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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dogs slobbering on products in shops

372 replies

PurpIish · 23/09/2023 17:21

I know I'm not being unreasonable! But surely some think I am as they allow their dogs to do this.

Took DD(7) shopping today, trip was really spoiled by a few dogs.

Lush. Someone brought their large dog in, this dog was head height to the lower shelves, and had its snout in several of the products. I was about to complain to the staff, but several staff went over and started petting the dog, clearly they were team dog. I don't want my clean bath products with added dog slobber, nor do I want them handled by someone who has just been touching dogs. I will email lush to tell them, but I am posting to please ask dog people to resist taking your dogs into stores where they are going to have their noses in the products.

Next was at the little pop up market. Another dog, in owner's arms, sneezed on the wares (hand-knitted toys). Obviously sneezing happens, but come on, that's just gross.

Third, today, mid-to-large sized dog, cocked his leg on someone's stall. Owner wasn't even watching. Stall -holder has to pack up her table, with dog piss on the table leg. I did tell the owner, of the stall, she was really pissed off, and lamented that it has happened before, but because she's positioned in the outdoor market area, she has no control over people bringing their dogs right up to her stall.

Fourth. Woman had her dog on a long leash. Elderly chap tripped over the leash. Luckily he didn't land on the ground, it was busy so he just half -fell on someone as he stumbled, but he was shaken, and the person he landed on was hurt too. Dread to think how the old man would be doing had he completely fallen on the ground.

Fifth, there was a dog shit in the middle of the outdoor market.

This is all in one day. We were only out for about three hours.

Please please stop bringing dogs everywhere. And if you absolutely must, please watch them vigilantly so that the rest of us aren't impacted by them.

Yanbu - dogs should stay at home, or go to the park. They should not be in the shops.

Yabu. Dogs are still great, better than humans, and comparable to kids.

OP posts:
Moonwatcher1234 · 23/09/2023 23:03

MadeUpThings · 23/09/2023 23:01

If the restuarant owner allows it, then the dog owner does nothing wrong by taking their dog.

Exactly.

Take it up with the shops/restaurants if you like. Our friends allow dogs in their cafe and their profits went up after they did, presumable z lot of places have found that which is why they allow dogs. Therefore you won't change it and it's tough.

Don’t be so sure - our local cafe is looking at changing the policy on dogs allowed because of the sheer number of badly trained dogs causing havoc amongst the tables. Ultimately people are getting fed uo
with it and voting with their feet - as it’s a commercial rather than moral decisions for th business owner, I think more are going to follow suit and ban them.

sunglassesonthetable · 23/09/2023 23:05

Don’t be so sure - our local cafe is looking at changing the policy on dogs allowed because of the sheer number of badly trained dogs causing havoc amongst the tables. Ultimately people are getting fed uo
with it and voting with their feet - as it’s a commercial rather than moral decisions for th business owner, I think more are going to follow suit and ban them.

All good then. Problem solved.

MadeUpThings · 23/09/2023 23:05

i didn’t say it was illegal. It is, however, completely inconsiderate and selfish. Most would agree. I like dogs but to have them in restaurants is ridiculous.

You're just making that up. You don't know that 'most' people would agree. Mumsnet certainly doesn't represent real life for me.

Buildingthefuture · 23/09/2023 23:05

Right. So it seems you didn’t or couldn’t read what I wrote previously? It is entirely reasonable for me to bring my dog to a restaurant which is advertised extensively on local radio and social media as dog friendly. Around 90% of people who go there take their dogs. So, I’m fairly confident that other diners were happy with it. The personalised treat jar that the staff made for my dog also suggests that the staff are happy with it too. As for “unhygienic”? My dog lays on the floor, next to you know, shoes. Which walk in the floor. You don’t know my dogs, any of them, or me, and you clearly don’t know anything about dogs. Some are extremely happy to go out for dinner! And I am more than happy to take them 🥰

MadeUpThings · 23/09/2023 23:07

Don’t be so sure - our local cafe is looking at changing the policy on dogs allowed because of the sheer number of badly trained dogs causing havoc amongst the tables. Ultimately people are getting fed uo
with it and voting with their feet - as it’s a commercial rather than moral decisions for th business owner, I think more are going to follow suit and ban them.

Then your local cafe isn't my friend cafe. What a surprise. 🤣

If businesses see losses, then yes, they won't allow dogs. But that doesn't seem to be the case. More and more businesses here are allowing dogs.

YeOldeGreyhound · 23/09/2023 23:08

Moonwatcher1234 · 23/09/2023 23:01

i didn’t say it was illegal. It is, however, completely inconsiderate and selfish. Most would agree. I like dogs but to have them in restaurants is ridiculous.

Show quote history

If the dog is well behaved, then what is the problem? On MN, many seem to think that special stinky dog germs float off of dogs and attach themselves to food and to dog allergic people.

In a restaurant, dogs will be in the dining area, not the food prep area. All dog owners will have their own dogs in their kitchen at home... even during food prep. Is there an epidemic of dog owners getting ill from dog germs? No, thought not.

Some people in an eatery will be on holiday. They can't leave their dog in their accomadation, so they have no choice but to take their dog with them.

I have taken my own dog to cafes etc. She lies on her bed at my feet, and does not bother anyone (although if anyone wants to say hi and give her fuss, she loves that too). You probably wont even notice her.

Moonwatcher1234 · 23/09/2023 23:12

Buildingthefuture · 23/09/2023 23:05

Right. So it seems you didn’t or couldn’t read what I wrote previously? It is entirely reasonable for me to bring my dog to a restaurant which is advertised extensively on local radio and social media as dog friendly. Around 90% of people who go there take their dogs. So, I’m fairly confident that other diners were happy with it. The personalised treat jar that the staff made for my dog also suggests that the staff are happy with it too. As for “unhygienic”? My dog lays on the floor, next to you know, shoes. Which walk in the floor. You don’t know my dogs, any of them, or me, and you clearly don’t know anything about dogs. Some are extremely happy to go out for dinner! And I am more than happy to take them 🥰

Thats great for you but dogs are unhygienic in restaurants and that’s just pure common sense. I’m sure that yours is good as gold but many aren’t and why should people going out for a meal be subjected to this grossness - I’ve been out at places where random dogs from the next table have reared up and got far too close to our food. So disgusting snd no way for a restaurant owner to ensure that won’t happen - dogs are animals and therefore unpredictable - they have no place in a restaurant. We clearly won’t agree on this.

sunglassesonthetable · 23/09/2023 23:14

I hold John Lewis responsible for allowing dogs into John Lewis.
Apart from for service dogs I think it's very inappropriate especially around stock.

Individual restaurant, cafe etc owners etc they're responsible for their own establishments. If dogs are welcome you can't blame people for taking them in.

If they can't be behave they should be out, just like humans who can't.

Harrysarseinthedogbowl · 23/09/2023 23:20

Some people in an eatery will be on holiday. They can't leave their dog in their accomadation, so they have no choice but to take their dog with them.

Of course there is a choice, they can put the dog in kennels before they go on holiday ffs.

Moonwatcher1234 · 23/09/2023 23:22

YeOldeGreyhound · 23/09/2023 23:08

If the dog is well behaved, then what is the problem? On MN, many seem to think that special stinky dog germs float off of dogs and attach themselves to food and to dog allergic people.

In a restaurant, dogs will be in the dining area, not the food prep area. All dog owners will have their own dogs in their kitchen at home... even during food prep. Is there an epidemic of dog owners getting ill from dog germs? No, thought not.

Some people in an eatery will be on holiday. They can't leave their dog in their accomadation, so they have no choice but to take their dog with them.

I have taken my own dog to cafes etc. She lies on her bed at my feet, and does not bother anyone (although if anyone wants to say hi and give her fuss, she loves that too). You probably wont even notice her.

Show quote history

I don’t have an issue with dogs - I like them! I think that the problem is with the amount of poorly trained dogs. Perhaps that’s why I notice them more in cafes and restaurants now whereas a few years ago, they were certainly there, but it was not an issue. There has been an uptick in poor owners and lockdown puppies and it is starting to have an impact on day to day interactions. Anyway, I’m sure your dog is great 😊

Buildingthefuture · 23/09/2023 23:24

@Moonwatcher1234 because it IS a dog friendly restaurant and is extensively advertised as such? If you don’t want dogs in a restaurant, pick somewhere else? Would I take my dog to a Michelin star restaurant? No (well, I would if they categorically stated that dogs were specifically welcome ) Or John Lewis. Definitely no. Why would I, he’d be bored shitless. He or she (I have many, take your pick) are never anywhere near food prep or anyone else’s food. They are on the floor. Like all the other dogs we see in restaurants. So, unless you are in the habit of rubbing your meal on the floor, there is nothing unhygienic about it.

Mademetoxic · 23/09/2023 23:32

WiddlinDiddlin · 23/09/2023 20:04

YABU... not because all those things are not horrid, thoughtless, revolting and clearly unacceptable, they are.

But because, as ever, it is the human in charge who is the problem.

I have seen every single one of those issues (down to the piss and shit) caused by humans - children wiping snotty hands everywhere, adults sneezing on stuff, leaving shitty nappies in public places, shitting in public places, pissing on things...

The problem is PEOPLE behaving in thoughtless and revolting ways that affect others.

If everyone could stop being a thoughtless, disgusting arsehole, the world would be a better place.

👏👏

Winksy · 24/09/2023 00:00

YANBU

One took a shit in a shop I was in the other day. Dd4 found it. The owner was long gone and had told the shop assistant she had picked up the dog shit and waved a poo bag at her. Either this was a lie or the dog had shat twice in the shop. Said poor shop assistant then had to clean up the shit whilst the rest of us had to listen to her dry heaving.

Fucking grim.

Original poster
PurpIish · 24/09/2023 00:13

YeOldeGreyhound · 23/09/2023 22:35

Your voting options suck. I don't think dogs should only be allowed in their own homes or in parks, and I also don't think dogs are better than humans.

If a market was outdoors, then you can't really complain about people having dogs with them. And to complain about a dog sneezing is just bizarre. The owner wont have known it was going to happen. And I can guarantee that humans will have also sneezed and coughed over them too. What exactly are you worried about when a dog sneezes? Did the Covid pandemic make you particularly anxious?

Yeah, someone leaving a dog shit in the middle of an outdoor market is gross.

The old trap tripping over a lead was an accident. Hell, I can trip over a matchstick. If it was an extendable lead, then owner should have kept it short in a crowded area. Lots of people use them, but lots don't use them properly.

The Lush shop thing.... are you aware how many people also pick up and sniff the products in Lush? I have taken my dog into Lush once (it was during their greyhound racing campaign, and I took my greyhound to the local store). I can't get worked up about a dog sniffing something that is going to dissolve in a bath with your unwashed body anyway. And lots of unwashed hands will have handles the products too.

A busy, bustling street market really is no place for a dog. I'd also say it was too busy for tiny toddling children. But at least when you inadvertently bump a toddler, they aren't going to snap and bite. I also doubt the old gent would have tripped over a toddler, they are much more visible. The dog was small and the leash was low. It's a wonder the dog didn't get trodden on. Owner typically oblivious/looking at stall wares.

Of course we all sneeze. But most of us know to cover our mouths/noses, or sneeze into the crook of our elbow. The dog let out a really slobbery sneeze, you could see the particles fall.

Yes, I understand people handle the Lush stuff. I tend to pick my products from the back, where I hope there is minimal handling by others. Ideally, I prefer the bottles anyway. There really is a difference between human germs and dog ones.

OP posts:
Original poster
PurpIish · 24/09/2023 00:14

Winksy · 24/09/2023 00:00

YANBU

One took a shit in a shop I was in the other day. Dd4 found it. The owner was long gone and had told the shop assistant she had picked up the dog shit and waved a poo bag at her. Either this was a lie or the dog had shat twice in the shop. Said poor shop assistant then had to clean up the shit whilst the rest of us had to listen to her dry heaving.

Fucking grim.

🤮🤮

Surely the owner of the shop needs to ban dogs.

OP posts:
Mountaineer0009 · 24/09/2023 00:20

Winksy · 24/09/2023 00:00

YANBU

One took a shit in a shop I was in the other day. Dd4 found it. The owner was long gone and had told the shop assistant she had picked up the dog shit and waved a poo bag at her. Either this was a lie or the dog had shat twice in the shop. Said poor shop assistant then had to clean up the shit whilst the rest of us had to listen to her dry heaving.

Fucking grim.

apart from service dogs, imagine the same perspective in a cafe or restraunt and people eating, this is a good example of why it should be only service dogs allowed.

YeOldeGreyhound · 24/09/2023 01:08

Harrysarseinthedogbowl · 23/09/2023 23:20

Some people in an eatery will be on holiday. They can't leave their dog in their accomadation, so they have no choice but to take their dog with them.

Of course there is a choice, they can put the dog in kennels before they go on holiday ffs.

Why would I do that, when I specifically want to take my dog on holiday with me?

MadeUpThings · 24/09/2023 01:17

Why would I do that, when I specifically want to take my dog on holiday with me?

Same. Our dogs come away with us. Why would we put them in kennels when there's so many places that are dog friendly. 🙄

If you don't like it, get off mumsnet, stop whinging and petition places not to let dogs in.
Or just go to places that don't let dogs in. 🤷🏻‍♀️

YeOldeGreyhound · 24/09/2023 01:17

Mountaineer0009 · 24/09/2023 00:20

apart from service dogs, imagine the same perspective in a cafe or restraunt and people eating, this is a good example of why it should be only service dogs allowed.

Show quote history

Even the most dog hating people on MN have never said they saw a dog take a shit in the middle of an eating establishment, and the owner just ignore it.
Now... kids... In my personal experience, and have seen it mentioned on MN too... people changing nappies amongst people eating/drinking in a cafe. That does happen.

Lahdedahiam · 24/09/2023 06:06

MadeUpThings · 24/09/2023 01:17

Why would I do that, when I specifically want to take my dog on holiday with me?

Same. Our dogs come away with us. Why would we put them in kennels when there's so many places that are dog friendly. 🙄

If you don't like it, get off mumsnet, stop whinging and petition places not to let dogs in.
Or just go to places that don't let dogs in. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Exactly!

Also when you take dogs on holiday it's often a rule that you can't leave them alone in a property. So it's great so many places are dog friendly.

LauraStressy · 24/09/2023 06:49

Who in their right mind (can we still say that?) would take their dog into Lush?!! It stinks way too much for me, how would a dogs nose cope?

Is this in a certain part of the country? I have a dog and have never seen a dog in a shop.

Also, I'm in Italy at the moment and there are lots of dogs. No shit though.

Finbad · 24/09/2023 09:24

Witnessed a dog shit on a restaurant floor before covid. It was so grim.
The staff cleaned it up.
I’ve never been back.

ThingthatgoesFFSinthenight · 24/09/2023 09:32

OP, I am with you 100% on this. So fed up of dogs being EVERYWHERE! barking suddenly and making me jump while I am trying to eat. Saw some Sat on a restaurant chair not long ago. Dog arse germs will be all over that chair. EW!!

I might get a pet snake and start taking it everywhere with me!!

Mind you, I did see a chap with an owl on his shoulder in a pub in Glastonbury once and that was quite cool.

Livelovebehappy · 24/09/2023 09:32

NoodlesAndRice · 23/09/2023 22:48

I read it. You made the mistake. Not me.

Show quote history

Read your post again. Slowly. You say you haven’t read the posts you refer to, but that you ‘believe people who did quote them’. Take your own advice and actually read the thread, otherwise you look a bit silly…….

Livelovebehappy · 24/09/2023 09:35

I really can’t believe that so many people on this thread actually believe the OPs post. All those incidences in one three hour trip? Come on….Fair enough, if you have a gripe about dogs, then have a rant, but making shit up just makes people doubt anything else you say.