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AIBU

Dogs everywhere

(391 Posts)
Von58 Wed 07-Jan-26 23:05:45

AIBU to have a moan about dogs being everywhere and getting on my nerves? Well, not the poor dogs, they don't choose where they are but the current trend of owners expecting to be allowed to take dogs everywhere? They are taken into clothes shops. Ebay used to state "from a smoke free pet free home" on clothing sales. Now it seems to be acceptable to take dogs - even wet smelly dogs, into clothing stores. They are allowed into almost all pubs and resaurants , certainly where I live. The only dog free zone here, where I live, is Wetherspoons. Enough said about choice. Waiting staff handle dog water bowls and stroke dogs and then continue to handle glasses and food plates.
And trying to choose a dog free hotel seems impossible. I don't want a hotel room carpet smelling "doggy". We recently stayed in a lovely place overnight and at breakfast, a couple walked in with 2 boisterous dogs who jumped up on me at breakfast and licked my hand as I was eating. I don't hate dogs, I've had two lovely dogs who lived a long time, but would not dream of presuming that everyone else loves them too.
Dog owners may say they prefer their dogs to people/ children/ babies. But they seem to be the childless ones.
AIBU in hating this current trend of everywhere being dog "friendly"?
Let's have a nice discussion!

Kate1949 Fri 09-Jan-26 16:28:37

My daughter's dog allergy is linked to her asthma. She has had some scary times. Yes of course we can avoid dog friendly places. I'm not sure why we should have to. Also when out and about people can't always know where dogs will be.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 09-Jan-26 16:26:13

AGAA4

I think some people don't understand asthma and that it can happen suddenly and become life threatening quickly. It is usually caused by an allergen. My allergens on my medical notes after being tested were to 'feather and fur'.
As most pets have either one or the other I have had to be careful all my life.
I couldn't visit anyone who had a pet which was difficult.
Asthma is serious and not a laughing matter.

I am currently on a three month course of steroids combined with three other medications due to an asthma flare up.

The only thing we (GP’s, myself and family) can pin it on was I went out and part of the venue had a dogs welcome policy. I have battled hard not to be admitted to hospital over Christmas and New Year.

It has been difficult for myself and family.

Musicgirl Fri 09-Jan-26 16:14:22

As l said earlier, I am a dog owner and lover. We have a Cairn Terrier, who is now thirteen going on five. He is our first dog and has been all we wanted him and more. Part of this is because we did a lot of research beforehand to see which breed of dog would suit us best. Most importantly was a dog who did not moult, which would mean he had hair rather than fur as l am highly allergic to most dogs and cats - even more allergic to cats than dogs. A dog with hair rather than fur, who has to be periodically clipped, is generally far better for people who are allergic to animal fur and this has worked for me. I do have an allergy - too much time with most dogs can make my eyes water, give me frantic attacks of sneezing or even provoke an asthma attack. These symptoms are very real and unpleasant.
We had two other criteria when we were choosing a dog breed. We wanted one that would not take up half the living room by himself and, crucially, with the numbers of people coming to my house for music lessons, one from a breed that was known to be friendly. Over the years, he has helped cure a number of children who have had a fear of dogs. Even so, l am very aware that many people do not like dogs and/or are afraid of them. I would never foist my dog on anyone who felt like this.

AGAA4 Fri 09-Jan-26 16:05:34

I think some people don't understand asthma and that it can happen suddenly and become life threatening quickly. It is usually caused by an allergen. My allergens on my medical notes after being tested were to 'feather and fur'.
As most pets have either one or the other I have had to be careful all my life.
I couldn't visit anyone who had a pet which was difficult.
Asthma is serious and not a laughing matter.

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 16:03:01

Rosie51

Cossy when you've accompanied your child in a blue light ambulance because someone thought it was OK to secretly take their dog into a 'strictly no pets' holiday let the week before you rented it you tend to resent the questioning of such allergies. The frivolous Whilst an “allergy” to dogs is awful, I’ve yet to hear a story (though no doubt some one here will dig one up haha) about a person eating in a restaurant suddenly dying or needing urgent medical attention because there is a dog dining there too. doesn't help either. It's truly no laughing matter to witness your child unable to breathe, if you'd ever been there yourself I'm sure you'd omit the haha.

My apologies flowers Wasn’t intentionally being sarky and I completely forgot about asthma!

I personally would never ever take a dog to a place and sneak it in, there’s plenty of dog friendly restaurants/hotels etc, no need for anyone to sneak a dog in and I’d never ever do this.

So sorry about your child.

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 15:59:52

AGAA4

Cossy your dogs are gorgeous. I do like dogs quite a lot really. I would miss the dogs I regularly meet on my walks but I still feel people shouldn't have to make way for dogs in eateries.

Thank you and I’m the main I agree actually as I’d never take ours shopping, into restaurants or hotels, but I have come across some extremely well behaved dogs whilst eating out, I’ve also seen some bloody awful, noisy and smelly dogs too!

Rosie51 Fri 09-Jan-26 15:58:36

Cossy when you've accompanied your child in a blue light ambulance because someone thought it was OK to secretly take their dog into a 'strictly no pets' holiday let the week before you rented it you tend to resent the questioning of such allergies. The frivolous Whilst an “allergy” to dogs is awful, I’ve yet to hear a story (though no doubt some one here will dig one up haha) about a person eating in a restaurant suddenly dying or needing urgent medical attention because there is a dog dining there too. doesn't help either. It's truly no laughing matter to witness your child unable to breathe, if you'd ever been there yourself I'm sure you'd omit the haha.

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 15:53:51

Kate1949

I come across as a dog hate. I don't like the much but I don't hate them. I hate to see them abused or ill treated and would help one if I saw it in distress.

It's the entitlement of some owners. For instance, most people know that Wetherspoons don't allow dogs. In our local one, a bug, burly man was sitting with a small puppy visible inside his coat. The staff were all young and obviously too scared to confront him. He was looking at them almost daring them to say something. They could have lost their jobs. There was another pub a few doors away he could have used but no. He had to push.

I understand your point, I feel the same way about (some) entitled parents who allow their ill behaved feral children to ruin others enjoyment in places and indeed those entitled drunk loud people who do the same.

At least you can try and avoid places which welcome dogs.

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 15:50:21

Allira I’ve stated so many times, on this thread and other previous “dishing dogs” threads and I fully understand, accept and appreciate that not everyone likes dogs, nor would I take my own dogs to hotels, shops or restaurants. I also think if they are in such places they should not be on the chairs or tables nor eat from plates used by “humans”

I’m not entirely sure why you feel you need to post statements seemingly accusing me of things I neither think nor do?

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 15:45:57

“Allira”

I am entirely sure what you mean by quoting my para about differences between allergies and intolerances? Please may you explain why you think I don’t understand there’s a difference, when I clearly stated that there is?? Do you mean I don’t fully understand the difference?

Allira Fri 09-Jan-26 15:45:56

Also, again on hygiene, us dog owners often let our dogs in our kitchens and sitting rooms and also, heaven forbid, on couches, sofas and bad, as I type I have one scruffy (due a professional groom/trim) cocker spaniel, and three mini sausage dogs!

You can do whatever you wish in your own house, no-one cares. They can sit on your furniture, sleep in your bed, lick your food plates, stink to high heaven, whatever you wish.

But public places are for people unless specified as accepting dogs and not all may wish to see your dogs sitting on chairs, licking owners' plates etc.

Allira Fri 09-Jan-26 15:40:08

Cossy

Oh dear! How quickly this thread deteriorated!

Whilst an “allergy” to dogs is awful, I’ve yet to hear a story (though no doubt some one here will dig one up haha) about a person eating in a restaurant suddenly dying or needing urgent medical attention because there is a dog dining there too. Unlike people with severe food allergies, who are far more likely to be made unwell by restaurants not being vigilant by food ingredients.

Also, sorry again if I’m being pedantic, but lots of people use the word “allergy”, when what they actually have is an “intolerance” and there are differences.

Also, again on hygiene, us dog owners often let our dogs in our kitchens and sitting rooms and also, heaven forbid, on couches, sofas and bad, as I type I have one scruffy (due a professional groom/trim) cocker spaniel, and three mini sausage dogs!

Cocker does ping a bit, but the sausages don’t!

We are a pretty healthy family in terms of anything “contracted” from our much loved family pets and I do always clean everything, dogs bowls, blankets, beds and their bodies are regularly cleaned.

Once a dog lover always a dog lover, all our dogs are always up to date with worming, vaccinations and flea treatments and two annual vet checks, none of them are disgusting or unhygienic. 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Also, sorry again if I’m being pedantic, but lots of people use the word “allergy”, when what they actually have is an “intolerance” and there are differences.

Yes, there are and I'm not sure that you understand that.

Musicgirl Fri 09-Jan-26 15:11:20

Calendargirl

Calendargirl

TG Rosie can’t read

I’m sure some owners think they can, probably the ones who give them Christmas presents to open, take them into cafes with dog menus, …..

Oh, and on our Facebook ‘Give For Free’ page today, someone was offering red felt Santa stockings, ‘I’ve Been A Good Doggy’, obviously intended for these intelligent animals who can read the message and unwrap the doggie gifts.

And I was amazed to see people wanted them, doubtless preparing for next Christmas’s doggie gifts.

🤭

We have friends whose dog writes their Christmas Round Robin letter! Its become a much looked forward to Christmas event in our house as it is so unintentionally hilarious.

Calendargirl Fri 09-Jan-26 13:19:34

Calendargirl

^TG Rosie can’t read^

I’m sure some owners think they can, probably the ones who give them Christmas presents to open, take them into cafes with dog menus, …..

Oh, and on our Facebook ‘Give For Free’ page today, someone was offering red felt Santa stockings, ‘I’ve Been A Good Doggy’, obviously intended for these intelligent animals who can read the message and unwrap the doggie gifts.

And I was amazed to see people wanted them, doubtless preparing for next Christmas’s doggie gifts.

🤭

Kate1949 Fri 09-Jan-26 12:14:04

I come across as a dog hate. I don't like the much but I don't hate them. I hate to see them abused or ill treated and would help one if I saw it in distress.

It's the entitlement of some owners. For instance, most people know that Wetherspoons don't allow dogs. In our local one, a bug, burly man was sitting with a small puppy visible inside his coat. The staff were all young and obviously too scared to confront him. He was looking at them almost daring them to say something. They could have lost their jobs. There was another pub a few doors away he could have used but no. He had to push.

AGAA4 Fri 09-Jan-26 12:11:01

Cossy your dogs are gorgeous. I do like dogs quite a lot really. I would miss the dogs I regularly meet on my walks but I still feel people shouldn't have to make way for dogs in eateries.

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 11:51:42

Suzieque66

Had a Boxer dog ( I think ) on TV as she has had Cosmetic Surgery for the nose etc ? Extremely ugly dog , they shouldn't be allowed to breed from these awful dogs ..

I think I saw that, it was a bulldog, it’s not about how they look though, it’s because many of these types of dogs including pugs, French bull dogs and full size bull dogs, have been over bred to look this way and it causes all manner of issues and problems for these poor breeds, including breathing.

Personally I think breeding in this way is cruel and should be barred, too many irresponsible breeders around.

IMO, boxers are beautiful dogs, bit slobbery, but my grandma had two beautiful boxers across the years.

Suzieque66 Fri 09-Jan-26 11:47:02

Had a Boxer dog ( I think ) on TV as she has had Cosmetic Surgery for the nose etc ? Extremely ugly dog , they shouldn't be allowed to breed from these awful dogs ..

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 11:45:03

Kate1949

Oh well as long as no one dies or need urgent medical attention, that's ok then. Never mind the discomfort caused by swollen, sore, streaming eyes, sneezing, having to carry antihistamines. As long as the dogs and their owners are happy.

Dont’t believe I said that my dear Kate, in fact I’ve never said that about anything ever!

I have empathy for people who don’t like dogs or have allergies or intolerances to them, or indeed anything else. Hence I don’t take our dogs into ANY indoor establishments, whether they are welcome or not. Our dogs are exercised in dog appropriate places, kept on leads when necessary and their poo picked up and disposed of correctly.

I carry antihistamines too as I have awful hay fever, intolerant to some perfumes, aftershaves, dust, and quite a few other things, it’s a pain and unpleasant but that’s life.

Please don’t put words in my mouth.

Kate1949 Fri 09-Jan-26 11:36:30

Oh well as long as no one dies or need urgent medical attention, that's ok then. Never mind the discomfort caused by swollen, sore, streaming eyes, sneezing, having to carry antihistamines. As long as the dogs and their owners are happy.

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 11:35:03

Soz about typos! Hope it all makes sense!

Have a lovely day, one and all, it’s awful outside! flowers

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 11:30:59

AGAA4

I agree with everyone who has said dogs are beneficial to people in different ways.
What I can't agree with is dogs being allowed into restaurants and shops unless they are guide dogs.

Nothing wrong there, just choose an eatery where dogs are forbidden.

flowers

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 11:29:01

Here we have them!

Dougie, Archie and Betty sausages, Poppy, mad cocker

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 11:26:53

Oh dear! How quickly this thread deteriorated!

Whilst an “allergy” to dogs is awful, I’ve yet to hear a story (though no doubt some one here will dig one up haha) about a person eating in a restaurant suddenly dying or needing urgent medical attention because there is a dog dining there too. Unlike people with severe food allergies, who are far more likely to be made unwell by restaurants not being vigilant by food ingredients.

Also, sorry again if I’m being pedantic, but lots of people use the word “allergy”, when what they actually have is an “intolerance” and there are differences.

Also, again on hygiene, us dog owners often let our dogs in our kitchens and sitting rooms and also, heaven forbid, on couches, sofas and bad, as I type I have one scruffy (due a professional groom/trim) cocker spaniel, and three mini sausage dogs!

Cocker does ping a bit, but the sausages don’t!

We are a pretty healthy family in terms of anything “contracted” from our much loved family pets and I do always clean everything, dogs bowls, blankets, beds and their bodies are regularly cleaned.

Once a dog lover always a dog lover, all our dogs are always up to date with worming, vaccinations and flea treatments and two annual vet checks, none of them are disgusting or unhygienic. 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

ViceVersa Fri 09-Jan-26 11:25:35

Oreo

A couple of observations about dogs, I agree that there seem to be many more taken into cafes and pubs and restaurants than before Covid, don’t know if those things are connected or not.
Also where are the mongrel dogs of the past? Every dog I see is a certain breed, and the ginger curly coated dogs are just everywhere!

The 'mongrels' of the past now all have names - and the ginger curly coated dogs are all 'doodles' of one description or another! You have labradoodles, cockapoos, cavapoos and so on - various breeds crossed with poodles, which are meant to shed less and be better for people with allergies (supposedly!) Not so long ago, we would have called them all mongrels.