Dogs in restaurants

MealDealDreamz · 2024-07-21T09:50:21+00:00

Informal dining and cafes, fine. Pubs, fine. But only if dogs are on the floor and reasonably well behaved (by that I mean not barking all the time).Restaurant not fine. Am I alone in this? If I am paying to go somewhere specifically to enjoy the food and pay extra for it and want to enjoy a special evening (birthday) why do I have to put up with a dog lying on the floor at the table next to me?. I just don't think this is necessary or acceptable. Am I totally alone in this?

MidnightPatrol · 21/07/2024 10:51

I don’t mind so long as the dog is well-behaved and not yapping.

I’ve had many evenings out interrupted by loud / drunk adults, but never a dog.

I agree they shouldn’t be on the furniture.

KenAdams · 21/07/2024 10:53

No, the people who started the 10000 other threads on this agree with you, but it's been about 2 days since the last one so a new one was definitely needed.

Original poster

MealDealDreamz · 21/07/2024 10:58

@KenAdams sorry on school hols now. Usually no time to come on Mumsnet. I'll get my coat. 😀

OP posts:

User016529 · 21/07/2024 11:03

There are plenty of restaurants around. Book one that doesn’t allow dogs surely ??

That’s the simplest way around it.

theexceliconisgreen · 21/07/2024 11:24

Same OP, I always wonder why people feel the need to take their dogs everywhere! No need for dogs in restaurants

Original poster

MealDealDreamz · 21/07/2024 11:26

@User016529 I don't live in a huge place. There aren't that many restaurants and this one is especially renowned for its excellent food. I wanted to eat there. I did not think to check ahead if they allow dogs? Why would I?

OP posts:

Hasbean2 · 21/07/2024 11:31

theexceliconisgreen · 21/07/2024 11:24

Same OP, I always wonder why people feel the need to take their dogs everywhere! No need for dogs in restaurants

It's a mixture. Dogs can only be left a certain period so if mine have been left for a long time already in the day eg a working day then I'd prefer to take them with me. Somedogs really struggle with being left

On holiday there are often rules that you can't leave your dogs in accommodation so they have to go everywhere with you.

It's also ease. If I'm already out with them and want to stop in for dinner then I'm unlikely to drive home, drop off my dog and come back. Places know if they want passing foot trade in lots of places that will have a higher than average percentage of people with dogs if its in a walking area, tourist area or highstreet. Different if you are a restaurant in somewhere like bluewater where your passing by trade doesn't have dogs.

I go out for dinner regularly without my dogs, because often it's not convenient but some times it's essential they come with me

I've no shade on places that don't accept them it's just on lots of occasions they are less likely to get my trade

magicmushrooms · 21/07/2024 11:35

User016529 · 21/07/2024 11:03

There are plenty of restaurants around. Book one that doesn’t allow dogs surely ??

That’s the simplest way around it.

You would be surprised how few don't. It is like campsites and holiday accomodation, virtually all of them allow dogs these days.

Hasbean2 · 21/07/2024 11:36

On a different note as a dog owner it's a pain when places allow dogs but aren't set up for it.

It's far more annoying as a dog owner with a settled dog if a nearby dog is wandering about, or barking.

If places accept dogs they should have ample space, and have tables tucked away that are more suited. Nothing worse than pre booking with a dog to find out you've been given a tiny table in the middle with no where to tuck a dog away so dog has no choice but to be in the way, or too close to another table who may not want a dog near them. Booth style seating is the worst for this.

It's like when places pretend to be kid friendly but don't have enough space for high chairs/ buggy space/ changing areas.

If you can't accommodate them then say!

It drives me mad because people look at you and assume you've insisted on putting your dog somewhere inappropriate, rather than having deliberately searched out somewhere dog friendly, been told its okay etc

BusyCM · 21/07/2024 11:36

MealDealDreamz · 21/07/2024 11:26

@User016529 I don't live in a huge place. There aren't that many restaurants and this one is especially renowned for its excellent food. I wanted to eat there. I did not think to check ahead if they allow dogs? Why would I?

Why would you?

Well, because it matters to you! That's why.
I wouldn't check as I'm not bothered. But something like having a car park is something I would prefer so I choose to go where there is one. No point me not checking and then complaining they don't have a car park. It's on you to check for dogs since it's such a big deal to you.

Prinnny · 21/07/2024 11:38

Rather a dog laid at its owners feet than a group of obnoxious adults talking so loud you can’t hear yourself think.

GoldFrame · 21/07/2024 11:39

I love dogs and have always had dogs. But this new obsession with taking dogs everywhere is doing my head in. There’s a tiny cafe near me and people take giant dogs in, there’s no room and I just do not see the necessity.

Topseyt123 · 21/07/2024 11:39

I don't see the issue if the dogs are well behaved and not bouncing up and down barking all the time, or trying to nick food.

I was in a restaurant last night and there were a couple of groups in with dogs. No issues at all.

Do you know that none of the dogs were assistance dogs of any sort? Restaurants and shops are not allowed to ban those, whether you like it or not.

SoupDragon · 21/07/2024 11:42

I'm a dog lover and I don't think dogs should be inside restaurants etc (service dogs excluded, obviously).

I had a dog. If I wanted to go to a restaurant/cafe I left him at home.

Original poster

MealDealDreamz · 21/07/2024 11:47

@BusyCM go out so infequently so I just didn't think to check. Will bear that in mind. I don't have an issue with casual dining and dogs. Just think restaurants is a bit much. @Hasbean2 good perspective on issues in ill prepared places. @Topseyt123 obviously no issue with assistance dogs!
Also yes, better a well behaved dog than a load of pissed up gobshites 😀

OP posts:

TwattyMcFuckFace · 21/07/2024 11:51

I can't get fussed about people having choices 🤷‍♀️

I think it's great some pubs and restaurants allow them and some don't.

Just like children really.

ETA: Restaurants too

K0OLA1D · 21/07/2024 11:53

Totally up to the owner of the restaurant. If they want it to be dog friendly then it's totally their choice. No one is forcing anyone to go.

Trixiefirecracker · 21/07/2024 11:54

Prinnny · 21/07/2024 11:38

Rather a dog laid at its owners feet than a group of obnoxious adults talking so loud you can’t hear yourself think.

Waiting for this and one about kids being worse than dogs…3.2.1….😂
I agree OP. They should be in an establishment with food, my personal opinion. Unless there are seats outside.

K0OLA1D · 21/07/2024 11:54

BusyCM · 21/07/2024 11:36

Why would you?

Well, because it matters to you! That's why.
I wouldn't check as I'm not bothered. But something like having a car park is something I would prefer so I choose to go where there is one. No point me not checking and then complaining they don't have a car park. It's on you to check for dogs since it's such a big deal to you.

Show quote history

This!

Goldusty · 21/07/2024 12:02

Dogs don't belong in human eateries for obvious reasons

Goldusty · 21/07/2024 12:05

A considerate dog owner wouldn't take their pet in such establishments as it neither benefits the dog nor others who have hygiene and etiquette standards of sorts ....

HowIrresponsible · 21/07/2024 12:07

I remember being at Gaucho which is hugely expensive only for the outside terrace to be spoilt by dogs and one in particular barking and begging for food. It smells steak it will want one.
Keep your dog at home or don't have one if it doesn't fit your lifestyle.

dropoutin · 21/07/2024 12:19

I find it extraordinary how many dog owners just assume that other people are as comfortable with their smelly, manic, slobbering hairy monster as they are. Like you go their house, 2 seconds inside the door and you get the full force of said slobbering hair-mass all over you, and they laughingly mutter "oh, get down Henry" as if to say "all in good fun, eh?"

No it isn't. And no I don't want some filthy animal lying around licking its balls while I tuck into my coq au vin. I can't even understand how it's not against hygene regulations. Noone I know would be OK with seeing rats in a restaurant. Why not? Rats are cleaner animals than dogs.

Or would it make all the difference if it's somebody's pet rat?

K0OLA1D · 21/07/2024 12:29

HowIrresponsible · 21/07/2024 12:07

I remember being at Gaucho which is hugely expensive only for the outside terrace to be spoilt by dogs and one in particular barking and begging for food. It smells steak it will want one.
Keep your dog at home or don't have one if it doesn't fit your lifestyle.

Edited

If I am on holiday, or for whatever reason with my dog and we decided to eat out. I would eat at a dog friendly restaurant or pub.

K0OLA1D · 21/07/2024 12:30

dropoutin · 21/07/2024 12:19

I find it extraordinary how many dog owners just assume that other people are as comfortable with their smelly, manic, slobbering hairy monster as they are. Like you go their house, 2 seconds inside the door and you get the full force of said slobbering hair-mass all over you, and they laughingly mutter "oh, get down Henry" as if to say "all in good fun, eh?"

No it isn't. And no I don't want some filthy animal lying around licking its balls while I tuck into my coq au vin. I can't even understand how it's not against hygene regulations. Noone I know would be OK with seeing rats in a restaurant. Why not? Rats are cleaner animals than dogs.

Or would it make all the difference if it's somebody's pet rat?

Don't go to restaurants that allow dogs. There you go, problem solved