Gransnet forums

AIBU

DOGGY ETIQUETTE

(106 Posts)
Dylant1234 Tue 14-Jun-22 18:21:59

Recently I had a couple for dinner plus a couple of others. They asked if they could bring their dog to which I said fine (I like dogs).
Once here, they indicated that they’d forgotten a water bowl, could I provide one, which I did. After dinner, they said they’d forgotten to bring any snacks and could the dog eat the remains of the meal directly from the serving dish. I agreed, making a note to self to remember to sterilise the dish.
Afterwards, I thought, what a cheek! They’ve got no children and only had to think about the dog …… if it’d been me I’d have ensured I brought a drinking bowl and something for the dog to eat.
I know it’s not important in the great scheme of things but AIBU to be just a bit miffed?

Gillycats Wed 15-Jun-22 17:39:25

I’d have no problem with it. Humans are the dirtiest species on earth creating environmental problems and disasters. One of the filthiest things you can touch is cash by the way. Each to their own definitely but giving a dog food and water isn’t anything to get hung up about given the environmental crisis we’re in.

Elizabeth27 Wed 15-Jun-22 17:15:26

When I have visitors with dogs I don't expect them to bring their own bowl, probably because nobody ever has, and I let them have a bit of whatever we are eating.

I have never owned a dog myself but thought this is what you do.

Aepgirl Wed 15-Jun-22 17:00:30

I’m a dog lover but I would never allow a dog to eat off a plate from the table. Maybe an old saucer or something like that.

Kim19 Wed 15-Jun-22 15:37:17

No 'love me, love my dog' practised in my house. Ugh!

BlueBelle Wed 15-Jun-22 15:00:40

I too would have said no why do people feel they can’t move without their dog by their side I always left my dog at home when I went out anywhere shopping, visiting, eating etc
I would also say no to them eating off your plates, that is gross

icanhandthemback Wed 15-Jun-22 15:00:27

You could have said no when they asked to bring the dog. If they had put everything for the dog in one bag and then forgot the bag, this might be why they kept asking. At any point you could have said no. Personally, it wouldn't have bothered me at but as my animals are all raw fed, I would have waited until the dog was home before I fed it.

Audi10 Wed 15-Jun-22 14:50:48

We have had dogs for many many years and we would never ever expect to bring our dogs to someone’s dinner party! And quite honestly if they had asked I’d have said no sorry no dogs but that’s me.

polly123 Wed 15-Jun-22 14:15:06

Serving dish? Really?

StoneofDestiny Wed 15-Jun-22 14:08:25

A dog eating from a serving dish - just no ?

StoneofDestiny Wed 15-Jun-22 14:05:18

Oh no - never heard of anybody accepting an invite to dinner and asking to bring a dog! That would have been a big no from me.

mokryna Wed 15-Jun-22 14:04:00

Instead of asking for a doggy bag the dog has it straight away. ?
However I always cook extra, for me to eat the following day, a ready made meal. so the dog would have eaten my meal.

Lizzie44 Wed 15-Jun-22 13:58:25

No longer a dog owner but had dogs for over 40 years. Never took them with us for an evening at other people's houses. Dog ownership increased substantially during lockdown and home-working and these dogs became used to having their owners always around. I've read that with the return to work there are now a lot of lonely and distressed dogs unused to being on their own for periods of time.

Nannina Wed 15-Jun-22 13:34:30

I am an animal lover with the operative word being animal. It seems many owners expect others to accept, in particular, dogs to be afforded the same or better treatment than children. A woman I know insists on being called a doggy parent not an owner-says it all!

GraceQuirrel Wed 15-Jun-22 13:19:41

Thank goodness the pair in question don’t have children! Poor dog for having such ignorant owners.

Bambibear Wed 15-Jun-22 12:42:59

smile welcome to the seniors world!

grandtanteJE65 Wed 15-Jun-22 12:36:47

I would not mind anyone asking if they might bring their dog here - the cats might!

The cats' dishes are good enough for any dog that comes here.

I would never allow any animal to be fed off the plates or serving dishes we use!

Next time they come, remind them to bring the dog's food and drinking bowl with them, or to leave the dog at home.

Pippa22 Wed 15-Jun-22 12:33:33

It sounds to me as if you Dylant need to toughen up as you are being walked over. You can say no ! Also the sod owners need some manners but I do think that some dog owners do expect everyone to love their dog. What about the other people you invited, did they mind there being a pandered dog at the meal ?

highlanddreams Wed 15-Jun-22 12:31:21

If I'd taken my dog along I'd have made sure I took everything he needed even water. I wouldn't ever expect the host to provide a thing, especially not eating out of their dishes! I always take a ridiculous amount of dog related items in my bag because our dog goes everywhere with us & I like to have things to hand. It's not trying to being perfect or better than anyone other dog owner, it's more myself not wanting him to be without or put anyone else out, his needs and care are up to us. Call me a saddo if you like I really don't care but if my dog can't go neither do I, he makes us happy & I want him to happy always, as he had a rotten start in life.
I've got a few different collapsible bowls they're really good, my favourite one to take on longer travels is called roll a bowl, which has two bowls for food & water on a feeding mat that pop up when you unroll it and then fold down again when empty to roll up & store & it's got a carry case which keeps it neat and tidy in your car or bag. If your looking for a gift just have a google and you'll find them easy enough.

Tiggersuki Wed 15-Jun-22 12:10:53

Had dogs for years and would never have behaved so badly, awful "friends", as said before this is not the fault of the dog.
There are plenty of easy to carry fold up water bowls and dishes for dogs and no excuse for not bringing a treat and toy for the dog.

Jess20 Wed 15-Jun-22 12:10:08

Think not the serving dish, but it depends a lot on the situation. Everyone we know is aware that our little dog gets separation anxiety and by default will come along. Most people know she'll need a drink but I bring my own food for her, and a bowl and a clean blanket. If we leave her behind we need to get someone to stay with her, so it's a real palaver. She's a 'companion' animal (who was acquired to support a disabled person) and as such you don't just turn off her nature, she wants to be with people! She's very well behaved and I certainly wouldn't have expected the same for a very boisterous and smelly dog we had previously who was OK being left for a few hours at home. I'm cautious of offending people who dislike dogs, so I guess if you fell into that category we'd have to find a way around bringing the dog, and that would mean dog sitters or family would need to step in, so hardly something where we could make casual last minute arrangements as we would have to plan very carefully in advance. I guess what I'm saying is - we may like you a lot, but we love the dog. Our priorities may be different to those of our hosts - having said that, OP you sound very flexible I think we'd all come to an amicable arrangement.

Nannashirlz Wed 15-Jun-22 12:08:21

As a dog lover and had my girls for 15-17 years until lost them. I would never take them to someone else home unless they said bring them. I did actually find it strange when I lived in Germany and ppl took dogs in shops but many years later it’s happening here. But I’d say your home your rules and if I did take my dog I’d have a bowl bottle of water and snacks. Not your dog not your responsibility

ExDancer Wed 15-Jun-22 12:03:51

Views on dog hygiene vary a lot. I have one friend, a dog breeder who shows at Crufts etc, who allows her 3 dogs on the furniture and and to sleep in their bed. She also lets, nay encourages, them to lick her face - including her mouth (ugh), she calls it kissing.
This makes me wary of accepting invitations to meals, or even a coffee, at her's.
My last dog just died, but I still have two cats which I love dearly, who all have their own bowls and are not allowed in bedrooms. You can train them to stay out of bedrooms, you should see them run if I catch them on a bed!
You can get useful dog bowls and bottles to keep in the car for pets. Buy her one for Christmas its only 6 months away. grin

Alioop Wed 15-Jun-22 11:51:59

There is just myself and my dog and I wouldn't expect her to go to my friends houses for dinner. We call in at times, as some like to see her, but I keep a water bowl in my car for her and wouldn't dream of letting her eat from 'human' dishes. She gets her own dog food and treats, although some do keep some for her visiting.

Callistemon21 Wed 15-Jun-22 11:49:39

Grand-dog always brings his own dinner.
He has a rather nifty water container too but also his own bowl here.

sodapop Wed 15-Jun-22 11:44:20

I agree with sazz1 about feeding the dog, I certainly would not have allowed that.
I have two dogs who are left at home when we visit friends, they are more settled in their usual surroundings. I am stress free and can enjoy the meal and conversation without wondering what the dogs are doing. If we do take our dogs out we always have their dishes and a bottle of water in the car. I think you should say no to including the dog if they visit again Dylant1234