Dogs in cafes etc

[Dogscanteatonions]

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?

It doesn't bother me.we used to take our old dog into cafes because she was very well behaved,she'd just lie under our table until we were ready to leave.

The dog we have now is a nutcase so we either sit outside or get takeaway.

I wouldn't eat in a cafe with dogs in it - yuck.

Unless they are assistance dogs.

Most places with a website will state whether dogs are allowed or not.

It's been a surprising mix where I live. Places I'd think fine for dogs don't allow them and similarly, the poshest hotel allowing them.

Most places with a website will state whether dogs are allowed or not.

Yes that works well when planning ahead but not so much when you're looking for sometwhere to eat spontaneously in a place you've never visited before.

I don't need to take antihistamines in a place with dogs normally if they aren't allowed on the furniture. I don't see why I should have to take medicine when people could just you know, not let the dogs on the furniture??

👀 an other 7 pages of dog v human!

Go to one that doesn’t allow dogs. It’s up the owners of the cafe if they allow dogs or not.

I’d rather a few dogs than a load of screeching children running around. Far more peaceful. And there’s literally no cafes that have a ban on kids!

I'll always defend the right of dogs to be in public spaces, controlled as necessary, whether that's loose but reliably trained, leashed, muzzled or as appropriate for that dog to stop it causing a nuisance to others, but there is no reason at all for dogs to be hanging around inside shops and cafes, and certainly not on the furniture.

If you're taking a dog to a cafe or pub, you select one with outside seating and keep the dog at foot, out of the way. I don't see the need for (non-assistance) dogs to be inside shops, ever.

@follyfoot37

a child wearing a nappy is nothing compared to birds, rats, foxes on shopping trollies!!

Don’t see why I should have take a tablet when people could just not wear any clothes in the chance they’ve been near a cat, but they do. And dogs are welcome in lots of places now. Just the way it is!

We were in a pub recently having lunch and my 3 year old needed the toilet, in front of the toilet door was a huge dog just laid there, the door opened outwards and this dog would not move out of the way. I had to go to the bar to ask if they could find the owners to move it. Someone eventually turned up and looked unimpressed that I'd interrupted his mid-day pint to take my toddler to the toilet.

Our local encourages dogs on the seats. They put all the pictures on their social media. My dogs on there a few times.

@Dogscanteatonions

the owners of the pubs/cafes/wherever determine the 'rules' it's up to them to determine what works for their business. If you don't like their rules for their business, don't go. It's so very simple.

I don't see the need for (non-assistance) dogs to be inside shops, ever.

My dog loves a trip to wilkos. We don't make a special trip but if we've been out for a walk it's convenient to pop in on the way and pick up say a pint of milk without making a trip out separately.

Gives me the impression the place is dirty and full of dog hairs, so I avoid any food establishments where dogs are allowed.

Dogs simply aren't allowed everywhere though.

If I wanted to take my dog with me I'd find it harder to find a place to eat than if he wasn't.

They aren't allowed in most shops, and certainly not supermarkets. I've also never seen in a dog in a nice restaurant.

I must be absolutely rotten also, as I don't see what's unhygienic about a dog being NEAR you whilst you eat.

Not at the table, not on a chair, but at your feet under a table. If anyone has any science to back up how this contaminates one's food I would be very interested.

I don't like or dislike dogs tbh, I don't really care about them. But I don't think they should be in pubs, cafes etc. Why do people feel the need to take their dogs everywhere? Can't the little princes/princesses stay at home alone for a few hours?

Most humans don't lick their balls then use the same tongue to take food off a table...

It's really easy, I'm allergic and I move. Had to do it in a theatre recently, it was a bit annoying as I moved to worse seats but we all survived. It was amusing to watch the dog watching the play though....there was a dog in it and the dog kept trying to escape! Not sure what type of assistance dog it was but regardless my approach is I move to resolve the issue. Guide dogs in my experience generally behave well and don't sit on seats intended for people so it's manageable with my allergy.

I have dogs and children.

As far as hygiene goes I would 100% choose a child free eatery. Children are far more unhygienic than dogs.

As for having allergies. I don’t think I’m actually allergic to children but I would be if it got me access to child free areas.

@Tiredalwaystired

How difficult is it to understand that it's the pub/cafe/shop owners right to decide what works best for their business?

it's not a case of Dog trumping paying customer 🙄🙄 it's a case of MANY dog owners spending money in there who wouldn't if they banned dogs 'trumping' the minority who want dog free/restricted venues

their business their decision!!

It is nothing like disabled access.

to be fair I know plenty of people who kick other peoples balls which is arguably worse….

What do dog lovers think about dogs barking in restaurants and cafes? Recently I was out having lunch and a couple and their dog sat at the table next to us. The dog barked endlessly, really loud right in my ear. The owner couldn't stop it so they just carried on eating while everyone around them stared and got agitated. It was so loud we had to get up and move tables.
Surely this is not on? Why should everyone's nice time be interrupted by a howling dog so loud people couldn't have a conversation.

I can tell you why I bring my dog with me.

It's mostly a matter of practicality. If I'm off on a dog walk for a few hours, then it's helpful to either have a meal at the start or end. Lots of people take dogs out for the day. If im walking round a big country park type thing then I already have my dog with me when looking for coffee and cake etc. Its the same with people walking their dogs on seafronts, near towns etc . The reality is that in an area with dog walkers, then they are unlikely to drive home to drop dog off then come back, places know that so want to catch people as they are already there.

I don't obviously need to eat in such circumstances and could cope without but places are doing everything they can to increase passing trade because they need it.

People no longer leave dogs in cars or tie dogs up outside due to the risk of theft. I remember as a kid seeing dogs tied up outside shops and pubs. We also are better aware of leaving dogs for long periods alone, I can't for example leave mine while I'm at work, then come home and leave again to go to the pub. Mostly it means I don't go out weeknights where the dogs been left, but on the rare occasion I do then they come with.

It's a big deal on holidays. Most accommodation like hotels doesn't allow you to leave your dogs unaccompanied there (probably rightly so as there's a risk of disruption via barking or damage) , or isn't suitable eg people camping or people just done

When I'm on holiday the likelihood for people like me, If it doesn't accept dogs then we aren't coming which means establishments and attractions miss out on a huge portion of UK holiday makers.

I don't hold anything against such establishments but its not practical to go to them a lot of the time. Its probably similar for non kid friendly places for parents, of course you'll go for a special occasion but most of the time it's not practical on days where you've got kids with you.