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AIBU?

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Original poster

Dogs in cafes etc

1000 replies

Dogscanteatonions · 07/02/2023 10:46

I love dogs but I'm utterly fed up of them being cafes pubs restaurants shops etc, partly because I am allergic and partly because so many are poory behaved

However in the last week I've seen:

A man at the bar in a pub with his dog on the bar stool next to him with its paws up on the actual bar

A photo on the Facebook account of a favourite bar/ restaurant of a big hairy dog lying on one of the sofas - I'd have an allergic reaction if I sat on furniture right after a dog had been in it.

And to top it off yesterday I was in a cafe and the table next to me had a puppy which peed on the floor profusely which they halfheartedly mopped up with just a tissue from a pocket and didn't even tell staff so they could properly clean it. This was right next to serving counter.

I know a huge amount of people on Mumsnet are crazy pro dogs but I defy anyone to defend this. How do people think this is ok??

Aibu to think you should keep your dogs off furniture in these places and that you have an obligation to ensure its cleaned up properly if your 3 dog messes?

OP posts:
Merlo · 07/02/2023 11:30

Genuinely asking, where are all these places where dogs are allowed in everywhere? I live in a small city and there are two cafes that allow dogs and 3 shops. That’s it! Majority of places do not allow dogs around here!

Springbreakwoohoo · 07/02/2023 11:30

Sunshineboo · 07/02/2023 11:18

it's down to each establishment thought isn't it. personally - i am not keen on small children and used to enjoy a pub lunch without little kids running around.

Recently this has changed well over the last 10 years or so, and now there are only a few pubs where I can go for lunch and not have surrounding by families, so I go to those, assuming the other pubs are getting good business from the family trade, then all is good right?

So it's the same with the Cafes. There are Cafes that are not dog friendly and pubs and restaurants too - go to those

And before you say you're allergic to dogs, I have autism that i mask well, bar being very sensitive to loud noises. Screeching young children, which sounds to their parents like pleasant play, impacts me massively. this is why i avoid these places, despite the fact that some places which i previously loved have changed into this vibe

A very good point. Pubs traditionally were adult environments but the majority now allow children. Why? Because they need to make a living like the rest of us. (But this is another thread altogether..) Same applies to cafes, they’ve recognised they are missing out on a huge amount of trade by not allowing dogs. I only go in shops and eateries that allow dogs as he’s usually with me.
I do get the noise element - my adult DC has autism and is extremely noise sensitive which makes going to crowded places very hard. Our local pub actually doesn’t allow children in the bar area (dogs are more than welcome) so they are happy there.

nc1013 · 07/02/2023 11:31

Dogscanteatonions · 07/02/2023 11:30

As for people saying that people are just as unhygienic as dogs - the vast vast majority of humans shower or bath daily and wash their hands frequently, especially after Gibb to the loo.

Every single dog licks its arse every day and that of other dogs! Not seen many humans at that (although doubtless some do 🤣)

Don't think I've ever seen a dog licking another dogs arse....

Sofx · 07/02/2023 11:32

Dogscanteatonions · 07/02/2023 11:30

As for people saying that people are just as unhygienic as dogs - the vast vast majority of humans shower or bath daily and wash their hands frequently, especially after Gibb to the loo.

Every single dog licks its arse every day and that of other dogs! Not seen many humans at that (although doubtless some do 🤣)

I think vast vast majority is a push 🥴

WiddlinDiddlin · 07/02/2023 11:32

SleepingisanArt · 07/02/2023 11:07

Have owned several independent restaurants and in all cases the council EHO (Environmental Health) have said no dogs except guide (or assistance) dogs. So I wonder how dogs can be allowed at all.........

Weird then, as dogs have never been banned from food serving/sales areas, just food prep (inc behind the bar in pubs, which is ignored by many pubs that own dogs).

Itgoesalittlesomethinglikethis · 07/02/2023 11:33

DD has a dog allergy (and food allergies), she's got better over the years but as a baby, a dog would walk past and she'd break out in hives and start itching herself. I never noticed a dog in a cafe back then only on buses. So I do get where OP is coming from.
I went to a cafe last year and noticed a dog there. It was very well behaved with responsible dog owners like @Mariposista and the children had something to stare at (which made them sit still). I have no issue with dogs in cafes. It's a tough one because we have allergy information about food but it doesn't mean the menu is free of certain allergens. I've been told in cafes, yes we use this allergen and it's better you go eat somewhere else.

Original poster
Dogscanteatonions · 07/02/2023 11:33

nc1013 · 07/02/2023 11:31

Don't think I've ever seen a dog licking another dogs arse....

Show quote history

I guess I meant sniffing actually

OP posts:
Jijithecat · 07/02/2023 11:33

Guide dogs always come up as some kind of gotcha on these threads. I can honestly say I can't recall ever seeing a Guide dog in a bar/cafe/restaurant and I eat out several times a week.

In these instances it really does seem to be down to the owners and not the dogs. At an indoor Christmas Market (very delicate ornament) type place a couple were trying to negotiate their way in with their labradoodle despite the big sign saying no dogs. I don't believe taking the dog into the market was in anyway enhancing the life of the dog. Just leave the poor thing at home.

bussteward · 07/02/2023 11:35

Merlo · 07/02/2023 11:30

Genuinely asking, where are all these places where dogs are allowed in everywhere? I live in a small city and there are two cafes that allow dogs and 3 shops. That’s it! Majority of places do not allow dogs around here!

Ooh, where are you? I’ll come and live there. You can have Sussex, which is a hound haven.

GoodChat · 07/02/2023 11:36

Merlo · 07/02/2023 11:30

Genuinely asking, where are all these places where dogs are allowed in everywhere? I live in a small city and there are two cafes that allow dogs and 3 shops. That’s it! Majority of places do not allow dogs around here!

Generally places that are more rural or places that are popular tourist destinations

MrsMikeDrop · 07/02/2023 11:36

Agree with you 100%! It's ridiculous! Dogs are dogs!!

Springbreakwoohoo · 07/02/2023 11:36

Merlo · 07/02/2023 11:30

Genuinely asking, where are all these places where dogs are allowed in everywhere? I live in a small city and there are two cafes that allow dogs and 3 shops. That’s it! Majority of places do not allow dogs around here!

It varies so much. We live in a very dog friendly town where dogs are allowed everywhere (shops, cafes etc). It makes business sense if there’s a demand, which there is. Perhaps let the OP and their assenters know where you are, so they can relocate 😃

RomansTheyGoTheHouse · 07/02/2023 11:37

I think it's probably regional to a certain extent.

I don't very often see dogs in cafes/pubs etc. And when I do, they all seem to be behaving themselves - more or less. The vast majority are under the table and I barely know they are there unless I see them walk in/out.

From my own POV it doesn't bother me when they are allowed and doesn't bother me when they are not, but I understand why more and more businesses are allowing it. £.

BarrelOfOtters · 07/02/2023 11:37

Jijithecat · 07/02/2023 11:33

Guide dogs always come up as some kind of gotcha on these threads. I can honestly say I can't recall ever seeing a Guide dog in a bar/cafe/restaurant and I eat out several times a week.

In these instances it really does seem to be down to the owners and not the dogs. At an indoor Christmas Market (very delicate ornament) type place a couple were trying to negotiate their way in with their labradoodle despite the big sign saying no dogs. I don't believe taking the dog into the market was in anyway enhancing the life of the dog. Just leave the poor thing at home.

Guide dogs would not be on soft furnishings and are trained to keep out of the way. So an allergic person would not have to come into direct contact.

Unlike many dogs who would be right up at you given half a chance. Love it myself. But i can understand how it's a pain if you are allergic or not a doggy person or like your dogs very well behaved when out.

AccidentallyRunToWindsor · 07/02/2023 11:38

@TrashyPanda I'm sure even the most ardent dog hater doesn't mind a guide dog surely?

Bagsundermyeyestoday · 07/02/2023 11:38

It's weird how people are so against trans yet fine for dogs to take over

OdeToBarney · 07/02/2023 11:38

BarrelOfOtters · 07/02/2023 10:50

I really like a dog in a cafe, shop or pub...so I'm afraid I'm not your target audience. There was a lovely small older dog in the pub at the weekend while the rugby was on who was the perfect size to fit on the pub stool while rolled up asleep. I think he'd been chosen for that reason.

There was a collie puppy mugging people for crisps too.

See this is exactly the kind of thing that pisses me off. I don't want to be mugged by a collie for my crisps. I wouldn't tolerate another human begging for my food, so why is it OK if it's a dog?

Goodread1 · 07/02/2023 11:38

@Gulpy

I can't amagine one min a woman just randomly swatting like that to have a pee in the aisle,

I think that's story is made up to be deliberately provoke to create a bit of reaction,
I call bullshit on that imaginary tale,
better to become a fiction story teller

gogohmm · 07/02/2023 11:39

@Merlo

I live on the coast, most people own dogs, most venues are dog friendly. My ddog is made very welcome and many pub restaurant menus have a dog section

MeridianB · 07/02/2023 11:42

Sick of seeing them in supermarkets. Including one that was tied up to a pole and began vomiting on the floor. Staff do nothing. Since when is it OK to bring dogs into a supermarket?

gogohmm · 07/02/2023 11:42

@OdeToBarney

Most of us do not allow our dogs to beg, ddog sits under the table and sleeps, until chips arrive then I get pressure on my lap

NoGoodUsernamee · 07/02/2023 11:42

Just came on to see someone make the comparison between dogs & children. Wasn’t disappointed 🤡 they are simply not comparable. They’re humans who are entitled to enjoy society as much as adults, you to were children once who were probably annoying & loud at times. Dogs on the other hand… are dogs.

follyfoot37 · 07/02/2023 11:43

I have the same reaction when I see children/toddlers who are clearly still in nappies sitting/standing in shopping trollies. Not in the designated seat bit mind, the actual bit where shopping is placed
This is far more unhygienic than a dog on a sofa; shit/pee and dirt from outside directly where people place their food.
And not all food comes in a wrapper (before anyone starts); fruit and veg for example

Leobynature · 07/02/2023 11:43

I dislike dogs, I think it’s really unhygienic to have them wear food is served and at times dangerous too. Britain is dog obsessed

MrPoppysParka · 07/02/2023 11:43

Can people stop comparing dogs to people?! It’s so weird to me. Dogs are dogs.

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