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 can't think of a single occasion I've ever seen this happen. There are often dog bowls outside or inside cafes and occasionally a waiter or waitress will bring a bowl to the table (about 3 times I think in 11 years of owning a dog). I have never seen a dog bowl bowl passed over the counter.

You might want to think about the sort of dive you're eating in OP that standards are so low. I'm in my sixties and have never seen this happen.

But then you'd have nothing to moan about on MN.

Because if you did have a bit of a think about it then it might become clear that millions of people live with dogs every day and lead healthy lives. In fact, dog owners live longer healthier lives than non dog owners.

"lower blood pressure, improved heart health, lower stress levels, and higher daily activity rates due to walking their pets. Dog ownership is also associated with reduced loneliness, higher psychological well-being, and a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease."

Guide dogs and the homes of the visually
impaired smell just as much as the mutt on the next table. The only difference is there is an obvious purpose to this animal existing in a purpose space so it is easier to tolerate, much less frequent, and most people aren’t so callous to tell a disabled person that the thing that helps with their disability is gross. Guide dogs are also impeccably well trained so a lot of the points raised on this thread do not apply.

To be honest, as an allergic person, no I don’t like guide dogs being in places either but I can accept that they are necessary and part of living in a world that compromises based on the needs of different people. The problem with the majority of dogs you see out is that it is pure want - why should people have to suffer for someone else to have what is essentially just a treat?

"why should people have to suffer for someone else to have what is essentially just a treat?"

Going into a cafe is essentially just a treat.

It's essentially something nobody 'needs' to do.

Why does your treat/need take precedence over someone else's?

Because if there were no dogs, everyone could go and have a nice time. No dogs is the default position because you not bringing your dog doesn’t negatively impact on you in the same way people bringing dogs negatively impacts on other people.

The thing is, if you are a dog lover you won’t notice. If you think that dogs inside eating establishment is dirty, this kind of thing will be more on your radar. I have seen staff stroke a dog’s head and then go back to serving food. It’s not that uncommon round here at least. And I live in a posh bit of London, where there are not that many dives!

Because I am sensitive to it, I notice it more I guess. If I had no issues with dogs sharing my food, sitting on my bed etc, then I would not pay any attention in cafés to this kind of behaviour. We tend to only notice stuff that bothers us!

Ok, I’m back. Where’s that petition?

No I haven’t either.

Packed out cafe yet again today with all manner of very well behaved happy dogs, owners and fewer non owners.

I was chatting to a pub landlord a couple of weeks ago who said he was leaving the tenancy. He had banned dogs from the pub last year after a number of incidents of large dogs lying the in the way of staff and customers; dog shit not being cleared up by owners; and general damage to furnishings. Since then he has been subject to a social media campaign of abuse and slander; and business has fallen off a cliff.

You can understand landlords and cafe owners having to pander to the doggy pound these days. I am now seeing so many signs in cafes and pubs saying dogs are welcome but owners are responsible for clearing up the mess. As if it is to be expected that mess will happen.

I was eating in a pub a couple of months ago on one of those upholstered bench seats that run along the length of a room. Mid meal a group arrived and sat at the table next to me; depositing their daschund on a cushion right next to me. It then started putting its nose on my table to get at my food. "Oh, you don't mind if he sits there, do you? Sorry, he's a bit hungry."

Last weekend I was in a pub which was full of dogs (some more relaxed and well behaved then others). The poor waitress had to clear some shit up as no owner would take responsibility.

There will be a time when we will look back and realise how ridiculous things had become. The environmental impact of cats is well known but the comparative effect of pet dogs is more concerning and insidious than generally recognised.

You all must frequent some absolute shitholes. I can honestly say in all my decades of working with and travelling with dogs and visiting dog-friendly establishments, I have never once witnessed a dog shit inside a pub or cafe or any publicly accessible building outside of a puppy training class, where even there it is an extremely rare occurrence.

Are you sure it is a cafe you're at and not a crackden or farmyard?

Crackden or absolute bullshit? You decide!

Haha neither! Very naice places in the Cotswolds and Sussex actually. It's funny, though, whenever there's a discussion about toilets on planes there are loads of people saying they are an absolute cesspit. I have never seen a plane toilet with piss all over the floor and shit smeared on the walls like people describe but I accept that everyone will have their own experiences and I must have been fortunate.

If dogs weren't allowed dog owners could not go in. It would negatively impact on dog owners.

On holiday you can't go into a cafe as you can't leave an accompanied dog in most holiday accommodation and in summer you would not leave your dog in a car. You couldn't use the cafe if you couldn't take your dog in.

Our for a walk/day with your dog? Can't take your dog into the cafe - can't leave it outside. Couldn't go in.

I know my (nosy) self quite well and, if I'm in a cafe I am people watching like a hawk. It's one of the reasons I like visiting cafes. I have never seen this happen.

That said, if you have, then this is a cafe hygiene problem, not a dog problem.

Tough shit. For many of us, dogs are little angels and an encounter with them absolutely makes our day. The UK is an animal-loving nation. Other locations are available.

Most public toilets are complete shit holes and that's not caused by dogs.

Leave it at home

Put it in a kennel

Leave it at home

Easy!

My dog loved her holidays. I always picked places based on what walks we could do.

You dog had zero concept of what a holiday was! That is utter projection

People generally don't get dogs to do these things.
They get a dog to spend time with it, take care of it and give it a good life within their family. They often take the dog on a holiday that will involved lots of healthy outdoor activity for them and their pet.

Why should someone, with a well trained, well behaved, well cared for dog leave a dog at home/in a kennel when it can join them in their day to day life and, as part of that, go into a dog-friendly cafe or pub and enjoy a coffee or meal like everyone else?

Earlier I put up a long list of dog free places. Most pubs have a dog free section in the food area. Most restaurants are dog free.

A good example is Indian restaurants. Most don't accept dogs which is fine. I never use them. I don't complain.

There are many options available to non dog people yet they still complain and expect dog owners to alter their lives to suit them.

You think a dog doesn't know what it is to spend all day for a fortnight with it's family, running on beaches, climbing hills, snoozing in their basket in a tent, getting treats, chasing a ball into the sea?

You know nothing about dogs.

Anyone? Surely you’re not just whinging still?

She was enjoying walks in new places, and she would go absolutely mad at the beach. It was a joy to see, and it has given me a lot of happy memories now she is gone.
My dog was family, just me and her. There was no way I would leave her in a kennel with strangers and go somewhere alone. Why would I do that?

It has zero effect on you.

It is sad that dog haters are missing out on that joy of seeing a companion animal enjoying themselves. A dog can bring you so much joy and devotion. I loved watching mine just run about on the beach, run in and out the sea. We only went to beaches when on holiday. No way would I have left her at home. Our holidays were for both of us.

I am tearing up now. She had been gone 2 months. I am going on holiday with my mum and her dog next month, but it wont be the same.

I'm so very sorry to hear that @YeOldeGreyhound . It is such a hard loss, I do feel for you and hope your holiday does you good.