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?

You're clearly unable to move from your fixed view, let's leave it there.

I'm afraid if you have to rely on sweeping statements that only reflect your experience it's always going to be controversial.

There will always be bad dog owners but there are statements on here that are simply not true.

But if they help your point of view crack on.

I'm a big dog fan (always grew up with them and had them around) but my god since covid it's gone off the charts. Being expected to treat other people's dogs as if they're human and/or members of the family. Does my head in!

I'm torn on this one.

On the one hand - as a dog owner - I am immensely grateful that so many places in the UK are dog friendly. I have a dog and I like taking him places. However he's a placid greyhound, doesn't bark, doesn't pester people, jump up, etc. and as long as we take his portable bed he is happy to just curl up and sleep wherever we stop.
I am also a responsible dog owner, I keep him on a short lead in busy places, pick up his poo, don't let him wee in inappropriate places, etc. and basically do my best to ensure his presence doesn't bother anyone. If he WAS barking and being disruptive I'd do something about it.

However I'll agree that there are lots of irresponsible dog owners that are a right PITA. Don't control their dogs, pick up after them, stop them barking, jumping up, take them into places where their behaviour is disruptive etc. and these people and their dogs are a bloody nuisance. I can fully understand why this sort of thing pisses people off, particularly people who don't really like dogs.

We were on holiday a few weeks ago, having a meal in a café with our two children. Greyhound was tucked away snoozing in a nook next to our table. A couple came in with a bouncy dog (I can't remember the breed now) who immediately started leaping about, jumped on our dog and then and actually jumped up and put it's paws on our table. They didn't even apologise and just carried on like this was perfectly normal.

I truly believe a LOT of people (probably mostly people who don't have a clue) got dogs during lockdown and now we're seeing the result of lots of poorly trained dogs running riot with clueless owners.

It's a huge shame as it spoils things for everyone - those who don't want to be bothered by dogs, and also those dog owners who are responsible and don't take the piss.

Not sure what the answer is!

The irony is you are doing what you are suggesting I am doing.
As already said, we'll leave it there.

The irony is you are doing what you are suggesting I am doing.
As already said, we'll leave it there.

don't live in Cornwall, but, as already stated, there are very few cafes, beaches, even shops, that don't allow (or turn a blind eye) to dogs in their premises. It's draining tbh.

Very few cafes, beaches even shops

in the uk? 🤔 or just where you live 🤔

Yep that's sweeping .

And not true.

Excuse me if you've actually researched and done a survey. Have you alerted all the councils that there websites are wrong?

I was so excited. I went in a hotel that had a no dogs sign. Nope. Bloody dogs causing havoc there too. Owners not giving a damn.

Given that I used to work in a charity shop and someone took a dump in the changing room I’m absolutely certain this could have happened.

That's why my 2 stay at home. Only place they have been where there is loads of people and dogs, local dog charity show.

Does 'let's leave it there' also get interpreted differently where you come from???

I think that it's deemed appropriate by some people, it's not deemed appropriate by everyone, hence these posts
But if they are not breaking rules, they are not in the wrong. Some people might not like it that's their right but they have no right to judge the dog owner for doing what they are allowed to.

I arranged to meet a friend yesterday. She picked a hotel. Was planning to meet outside but as weather got bad, it became obvious we'd meet inside. As I was ready to go, thunder started. I wasn't going to leave my dog alone at home with thunder. I went on the hotel website, it said dogs allowed with comments about they were also allowed in restaurant.

Off I went with -small, ver well behaved- doggy. I also made sure to pick them up and cover them so there would be no wet dog smell. Started to walk towards the sitting area place. Before I'd even sat down, some woman started shouting that it was disgusting to have dogs in. She was loud and so unpleasant. Staff came and asked me if I'd mind sitting in a separate room, away from that area. I said it was no problem at all. My dog stood under my seat the entire time except when creating my friend. Didn't bark at all (never dies). Yet this woman made nasty comments again as she passed us when she was leaving.

She doesn't have to like dogs. She is entitled to think they don't have their place in a very nice hotel, but she has no right to be rude and insulting to me when I've done nothing wrong at all, nor has my dog.

Just as I checked if dogs were allowed before going, she could have done the same. Pity for her that maybe e her favourite hotel for many years suddenly decided to accept dogs but if it is the case, don't take it out on good dog owners who just follow the rules.

Does 'let's leave it there' also get interpreted differently where you come from???

You are free 'to leave it there' whenever you want.

Just as you are free to generalise and give orders.

I am also free not obey them.

*I think that it's deemed appropriate by some people, it's not deemed appropriate by everyone, hence these posts
But if they are not breaking rules, they are not in the wrong. Some people might not like it that's their right but they have no right to judge the dog owner for doing what they are allowed to.

I arranged to meet a friend yesterday. She picked a hotel. Was planning to meet outside but as weather got bad, it became obvious we'd meet inside. As I was ready to go, thunder started. I wasn't going to leave my dog alone at home with thunder. I went on the hotel website, it said dogs allowed with comments about they were also allowed in restaurant.

Off I went with -small, ver well behaved- doggy. I also made sure to pick them up and cover them so there would be no wet dog smell. Started to walk towards the sitting area place. Before I'd even sat down, some woman started shouting that it was disgusting to have dogs in. She was loud and so unpleasant. Staff came and asked me if I'd mind sitting in a separate room, away from that area. I said it was no problem at all. My dog stood under my seat the entire time except when creating my friend. Didn't bark at all (never dies). Yet this woman made nasty comments again as she passed us when she was leaving.

She doesn't have to like dogs. She is entitled to think they don't have their place in a very nice hotel, but she has no right to be rude and insulting to me when I've done nothing wrong at all, nor has my dog.

Just as I checked if dogs were allowed before going, she could have done the same. Pity for her that maybe e her favourite hotel for many years suddenly decided to accept dogs but if it is the case, don't take it out on good dog owners who just follow the rules.*

Exactly. The problem is bad dog owners. If dogs are allowed, they are allowed.

I haven't read the full thread because you've filled two whole pages just with your replies, but I don't really understand your problem. You seem to be objecting to the sight and smell of the dogs - I mean you can't control for that, whenever you go out in public you run the risk of seeing or hearing something you don't like. For me it's swearing, for you it's dogs. You can't control your environment to this extent.

The question of over indulgent dog owners letting their dogs jump at you and running around off leads is different, and shouldn't be allowed.

I love my dog, but I hate all the dog friendly places. Especially places I go to eat. If we are ou to will try to avoid places dogs are allowed in.

When I was a barmaid I worked in a dog friendly pub. Went to collect some glasses and nearly got bit by the bull terrier under the table.

Ever heard the saying 'like a dog with a bone'.
Let's leave it there, not because I am telling you to, but because as sensible humans we can both recognise this is going nowhere fast.

Tie them to a lamp post?
Seriously?

Yes. People used to leave their dogs outside shops instead of dragging them in with them. Imagine that.

@AmazingSnakeHead 'I haven't read the full thread because you've filled two whole pages just with your replies' - at least @SusanandMidge is still here, reading and responding, unless the many who post and run!

The question of over indulgent dog owners letting their dogs jump at you and running around off leads is different, and shouldn't be allowed.

And I wonder if this is one of the main problems - this behaviour isn’t addressed, because there are too many bad dog owners who assume “dog friendly” means “my dog can do whatever it wants and screw everyone else”.

Or think they don’t need to train dogs because they’re small and cute.

Or are using large dogs as penis extensions.

If we could go back to dogs only being owned by competent and responsible owners, I think people would have far less issues with dogs.

(I still think there should be accommodation for people with dog allergies / phobias, but addressing poor dog / owner behaviour I think would deal with much of the “dislike” factor)

Dog theft wasn't as popular as it was then.

That is why I don't put myself in that position by taking them shopping.

Ever heard the saying 'like a dog with a bone'.
Let's leave it there, not because I am telling you to, but because as sensible humans we can both recognise this is going nowhere fast.

My impression is that you will not countenance any disagreement.

You clearly generalise, it's there to see ,but no it's me. You won't discuss.

You decide it's time to stop and issue the command, somehow under the impression that you control this narrative and then you question that I don't do what you say.
Read back, it's wild.

Honestly . We're meant to be discussing dogs.

And yes unsurprisingly, often heard that saying.

I meant are you seriously suggesting people do that now.

I would never take my well behaved dog to an indoor cafe. He's not the coffee type.

I have taken him to cafes where you sit outdoors and it's allowed. And I would be extremely strict with him. Because it's well, a cafe.

Where I live, you never see dogs in shops and I wouldn't dream of taking my dog into one.

100% would take him to a beach he's allowed on. As usual I expect him not to bother anyone.

And if anyone's not sure where these beaches are, look at the local council website.

In Cornwall there are lists and lists of beaches that do not allow dogs. Same in Wales.

Sorry I've been out and only just seen your response. Apologies, I thought you were accusing me of calling people vile.

But these behaviours aren't generally deemed to be 'appropriate'. They are considered appropriate by people who decide if there's no rule or law against something then it's ok. They don't use any judgment or consideration or take different situations into account. That is the point I was making.