Really don't like dogs being in virtually every cafe now

[Wishididntseemsogrumpy]

I know another one, and yes this is quite trivial really.

Last week we went to a gorgeous new cafe, sat down, and within a minute I realised a large dog had appeared and was licking dds outstretched hand (she was delighted of course) then we had to get up and go and wash before eating, only to see the dog licking her hands again. Argh. Then it turned around and was wagging it's tail into me (I'm unfortunately allergic to fur and would rather not have to have fur on my clothes) - we werent even that close to the other table. It's just so annoying and I know I can ask it's owners to keep it away from us but seems a bit cruel to the dog and I jolly well shouldn't have to, they should be keeping an eye themselves without me having to have an awkward chat. Manners are meant to make everyone feel comfortable and not force people into seeming unreasonable because they don't want to get involved with the animal.

Then this afternoon, different cafe, on my own this time and got the fright of my life when all of a sudden a dog snarled and snapped at a child a few tables away, who of course screamed and was very distressed, someone could have had a heart attack!

I am going to have to be more mindful of places which don't have dogs in future I think.

And I imagine I am probably going to be told I am being unreasonable. I just want a coffee in peace without slobbering or snarling dogs

I love dogs but I get it, they’re everywhere now.

Had you paid in the first place? If not I’d just have walked out. How disgusting.

Probably an unpopular opinion, but I agree with you OP. I don't think dogs should be allowed in establishments that serve food and drink, unless they are specifically aimed at dog owners (there is one near where I live). That way, non-animal lovers like me and you know to stay away 😉

I know business can lose custom by not allowing dogs given the trend for dogs now being taken everywhere and the entitlement of some dog owners however I’m with you. The only dogs that should be allowed are assistance dogs.

Completely agree. I reckon if a couple of cafes had a no dog policy as their USP they'd do a roaring trade.

Barking dogs in cafes are also a nuisance. It sounds so loud in a confined space. I was in a cafe once where the dog barked every time a member of staff walked across the room, which of course happened quite often. She wasn't even going very close to the dog, but it wasn't a very big space and of course she had to go to and fro.

There is no point complaining. Market forces means that the owners who can’t leave their homes without their dogs are a group that businesses want to cater for.

You only have to read posts by people who say they prefer dogs to humans, children are dirtier than dogs, they would save their dog before a child etc to realise that some people now elevate dogs above human beings.

The pandemic played a part in making some people even more antisocial and socially inept. They did not train their dogs but acquired them for company. And now they cannot leave them at home. Because the poor dog cannot cope alone, and the people cannot cope going anywhere without their canine friends.

Resistance is futile OP. But bad dog owners are very annoying. They put their dogs over decent behaviour. And they get a bad name for the many good owners too.

I don’t live in the UK and I was surprised to see dogs in clothes shops when I was there in the summer.

They're such a nuisance. Outside, fine. Inside it's awful. I've more than once looked down and found a dog at my feet. And with a toddler, it's so tricky as the dog owners are putting the entire responsibility on you to keep toddler AND dog safe, when really a dog that wanders off to random people should be on a leash.

I went with my mum and her greyhound to a newly opened cafe today. It has a dog friendly bit which is basically an enclosed outside area.
It was packed, but we found a table. Dog led on his mat on the floor and was fine. People on the table next to us kept making comments to each other that they wanted us to hear in a passive aggressive way. Things like the dog stunk. He did not. He was slobbering over their food. He was on the floor and he does not slobber. Oh and how awful it was that he was occasionally having the audacity to look at them.
By the way, we were sat in the dogs welcome bit and he was also the only dog there.

The bacon sandwiches and oat milk lattes we had were gorgeous though. Would go again.

There is a posh bakery near us. The owner seems to be happy with large dogs putting their noses on the counter. I have seen dogs allowed behind the counter nuzzling those racks where they keep their newly baked bread. It’s disgusting. I vote with my feet and also leave reviews on Google. But as I said, businesses need the doggy pound.

YANBU, it’s unhygienic and unpleasant for those who don’t particularly like dogs or just want a relaxing experience. I also find many dog owners assume everyone worships them and fail to act on the dog licking, jumping up etc. of course this isn’t all owners but I feel as though we have far too many dogs in this country… the tolerance we give dogs in public spaces compared to if a child were to do this…I dread to think how people would respond! Or a baby crying… couldn’t agree with this post more.

@NeonSuit You have summed it up perfectly - wish I could like this comment 100 times. This is EXACTLY what's happened.

Perfect summation

I love dogs, had them all my life too. But this new trend is weird

I’ve stopped going to a local brunch place, that I used to frequent a couple of times per week, because they became dog friendly,

Dogs shouldn't be in places that serve food and drink. I used to be more relaxed about it until the day I came home with 2 ticks that could only have come from a dog in the eatery I had been in. Thank god they were attached to my trousers not my skin.

I like dogs but never again have I been in any hostelry that accepts them.

I agree!

On the walk to school there is so much dog poo, it is disgusting. There are a large number of dog owners that just don’t give a shit. They think their dog is the same as a human

100% agree but you will get the posters saying "Oh here come the dog haters" etc. Dogs have no place in shops serving food (other than guide dogs etc).
Me and dh went into a hotel on a day out as they were serving breakfasts. We were the only ones in there at first, in a large hotel dining room but after a few mins a woman came in with an elderly dog and for some.reason they sat her at the table right next to us !

It stunk of old dog smell and continually scratched and licked its arse. . When our breakfasts came it started drooling...long ropes of saliva and whining at us. She ignored it completely and dh asked the waitress to either move them or move us. You would think we'd been accused of slaughtering puppies the looks we got!

I really like dogs but I agree that some people bring them EVERYWHERE and it's too much. I feel sorry for people who are terrified of them or allergic to them

Its down to the owners. Their cafe ther choice and most would close without dog owners. I can’t bare children in cafes, sooo noisy, messy and unhygienic but have to suck it up.

Dogs are allowed in almost every establishment these days. Think I’ll bring my cat along.

I have seen far more badly behaved children in cafes than dogs. Also parents just letting their kid run riot whilst they scroll on their phone. One time, someone's small child actually managed to leave the cafe without the parent noticing.
Also have seen people use cafe tables as a place to change nappies which is disgusting.
I am anticipating the usual comments about children being vital as opposed to dogs. Sorry but if your baby needs a nappy changing, use the loo. If your toddler is wandering up to other customers, then reign them in.

I expect it's a simple business decision for the cafe owners: if the income generated from the dog owners is greater than the income lost from those who go elsewhere, they'll stick with their dog-friendly policy.

And who can blame them?

I think most places would be fine with that.
I went to a pub a few weeks ago where someone brought their bengal cat. It was so pretty. It was on a lead. It would sit and give a paw for a treat like dogs are often trained to do.

Agree. Dogs are everywhere inc my local shopping mall. Why does a dog have to be brought to go round a crowded shopping centre? Leave the poor mutt at home comfy in his bed for a couple of hours.i quite like dogs, but they belong in outside spaces and houses.