7 dogs in Starbucks today is too much

[Elfandwellbeing]

I turned around and walked out again, don’t get me started on dogs sniffing cups and plates of food whilst sat next to the owners.
What is the solution ?
Can’t dogs be left anymore?
AIBU to think dog separation cannot be so painful that dogs have to go everywhere!

Interesting that two posters on this thread have such similar names, wonder what the odds are of that? 🤔

Anyway, this question just reinforces my view that some people set the bar a lot lower than others in terms of what they expect from a place where food is consumed.

'Part of the family' 😂😂well I know some Mumsnet users have unusual family setups, but actual blending of species is surely where you draw the line

No it is backward. The so called societal change you speak of is a minority of selfish dog owners, who instead of changing their lifestyles to accommodate their pet, are seeking to impose on others, and some food outlets take advantage of this to make money.

I think I could have been clearer as I have obviously been misunderstood by more than one poster.

By saying it's not backward, I mean it's becoming more the status quo, rather than reverting to something from a bygone time. So dogs are more acceptable everywhere now and will continue to be so as there has been a cultural shift. It's the same as how children didn't used to be acceptable in pubs and many restaurants but are now. It's a forward trajectory, not really anything any of the dog haters can do about it as it's a societal change driven by many different factors.

It isn't a minority either as that wouldn't be enough to drive that kind of widespread change or response from business owners. I know people who don't like children being in pubs/restaurants/cafes. There are plenty of them on this thread, and all the other dog hating threads. They complain about it a lot but either have to locate somewhere that meets their specific needs, stay home, or put up with it. Same with dogs now.

You honestly don't know people who consider their pets part of the family?

It's a matter of opinion that they're not doing anything wrong. How are people supposed to 'manage' their allergies if they're encountering allergy triggers in more and more public places these days? Are they supposed to just 'go home' as a pp charmingly posited?

The fact that so many places allow dogs now really cuts down the pool of choice for people who are allergic. And no, dog owners aren't obligated to care about that, but then they shouldn't be surprised if some people consider them selfish as a result.

Says a lot of people. Who don't like dogs for any number of reasons, well trained or not.

Says a lot of people Who do like dogs. But understand that not everyone does.

I'm glad you love your dog. Dogs deserve to be loved. But I don't think indoor cafes and shops should be full of people's dogs unless they are working dogs.

But I don't think indoor cafes and shops should be full of people's dogs unless they are working dogs.

But increasingly your view is at odds with those people who own and manage indoor cafes and shops. You are entitled to your view, it's just a bit dated now.

You must lead a boring life if you think you've made an amusing comment.

Agreed. What is the problem with dogs in cafes? Obviously not if they are weeing everywhere or barking but surely not. They're less noisy than screaming children which are very irritating.

My main problem with well-behaved dogs in cafes is if there are too many of them it triggers my allergy

I have never been in a dog friendly place where dogs were behaving badly, barking, running about, begging for other people’s food etc. By and large they ate sitting minding their own business.

Dated, perhaps.

Or more likely sick of arguing with everyone who thinks their dogs should be treated like children in public.

I really feel for those who regularly have to put up with dogs jumping up, slobbering, stinking, fighting, stealing food, frightening children, barking, urinating, whining & not forgetting vigorously rubbing their anuses along all available flat surfaces in cafes.

Not to say it never happens, I'm sure it does, but I've never seen it personally, in all my years of going into cafes.

In fact, I rarely even notice when there's a dog there as I'm too busy minding my own business & the dogs are always well behaved, so I'm inclined to think some posters just enjoy moaning.

I reserve sympathy for those who are medically affected by dogs being present & FWIW I don't subscribe to the 'I need to take my dogs everywhere with me', but some of you need to get a grip if the mere presence of a dog that is just existing is getting you so wound up.

Me either, but seen plenty of dog bark at another dog while the owner of the non barking says 'ah he just wants to say hello!' While not moving away. Maybe my nearest dog cafe has all the crappy owners. It is very dog friendly so has a dog menu and dog training ground outside. More dogs more obliviously owners I guess? If 1 in ten owners is happy to let their dog get in a nervous dogs face then the more dogs in the cafe the more that behaviour is seen. It would piss me right off if someone did that to my dog, but as I say, it's alway busy so obviously not. I just can't see how it's enjoyable. Fine if you have a nervous dog maybe?

I really don't think it is a business decision in most cases. More like entitled dog owners just take their dogs into places then kick off if told not allowed, so staff have been told not to challenge as its dangerous.
Similar to shoplifting after covid.

Many dog owners are so selfish they don't ask or look for a sign and often kick off saying their dog is better than children.

There is one poster on here so dim they keep confusing a child's nappy covered and clothed bottom as a greater hygiene risk than a dogs paws or anus on a seat or trolley. How can you communicate with that as an argument? Covered humans vs an animal?
And all the posters who can't tell that humans trump dogs. It's pressure on businesses because they shout the loudest. Polite would be customers just leave and don't come back.

I've also seen xl bullies as therapy dogs, just imagine what will happen soon in schools and hospitals if this trend continues.

If there were one designated cafe in every town for neurotic dogs and their incompetent owners, I wouldn't have a word to say against it.

I'd rather go somewhere where dogs are and children ain't tbh, the behaviour is better.

Or neither, that's best.

If I was going out to meet friends for coffee or lunch I wouldn't take my dogs. But if I'm on a countryside or beach walk with the dogs it is nice to have somewhere to sit inside to get a drink or eat. If the weather is good I'd stay outside, but if its cold & wet being able to sit in a designated area, with my 2 dogs on very short leads is preferable to sitting outside waiting for others to eat...I've done that on many a UK holiday, & still would if there was no choice. But it does make life a lot easier to be able to take the dogs. However, unless we were out on their walk, or on holiday, they wouldn't be with me anyway. They need to get used to being left.

Yes simple solution really.

The 4 dogs I saw yesterday in a very busy shopping area surely were not enjoying being there. Poor dogs.
one large dog was straining in his lead and the stupid owner just said - aw he wants to say hello to everyone.

There was a gorgeous well groomed retriever lying on a bench in the coffee shop which got some looks as there were no seats free.

Dogs in the hairdressers yesterday. I mean it’s fine but I said I don’t want to pet them!

Iwas in the Piccadilly branch of Waterstones recently. They have a gallery cafe running round the upper floor. There was a dog up there looking down through the rails at all the people milling round below in rapt fascination, tail waving. He was clearly enjoying himself hugely and not bothering anyone.

Whilst I don't disagree in principle with the argument that dogs shouldn't be in restaurants, I do think it's a little churlish to call dog owners 'selfish' for taking their dogs to a place they have been given to understand they are welcome.
Yes, it isn't great that in some areas all cafes etc have jumped on the bandwagon, so those allergic to dogs/scared or would rather not eat where there are dogs are pushed out, but that's down to businesses capitalising on an emerging market opportunity.
In the highly competitive world of high street cafes and coffee shops, it's a fight for a share. Just as pubs started doing food and advertising themselves as 'family friendly' to survive, I think many are doing this with dogs.
Where it moves into selfish territory will be when it becomes big news when cafes buck the trend and advertise 'no dogs' and all the dog owners make a big song and dance about how 'doggist' the UK is and how it's now a 'right' to take your dog absolutely everywhere and, whilst there, let your dog bother other diners. It's already starting....

I have never been in a dog friendly place where dogs were behaving badly, barking, running about, begging for other people’s food etc. By and large they ate sitting minding their own business.

The badly behaved ones may have been chucked out. My SIL was understandably asked to leave a cafe because her dogs wouldn't stop barking and reacting. She had already paid for her food, so she took them to the outdoor tables where they proceeded to knock over the table complete with coffee, sandwich and traybake. Probably trying to get a bite of the sandwich, since that's what they're used to. They aren't big scary dogs, just untrained. I'm sure the people trying to enjoy a Sunday morning coffee in that particular establishment were glad to see the tail end of her and her unruly dogs.

Whilst I don't disagree in principle with the argument that dogs shouldn't be in restaurants, I do think it's a little churlish to call dog owners 'selfish' for taking their dogs to a place they have been given to understand they are welcome.

Just to clarify, the 'selfish' comment was mainly driven by statements along the lines of 'why should dog owners care about your allergies, they're your problem' from some pps - it's specifically that attitude I was calling selfish.