I’ve joined the “why are there dogs everywhere” Club

[BananaBum]

I’ll start things off by saying I have a dog myself and normally scoff at all the people rolling their eyes over dogs in pubs and cafes. Can even forgive younger, less well behaved dogs because they have to learn and be exposed to different situations.

HOWEVER

Today I went to get in a lift in John Lewis with my DC and a woman with a pushchair and TWO massive labradors asked if I wouldn’t mind waiting because one of her dogs were nervous about being crowded.

Why are you in John Lewis then?
Is it really necessary for the dogs to come out with you?
Did they come in the car especially or do you live in town?
how does it all work logistically?

So many questions. And also just a bit annoyed I had to wait for the next lift

Can we stop concentrating on what a dog wants and maybe concentrate on what people want? I don't want dogs in shops, like many others on this thread, no matter whether your dog thinks it's the best thing ever or whether it's stressed out by them.

I also think we're seeing more nervous/anxious dogs because they are being dragged along to places that are inherently stressful to them, because owners take them everywhere.

And no, I don't think dogs come before humans.

So don't go to shops that allow dogs?

The point of this whole thing is that - there are hardly any shops that don’t allow dogs.

That's not been my experience, but if that is the case, then surely that is just the market at work.

Businesses have clearly decided that it is commercially beneficial to allow dogs. If what you're saying is correct, it suggests that the demand for shops that don't allow dogs is not large enough to make that an enticing commercial prospect.

That's just the nature of a free market economy, isn't it? Businesses don't have to accommodate all our individual preferences. The economy isn't a democracy.

Incidentally, just on the actual facts around this, I also don't think it is quite true.

Most or all supermarkets are only open to assistance dogs, as are M&S, Primark, Next, most branches of B&Q...

I suppose ultimately I’m not bothered by what some random stranger may or may not want. Sorry, but that’s true. I’m going to prioritise me and my dog over what some potential person may or may not want. How am I to know if I go to a dog friendly shop/cafe if there may be a person there who doesn’t like dogs. 🤷‍♀️. IME people make a fuss of my dog and seem happy to see her.

If you don’t like dogs in places take it up with the establishment and tell them. If there’s enough of you maybe they will make it no dogs allowed. In the meanwhile I’ll stick to the rules and we’ll go where we’re allowed.

I've just asked my partner how many dogs he sees around town or in the supermarket. I don't go shopping these days for health reasons, but he goes into town regularly. He says he has never seen a dog (other than a fully harnessed assistance dog) in any of the 4 supermarkets he visits. He does see them in Pets At Home but not in other shops.
I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but he is more of a dog person than I am, so he would notice if he kept falling over dogs wherever he went.

was at an airshow at the weekend and lots of dogs including younger dogs. The noise from some displays was extremely loud so do wonder why a person would take dogs .

Same seen at firework displays- would not have seen this years ago - people just don’t consider that they are animals and the appropriate or correct way of handling or caring for them or just don’t care or think it’s different or doesn’t apply to their dog

Another thicko owner. The dog in that situation is clearly not under the owner’s control. The coffee shop’s door could have easily opened again within a few seconds after you’d entered, allowing the dog to run off. You’d think the numbskull would have had the sense to realise this, retrieve the dog and keep it with them.

My experience too. Even in dog friendly shops, I've seen very few dogs.

But to listen to some on here you'd imagine you take your life in your hands every time you step into John Lewis.

Might depend where you live

I adore dogs. If there are dogs anywhere I’m all over them or at least my focus is even if I’m not physically. I’d be happy with them everywhere!!
but even I agree, it’s not fair on the wider population who isn’t as dog obsessed as me.

I have 2 dogs. I would never take them shopping with me.

I have started to avoid anywhere that allows dogs into shops. I prefer to eat in areas where dogs are not next to me too. There are times and places for dogs and shops and restaurants are not suitable. Pubs with outdoor or covered seating for eating with their dogs as long as there are separate areas for people to eat where dogs are not allowed is imo the best option.

I have joined the dogs shouldn't be allowed everywhere camp and I have dogs. The stupid entitled dog owners are ruining things for people who do consider others (yet again).

I think the type of owner that drags the dog everywhere really doesn't put their dog first. It's more about them than their dog.

Absolutely true.

I have a friend who has a shop. She welcomes dogs and loves meeting them.
Why would your desire to not see dogs in a shop trump the wishes of the person who owns that shop?

I don't see dogs in dog friendly shops that often anyway, except pet shops (but someone on here complained about that too!). One the occasion I do see them, they are well behaved and not anxious. I saw a spaniel in The Range. She was sat next to her owner in the queue and did not cause any issues at all.

Responsible owners know their dogs and wont drag them to a place where their dog will be distressed. My dog likes coming with me to cafes, so if there is one near our walk, then I take her travel bed and she has a snooze whilst I have a coffee.

Dogs tend to be nervous in places because it is new to them. My dog is fine out in shops etc because she got used to them at a young age. It was a part of socialising her and getting her used to different environments. I don't see the point in having a pet that you are going to leave home alone all the time.

I think an owner that drags a dog anywhere never mind everywhere isn’t putting the dog first. Apart from the vet 😁

I hope there’ll be a rethink on the dogs everywhere trend. Dogs should not be in most shops. Garden centres, OK…but John Lewis?? I don’t like them in cafes and restaurants. Pubs, OK, in the bar area, but not where people are eating.

At the very least there should be dog free zones. There was one yapping throughout our lunch in a cafe last week and it was allowed to continue for about 20 mins. Deafening and made conversation almost impossible for us. How can people live with that?

No this is ridiculous..i adore dogs,have 2 myself,they're so friendly and would want to stop and be petted by everyone.. the reason I would not bring them out in town shopping or for food..i would not get time for myself so it's not pleasurable in the least..dogs enjoy their time on their walk or in the park..then home to relax while I do my thing..I'd be fuming with that woman but have to have a quick pet of her dogs also..

Oh - but they’re fur babies!

I agree - it’s not putting the animals’ needs first. Dog as are animals and anyone who treats them as a human is mistreating them.

Dogs are apparently simultaneously being dragged places/shoved under tables and treated like humans. If you genuinely think dogs are being treated like humans you need to look at the way you treat your friends and family.

Our local indoor shopping centre allows dogs. Absolutely ridiculous. Why would you take your dog shopping?

It's even harder to trust the owners that say things like "don't worry he's friendly" when you see other poor judgement with dogs all over the place.

🤣

Dog in small clothing shop today - who the heck wants dogs rubbing up against the items? 🤷‍♀️