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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Dogs in restaurants

383 replies

MealDealDreamz · 21/07/2024 10:50

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?

OP posts:
AllyCart · 23/07/2024 10:38

...at the next table were a couple theatrically flinching and cowering and tutting about my very placid snoozing dog

Could they maybe smell it?

Not a dig at you, I just don't think owners can smell their dogs as they're so used to it.

sunglassesonthetable · 23/07/2024 10:42

*Could they maybe smell it?

Not a dig at you, I just don't think owners can smell their dogs as they're so used to it.*

Maybe they could.

But you wouldn't think they'd be in the most dog friendly place for miles around then.😂

HighHeelsOnCobblestones · 23/07/2024 11:03

burnoutbabe · 23/07/2024 09:27

Your abit stuffed though when you have no idea somewhere is dog friendly as no dogs there, you sit down to eat your Sunday roast and someone sits next to with 2 small dogs who she puts in the seats next to her (and you as it's all one long seat) then they go on the tables too)

We just ate quickly and left.

Dogs on floors -tolerable -but not on the chairs and tables surely?

In that situation, we’d have to leave immediately with our meals uneaten due to severe allergy. Though because of said allergy we would have asked beforehand and then walked straight out. Rinse and repeat. And rinse and repeat. And rinse and repeat. Because you could check and check and check and find nowhere dog free in some areas.

So many places just don’t say either way. It’s really not hard to put a sign on the door, put the info on their website or Facebook page. Make a decision, stick to it and make it clear for everyone.

One problem these days is, if you want or need somewhere without dogs, you might not find anywhere. Yes, it’s up to the owners of the business but if you can’t be around dogs you find the amount of things you can do are shrinking. The only bookshop in my town has started allowing dogs, the only craft shop too. Go somewhere else you say; in those cases there isn’t anywhere else for miles. Luckily we have a car; we can and do drive miles away to go somewhere else.

The other problem we encounter is the dog owners who don’t respect the businesses with “no dogs” rules. It works both ways. If the business owner has decided no dogs in all or part of their business, their decision. And I say to dog owners exactly what they say to me. Go elsewhere. Dog owners don’t get to decide their dog is an exception to the businesses rule. Some people are relying on their no dogs rules being followed. They have searched and searched and purposely gone to somewhere that doesn’t allow them. It may be the only place that doesn’t allow them for miles.

So don’t take your dog in anyway if part of a business has a sign up saying no dogs, don’t claim a dog is a service dog when it’s not (both threads on here in recent months), don’t sneak your dog into dog free holiday accommodation and leave the next occupant having an allergic reaction (happened to us), don’t take your dog into dog free nature reserves scaring away the wildlife and making it too risky for the child with a dog allergy to go on a school trip (also happened to us). No where else for miles? All dog friendly places booked up? Didn’t think to check beforehand whether your dog was allowed or only allowed in some areas? Can’t leave your dog at home? Tough. The business has decided no dogs in all or part. That place doesn’t meet your needs, find somewhere that does or don’t go. It works both ways.

LilBowWow · 23/07/2024 11:19

Yes, thanks. Pretty sure all dog people know to check if we’re allowed in places. We’re not the problem.

zinger00 · 23/10/2024 10:50

No. Dogs don't belong in places to eat. This is an indulgence, to get more trade. Recently while eating out in a hotel, I saw a big dog at nearby table vomit, then eat its own sick back up off the floor again. Owner oblivious, talking. Another time, the tables each side had 3 dogs between them! and the owners chatted and called out straight across me about their dogs, back & forth, as if I wasn't there. Their conversation was imbecile too.
There are 'dog treats' now in so many shops locally, and owners instead of really walking the dog just parade from shop to shop so the dog can claim a treat each time: they stand there laughing about it... but surely...?
Dog owners now have lost a radar of some sort.

vodkaredbullgirl · 23/10/2024 12:23

zinger00 · 23/10/2024 10:50

No. Dogs don't belong in places to eat. This is an indulgence, to get more trade. Recently while eating out in a hotel, I saw a big dog at nearby table vomit, then eat its own sick back up off the floor again. Owner oblivious, talking. Another time, the tables each side had 3 dogs between them! and the owners chatted and called out straight across me about their dogs, back & forth, as if I wasn't there. Their conversation was imbecile too.
There are 'dog treats' now in so many shops locally, and owners instead of really walking the dog just parade from shop to shop so the dog can claim a treat each time: they stand there laughing about it... but surely...?
Dog owners now have lost a radar of some sort.

Not all dog owners, mine don't go to places where people eat. Just walks in the dog park or up the hills where we live.

Mrnathanielgeorge · 11/11/2024 10:03

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Mrnathanielgeorge · 11/11/2024 10:07

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RatalieTatalie · 09/01/2025 13:29

MealDealDreamz · 21/07/2024 10:50

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?

how does a dog lying at a table next to you require you to 'put up with' anything. He's in his space, you're in yours.

MealDealDreamz · 17/01/2025 22:04

Because I don't like a big dog lying next to me at a restaurant when I am eating.

OP posts:
PickettyPick · 17/01/2025 22:07

MealDealDreamz · 17/01/2025 22:04

Because I don't like a big dog lying next to me at a restaurant when I am eating.

Well you don’t have any say on who is occupying the other tables in the restaurant. That’s life unless you want a private dining experience.

MealDealDreamz · 17/01/2025 22:10

No I just don't want to eat in a restaurant next to a dog. Pubs, cafes etc fine. But a special meal out no thanks. I just don't like the proximity to an animal when I'm having a special meal.

OP posts:
RatalieTatalie · 18/01/2025 09:44

HighHeelsOnCobblestones · 23/07/2024 11:03

In that situation, we’d have to leave immediately with our meals uneaten due to severe allergy. Though because of said allergy we would have asked beforehand and then walked straight out. Rinse and repeat. And rinse and repeat. And rinse and repeat. Because you could check and check and check and find nowhere dog free in some areas.

So many places just don’t say either way. It’s really not hard to put a sign on the door, put the info on their website or Facebook page. Make a decision, stick to it and make it clear for everyone.

One problem these days is, if you want or need somewhere without dogs, you might not find anywhere. Yes, it’s up to the owners of the business but if you can’t be around dogs you find the amount of things you can do are shrinking. The only bookshop in my town has started allowing dogs, the only craft shop too. Go somewhere else you say; in those cases there isn’t anywhere else for miles. Luckily we have a car; we can and do drive miles away to go somewhere else.

The other problem we encounter is the dog owners who don’t respect the businesses with “no dogs” rules. It works both ways. If the business owner has decided no dogs in all or part of their business, their decision. And I say to dog owners exactly what they say to me. Go elsewhere. Dog owners don’t get to decide their dog is an exception to the businesses rule. Some people are relying on their no dogs rules being followed. They have searched and searched and purposely gone to somewhere that doesn’t allow them. It may be the only place that doesn’t allow them for miles.

So don’t take your dog in anyway if part of a business has a sign up saying no dogs, don’t claim a dog is a service dog when it’s not (both threads on here in recent months), don’t sneak your dog into dog free holiday accommodation and leave the next occupant having an allergic reaction (happened to us), don’t take your dog into dog free nature reserves scaring away the wildlife and making it too risky for the child with a dog allergy to go on a school trip (also happened to us). No where else for miles? All dog friendly places booked up? Didn’t think to check beforehand whether your dog was allowed or only allowed in some areas? Can’t leave your dog at home? Tough. The business has decided no dogs in all or part. That place doesn’t meet your needs, find somewhere that does or don’t go. It works both ways.

Genuinely wondering, as guide dogs are allowed everywhere, surely that means you can’t risk going out to eat anywhere? Or in any public space that a guide may have been in previously or may come in during the course of your visit?

Goldengirl123 · 18/01/2025 09:48

I absolutely hate it that dogs are allowed to go everywhere with their owners. I’m a dog owner and I wouldn’t dream of taking them to cafes/restaurants with me. I was sitting outside a cafe recently and people at another table just let their dog yap the whole time. In a pub I have seen people letting their dogs sit on chairs and one was on the table!!!!

ApplesinmyPocket · 18/01/2025 12:27

PickettyPick · 17/01/2025 22:07

Well you don’t have any say on who is occupying the other tables in the restaurant. That’s life unless you want a private dining experience.

Not on who, no, in the sense of not being able to choose which of your fellow humans might be sitting nearby, but I don't think it's unreasonable not to want an animal near you when you're eating in a restaurant.

Unfortunately for those of us who think it's just plain nuts to allow dogs in restaurants everywhere nowadays, we are well outnumbered by those who love being able to take little Woofles wherever they go - there was a post on a local facebook page complaining about dogs in our local Dobbies, and there were 98 in favour and only 2 against. If that's the sort of stats on which businesses are basing their dog policy, you can see why it makes more economic sense for them to carry on doing it.

The mistake was, ever allowing it to seem a reasonable thing to allow animals in food outlets/restaurants in the first place.

LastTrainsEast · 18/01/2025 12:50

PickettyPick · 17/01/2025 22:07

Well you don’t have any say on who is occupying the other tables in the restaurant. That’s life unless you want a private dining experience.

An argument which quickly falls apart if we all bring in goats, cows and so on.

I'm sure everyone can come up with animals they don't want to see at the next table while they are eating.

Societies work by limiting the rights of individuals where they impact on others.

But the best bit is that in most cases this doesn't require a law because our mothers teach us to be considerate.

Sadly that doesn't always stick.

PickettyPick · 18/01/2025 16:19

LastTrainsEast · 18/01/2025 12:50

An argument which quickly falls apart if we all bring in goats, cows and so on.

I'm sure everyone can come up with animals they don't want to see at the next table while they are eating.

Societies work by limiting the rights of individuals where they impact on others.

But the best bit is that in most cases this doesn't require a law because our mothers teach us to be considerate.

Sadly that doesn't always stick.

Most dogs that accompany their owners to restaurants and pubs are well socialised and don’t cause any disturbance. If you are just opposed to them being there then it is up to you to choose a dog free establishment. Similarly, some folk don’t like screaming brats disturbing their meal.

MealDealDreamz · 18/01/2025 19:31

I live in a small place where there is little choice

OP posts:
YeOldeGreyhound · 18/01/2025 19:47

MealDealDreamz · 17/01/2025 22:10

No I just don't want to eat in a restaurant next to a dog. Pubs, cafes etc fine. But a special meal out no thanks. I just don't like the proximity to an animal when I'm having a special meal.

Even a guide/service dog?
Because if that is ok to you, then it seems you have a problem with dog owners, and not actual dogs. And a dog owner taking their dog to a place that allows dos is doing nothing wrong. It is a you issue.

MealDealDreamz · 18/01/2025 20:32

I have never said it wasn't a me issue. I am stating a preference to have no dogs in restaurants when I am having a special meal. If there is a guide dog then I have no problem with that for obvious reasons.

OP posts:
YeOldeGreyhound · 18/01/2025 21:35

MealDealDreamz · 18/01/2025 20:32

I have never said it wasn't a me issue. I am stating a preference to have no dogs in restaurants when I am having a special meal. If there is a guide dog then I have no problem with that for obvious reasons.

What is the difference between a guide dog that is under its owner's table and minding it's own business and that of a pet dog that is doing exactly the same?
I don't understand. Why would the pet dog ruin your meal, but a guide dog not? Why would you even be giving it that much headspace?
If you want a dog free place, then find one.

PickettyPick · 18/01/2025 22:12

YeOldeGreyhound · 18/01/2025 21:35

What is the difference between a guide dog that is under its owner's table and minding it's own business and that of a pet dog that is doing exactly the same?
I don't understand. Why would the pet dog ruin your meal, but a guide dog not? Why would you even be giving it that much headspace?
If you want a dog free place, then find one.

I agree. I don’t understand why the OP thinks she should be able to dictate whether dogs are present or not. It’s fair enough to object to bad behaviour whether it is from other diners, children or dogs.

YeOldeGreyhound · 18/01/2025 22:14

PickettyPick · 18/01/2025 22:12

I agree. I don’t understand why the OP thinks she should be able to dictate whether dogs are present or not. It’s fair enough to object to bad behaviour whether it is from other diners, children or dogs.

And can't dictate a dog friendly place be dog free for you either. They are the type of dog haters who call dog owners 'entitled'. They need to look in a mirror.

MealDealDreamz · 19/01/2025 16:39

I'm not entitled really. I just state a preference not to have animals near me when I'm eating in a restaurant that is a bit special than the normal. If a guide dog is needed then clearly I am happy to put up with that. I just don't want everyone's dogs everywhere. If the restaurant is dog friendly then I have to just shut up and put up. But please allow me to state a preference.

OP posts:
Keepingthingsinteresting · 31/01/2025 22:12

YeOldeGreyhound · 18/01/2025 21:35

What is the difference between a guide dog that is under its owner's table and minding it's own business and that of a pet dog that is doing exactly the same?
I don't understand. Why would the pet dog ruin your meal, but a guide dog not? Why would you even be giving it that much headspace?
If you want a dog free place, then find one.

Oh do stop being so reasonable and using sensible arguments and valid points, poor @MealDealDreamz just doesn’t like it and doesn’t feel she should be challenged on that 🙄