday, I walked along a footpath and a dog bounded towards me and growled. I stretched my arm out whilst walking on, but owner did not say or do anything. I judged him.

Todays news…another child injured by a dog. Hope she’s ok. Really wish the owners who say their dog is “just friendly” would be more mindful. The well-trained ones are amazing.

Someone on Nextdoor has started a petition to get dogs banned from the cafe I previously wrote about. While I respect the decision is down to the Cafe owner, it might help send a message about how the public feel about dogs in public spaces. I do think the tide is turning or will eventually: Who wants to sit on a bus or train seat that was previously occupied by a hairy dog reeking of 'doggy smell'? I don't.

The more dog friendly the better, I'll not shop in a town where I can't take the pooch, can't believe people can be so snobby about it.

I can't believe someone is bothered by this, my 6 year old is less behaved than my dog, gosh some adult swearing would upset me more than a dog lick 🤦🏻‍♀️

Well you are very lucky that you are not allergic. A dog lick brings me out in hives and the allergic reaction is often severe enough to trigger an asthma attack.

Only yesterday we went to the pub for lunch. There were dogs everywhere. They were barking at each other and it was really unpleasant. Finally, the waiter tripped over one and dropped a load of dishes. I just don't see why they have to be allowed everywhere.

We have a tiny dog and i don’t feel town, shops or cafés are places dogs should be. When they go out they want freedom and the countryside and the chance to run around… obviously safely and not bounding off unruly into strangers faces or anything.

I can’t think any dog would enjoy a trip to a busy town shopping centre or being in a cafe when they can be relaaaxing at home in the comfort of their own beds and safe surroundings.

I’m also not sure how you get any actual shopping done with a dog in tow…i think WFH/Lock down did see a lot of dogs not making it to puppy-school and training and so being with their person 24/7 may have resulted in separation anxiety. But i still think town, shops & people everywhere would cause more anxiety for the dog than spending a few hours at home alone on a semi-regular basis.

Dogs are better behaved than children....
Usually

Definitely best not to go in dog friendly food outlets then

They really aren't and even if that is true, so what. Children are human beings....who are slowly learning to be adults. Honestly those of you who prefer dogs to children, how about you get a dog to take care of you when you're elderly and infirm....