Dogs Everywhere

[SusanandMidge]

I don't live in the UK but am just back from a holiday in Cornwall. We were shocked at the amount of dogs allowed everywhere. They were in every restaurant, cafe, pub and hotel. Two or three people with dogs would all go into a small shop, blocking the aisles for everyone else. In Port Isaac on a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon the whole harbour and uphill area was disrupted by loud and continuous barking. Dogs were running around off leash on every beach. People were clogging the narrow pavements with two or three dogs on leads, wheeling dogs around in prams and buggies, stopping outside holiday cottages for ages chatting while their dogs barked, yapped and howled and ruined the peace for the people inside.

We were genuinely wondering if the next time we came back there would be dog and owner spaces in supermarket carparks and an expectation that you should stand up on public transport to let people with dogs sit down.

AIBU to think England has gone a bit mad when it comes to dogs?

Yes Ireland is rapidly going the same way although we're still a bit behind England. It's surreal to watch. We used to laugh at the Germans for using dogs as substitutes for children and the Americans for putting doggy coats on them and spending fortunes on vets bills. Now you can't walk anywhere without having to watch for dogpoo. I'm absolutely sick of scrubbing it out of DD's shoes.

Our taxes even had to pay for ads by the Council to tell people to pick up after their dogs. And I know at least 3 people who are tormented by a neighbour's dog barking incessantly. I like most dogs, always had them growing up, but the current obsession with them, and the behaviour of so many owners, is really weird.

@MatchyM I take my dog for appropriate walks. I wanted to book a dog friendly holiday. So I chose Cornwall. As it's a dog friendly place. Why leave him in the caravan when he's allowed in the bingo and disco. Why should I be made to feel bad about taking him. He is a good dog and is welcome in the evenings at the entertainment.
The alternative would be to leave him in kennels. I wouldn't leave him at home on his own would I? But I booked a dog friendly holiday. I don't expect you to understand if you dislike dogs and holidays

I'm a dog lover and I hate it. I don't want dogs (especially wet ones!) sitting beside my table while I eat or in the pub when im out to relax and my partner is allergic to them, it's so bloody annoying

But regardless of whether a place is 'dog friendly' or not, surely basic manners and consideration apply? As I said upthread, it's a bit like some parents who think that because a restaurant is family friendly it means that their kids can run riot, annoy other people, shout and scream etc.

You said dogs were allowed everywhere, then said people are can’t understand why their dogs aren’t allowed everywhere. I’m not trying to make a point, just trying to understand yours.

Holiday accommodation wont let you leave dogs alone there, so people on holiday have to take their dog everywhere with them, shops included. On a hot day, you can't leave them in the car.
My dog is my family, so she comes on holiday with me. She loves the beach, all the new smells etc We spend some lovely quality time together. I love seeing her enjoy herself, and when she is gone, I will have lovely memories to look back on.

At no point have I said that children are not sometimes annoying, especially when they scream. That still doesn't justify entitled dog owners though, or mean that comparing the two makes any sense. Comparing annoyance levels to completely different things isn't really helpful.

I was in Polperro this week and saw Doggie Beer advertised. I thought ice cream was a step too far but there was further to go…

People used to leave their dogs in kennels or with relatives when they went on holiday, The dog isn't delighted to be in Cornwall, looking forward to his holiday etc. He's not human.

@SusanandMidge but if you're on holiday you usually go out for the day, and most holiday lets allow dogs so long as they aren't left alone in the property, plus a responsible owner would never leave a dog for more than 4 hours. Hence why they chose dog friendly places.

Shop/cafe owners choose whether to allow dogs. It's really up to them to say if they don't want dogs on their premises. From this thread there's clearly a market for it so it's up to them to make No Dogs their USP.

I live in Cornwall FWIW. We went to the Wye Valley last year in August and couldn’t believe how few dogs and humans there were in such a beautiful outdoorsy area!

Dog owner here and delighted at the big increase in places welcoming dogs. Can see how it might piss people off though. I think places with separate areas probably work best.
Having said that, dog owners should work on their dog's manners if they take them to pubs, cafes etc.
I didn't take mine into places like that until I was confident she would settle and not whinge or try to go up to other dogs. Also she is never off lead and isn't permitted to approach anyone unless they ask to interact. She is a big dog though, so I do avoid smaller spaces.

@ThursdayLastWeek they sell dog beer in pets at home. It's not a new thing.

Yes they are everywhere and I hate them. Horrible things.

It was new to me!
And I still think it’s odd even if it is in Pets at Home TBH

Couldn't agree more OP; it's got worse since lockdown. Near me there is a vegan café (because dairy is so so bad for the environment and the poor animals) that has being 'particularly dog-friendly' as one of it's USP's. The irony!

But surely it's about consideration? Bringing your dog into a small souvenir shop where he is going to be blocking the aisle, allowing him to bark and yap for ages directly outside people's holiday cottages, letting him wander and sniff around other people in restaurants, blocking narrow pavements with 2 or 3 dogs on leads is surely rude and inconsiderate?

You really do live up to your username, don't you? 🖕

@SusanandMidge I was just trying to explain why you might have encountered more dogs on holiday at this time of the year when the seasonal bans are lifted.
I actually feel sorry for a lot of dogs I see on holiday, being dragged around busy places in the heat, especially the week we were down there, bar the butchers, most dogs are not interested in going round the shops!

😄

A well behaved dog is so much better that a screeching snot spreading toddler.

You do realise that you were once a toddler? There are people, humans, on the planet who for whatever reason are less cognitively and physically developed than others. Some will spit, and dribble, and scream, and be unable to wipe their noses for their whole lives. Most will develop the capacity to wipe their noses themselves for the vast majority of their lives. Possibly one day, due to old age or illness, you may also screech and/or be snotty but unable to wipe your nose.

I just don't see how hating toddlers because of behaviour they generally can't control, or comparing them to dogs, is acceptable when expressing hatred for pretty much any other group of humans because of that kind of prejudice is deemed unacceptable.

Dogs are a different species. Many people find them lovely, and welcome them in public spaces. Some don't.

Toddlers are humans. You literally used to be one.

Yup! I agree! I cannot imagine why a dog would want to be dragged all the way to Cornwall and then have to stay in a strange unknown place and be dragged around cafes, shops and restaurants and packed out streets!

Why would I do that when I specifically want to take my dog with me? My dog is delighted to be on holiday. We don't live near a beach, so it is rare treat. I know when my dog is enjoying something and seeing her enjoy things lifts my spirits so much. But if you do not have a dog, then I would never expect you to understand.

I could ask why people take small babies on holiday. Why not leave them with family etc. But I don't, because I am not an arse.

You are actually comparing a dog with a human baby? You don't see how ridiculous that is, no matter how much you love your pet?

@XenoBitch agree. And why would people put their dog in a kennel if they have a chance to take them on holiday.