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

Mine sits where she likes at home but in cafes she stays on the floor or our lap on the rare occasion groups of mums with children aren’t hogging the sofa area and crawling all over it with their muddy shoes, runny noses and sticky fingers.

Our dog doesn’t even go on sofas at home.
But he does go in cafes. Sits nicely at my feet and hoovers up all the food dropped on the floor by other customers!

I read somewhere owners can boost revenue by 50% allowing dogs. Many now have treat jars at the till, water and even doggy menus. Owners are always so welcoming.

I recall a comment on here where a parent complained about dogs getting free biscuits, but her child didn't 🙄

🤣

I am not keen either and would get a takeaway or choose somewhere else. I don't think it is hygienic to have dogs around food or clothes.

Cafe owners can do as they please as can you. Just take your custom elsewhere.

its like this round me. Dogs are around in dog friendly cafes and no one gives a toss.

I take my dog everywhere and pick him up if I go into a shop or cafe so he doesn't bother anyone, no that he would. I'd rather sit somewhere around dogs than anywhere feral kids have been dropping food and leaving the tables sticky off their little misbehaving hands. Most dogs taken into cafes are very well behaved and generally sit under the table and keep to themselves.

Honestly as a dog owner i find they really aren't as common as is made out on mumsnet. Maybe it depends on where you live but I'm in a big city and we travel around a lot and I often find it quite difficult to find places that are properly dog friendly as opposed to just meaning we can sit outside in the rain. Many places have clear sections that are/ are not dog friendly so people can choose where to sit. I do my research in advance to know where is dog friendly so I don't see why people who actively want to avoid dogs can't do theirs.

The reality is, especially in certain areas that attract walkers, loads of people are going to be walking dogs or out for the day with their dog so they are at some point going to want to stop to rest and eat and leaving a dog alone in a car isn't realistic a lot of the time. So there's a need and a market for dog friendly places. I don't expect everywhere to cater for dogs but I don't see why people who don't like dogs feel like they should dictate all places being dog friendly. I find that a bit entitled to be honest when with a little planning ahead you can go where suits your needs.

And the allergy argument is a non issue really because guide dogs are accepted in every cafe or restaurant so nowhere is guaranteed dog free in that respect.

Obviously the owners of the dog in ops post were highly remiss. My dog knows he gets in under the table out of the way and lies quietly where he can't be tripped over or close enough to bother anyone else. I do think staff need to take a stronger approach on ensuring owners/staff are taking an active role in ensuring owners are doing what they should be.

I think it would be very unusual for someone to need 3 assistance dogs. Plus anyone can claim a dog is an assistance dog without it having any special training.
So seeing three “assistance” dogs fighting is likely not what it seems anyway.

Really @YeOldeGreyhound ???

DD’s allergy to dogs has only been discovered the last 4 months….we have a large house and garden in which the dogs can be segregated from DD and her respiratory consultant and allergy nurse have all said we are doing everything right to protect DD….still don’t want to eat lunch in a cafe with them right beside us!!!!

I have had my dogs since they were both pups now 15 and 14…..would you rather I had them euthanised due to DD’s disabilities and allergies or would you rather I was a responsible owner who’s dogs have always been a part of the family and made it work in my home for their final days???

Make it make sense 😆

I love dogs and have two, but I don’t take them to cafes or shops etc. I don’t see how people can relax when they have them with them everywhere. I’d worry too much about exactly the things you’ve described, like them barking and annoying other people.

Unfortunately dogs are now allowed on Merseyrail trains. In the last couple of weeks, I have experienced very large dogs on long leads running around the carriage, barking dogs which did not stop and being licked on two occasions despite making it clear I did not want a dog near me.

Unlike a cafe, I don't have a choice in using the train - I can't drive for medical reasons. The FAQ on Merseyrail's website say that a dog and its owner should move if another customer is upset by the dogs presence but when I tried it once I was sworn at! The Merseyrail customer team do not even understand their own FAQ's and say I have to find the train manager and hence leave my seat. I always check there are no dogs around before sitting down and have no problem with a well behaved dog that sits under the seat/or out of the way.

I think you know your dog in fairness. We built up to taking ours out and I know he's very quiet in general and rarely ever barks. I think you do need to use a bit of judgement and socialise them properly to be able to do it respectfully.

I love dogs but I wouldn't ever take mine to a cafe ,restaurant or a shopping centre. People in general seem to be so noisy and selfish in public places these days. I don't particularly enjoy other people's little darling children either. We prefer to get a takeaway and find somewhere peaceful well away from people so we can enjoy it, with our dog.

And of course I expect my disabled child to be accommodated over a dog….there’s a reason we have laws to protect human rights you balloon 🎈

I love dogs and have a dog but even I think it’s swayed too far the other way now. There used to be a pretty much 50/50 split of dog friendly vs not cafes/pubs near us which was fab, you could choose. They are all dog friendly now!

I do think in this instance, the lady with them is taking the piss. She gets about on a mobility scooter, and has 3 dogs. The biggest is a lab type dog and is well behaved, but the other 2 are yappy and small. All have "service dog" vests on, but I am not sure what service they are actually providing.
She is also pretty aggressive towards people herself.

Dog owners. Why can’t you leave your dog at home whilst you go out and eat? It’s getting beyond a joke where I live. Is it a status symbol or are poochie woochies too precious to leave at home? My friend and I recently went to a pub and a dog at the next table lifted its leg and peed over my friends foot. I kid you not. Dogs are dirty and should not be n food establishments.

I was thinking this.

A generation of dogs that haven't been taught to be left!

Dog owner here and I agree with you. They should be welcome in outside areas where they won’t be a nuisance and should be on a lead beside their owners at all times. Mine are mad, so I don’t take them to cafes at all as it’s unfair on other people. I adore my dogs, but have no expectation that others should share that feeling.

You said she is terrified of dogs too.

And the allergy argument is a non issue really because guide dogs are accepted in every cafe or restaurant so nowhere is guaranteed dog free in that respect.

There are relatively few guide dogs. The chance of encountering one in any particular cafe on any particular day is small, and should there be one you can opt to sit in a different part of the cafe, if possible, or go to a different cafe. Not so easily done when all cafes accept all dogs.

Read my post again re segregation. You must have missed that part

It depends on the dog. My mum's dog is a very chilled dog. He just settles on his mat where ever we go.
I think he would make a fabulous Pet as Therapy dog. He has had dog phobic kids ask to approach him. He must give out some good vibes 😍