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

I popped into London last week and there was a very smartly dressed lady who thought nothing of letting her lively spaniel sit on a seat on the jubilee line. I don't get why people think this is acceptable and I definitely didn't want to sit on that seat when the owner and dog got off.

Interesting you mention the 90s @Sladuf1 - I was a teenager then and families just had dogs and weren’t carting them around everywhere. There also wasn’t the hysteria over breeds and trying to get the little ‘fur babies’ to behave impeccably by human standards. All too often I see people wanting to ‘get a behaviourist in’ because their dog is behaving like a dog!

Lots of breeds will be protective and bark at the door, others will not sit still in a restaurant for hours - this is often instinct that we can’t really change. Not saying we shouldn’t train our dogs well, but I do think - they are animals and will often behave like animals, not lifestyle accessories! There’s way too much silliness around.

I'm not answerable to you. How dare you assume and judge me for what I posted.
I know all about the history of my dog from my professional reputed french rescuer and the people in Spain who originally rescued her. The place that she was originally rescued from is well known for abusing their dogs that are bred and used for hunting. By the way, it is a particular breed of Dog.
I would like to say a lot more to you but I can't or it will be deleted. Go and take your judgy way over the top agressive anger elsewhere.

You must be new to London then. The seats on the underground are rank, and not due to dogs.

Is your dog a Galgo?
If so, then I can totally understand what you are on about. They are used then dumped, if they are lucky. Some are tortured then killed.
I could be wrong, but whatever breed your dog is, she is very lucky to have you and now be living the sweet life.

Thank you so much for this @YeOldeGreyhound 💜
The poster that has replied to me has really upset me.
She is a Fox Terrier and I we love her dearly x
Ps. This is horrific to read they are tortued then killed. It makes me want to throw up.

A few weeks ago the woman next to me in the hairdressers had a dog with her. To be fair it was well behaved, it lay down quietly and at no point was I sniffed, licked, or came away with dog snot on my clothes. But why, with all the smells & noises of a salon, would you bring a dog whilst you get a haircut.

If the dog was happily just chilling on the floor then it was not distressed. Why the faux concern?

Again, most dog owners know what upsets their dog, and wont take them somewhere where they would be distressed.

Aw, I got the breed wrong but it does not matter. All that matters is your dog is happy now. Many rescues dogs have an awful start in life. It is not unusual for the rescue taking them on to know about their history, so I have no idea why the previous poster was questioning you about it.

@YeOldeGreyhound
That's a very good point. It really does come down to the individual dog and an owner who understands their limits. The example you gave is perfect—that dog was acclimated from a young age and is clearly comfortable. That's responsible ownership. My original thought was more about the owners who don't recognize or ignore clear signs of stress in their dog, like a tucked tail or anxious panting in a crowded shop. It's that distinction between a confident dog and a stressed one that matters most.

Given that a dog's sense of smell is tens of thousands of times more sensitive than ours, taking it to a hairdressing salon seems cruel.
I don't think its faux concern at all.
Wouldn't take mine anywhere near, she'd hate it. She'd rather be out on the moors.

Yes, absolutely. All the dogs I have seen in shops have been fine being there.
I have never seen a dog unhappy to be in a shop/cafe etc.

Dogs 🐕 Are all the rage now. In more ways than one. People need to stop ✋ cease treating dogs like humans.

Being more sensitive does not mean it will suffer in a place with strong smells.
Dogs have existed alongside humans and the smells they make for thousands of years.

Ha, you are back.

I once saw a small child clinging to the door of Primark screaming, begging her mother not to drag her in - presumably because she knew how long and boring it was going to be.

I'm sure if you could read dogs' minds they would be saying ffs Why oh why am I being dragged around all these boring places?

I am an adult and I feel the same 😂

Like others have said it depends on the dog and it depends on the situation.

i walked up Ingleborough in the Yorkshire dales the other week. Without the dog. Coming down at lunchtime, think the temperature was about 25 degrees. The amount of people coming up, dragging distressed, panting dogs was unreal.

Just because it’s the great outdoors does not mean it’s the best place for a dog.

Because it is not a safe environment for the doh. Danger of the stylist tripping over it, dropped scissors, hot drinks, chemicals, dyes etc. the liability if it does get hurt- will the owner accept this? Doubt it. clients with allergies to dogs. They supposed to shut up & put up.

i have a friend who will happily have their dachshund on their lap whilst at a table in a restaurant. Dog happy enough as it eyes it chances of a quick snack, does not make it right, especially for everyone else at the table.

Do you have the same faux concern about people who take small children with them to the hairdressers too?

If the salon accepts dogs, then they accept dogs. I am sure they know about all the risks etc so I am not sure why you are appointing yourself as some sort of spokesperson.

Stop calling it faux concern. It could equally be argued that you are showing no concern.

Dogs are not children…..

and yes I do have a say if a dog decides at any point to jump all over me at any point (as the wifie with the ill mannered poodle thing discovered when it launched itself at me the other evening on a path).

YANBU.
(But I’m one of those satanic people who has never liked dogs and don’t even like them in the local pub).
To bring one to John Lewis is anyone eyes is ridiculous! That’s not beneficial to anyone. And to ask you and your child to put your needs behind what a dog likes is insane.
I have never and will never understand people’s obsession with dogs.

Dogs everywhere and I love it! Although dogs probably aren’t comfortable in a warm department store. Ok if you’re just in & out on way to a nice park or woodland. But otherwise not nice for the poor dog being dragged around places it may find over stimulating and stressful.