Dogs everywhere

Bukkie

Tenko - You sound very considerate for a dog owner and appreciate others don't feel the same way but sadly you are in a minority. Most dog owners seem to think everyone should love their pooch and cannot understand that it's unhygienic to have them in places that serve food. And they always say, " He/She is friendly and won't harm you." I have no desire to be friends with the dog and I am absolutely terrified of them not just uncomfortable around them.

Thank you . I have an aunt and an ex sil who are frightened of dogs , so I try to be considerate.

Rosie51

^Dogs don't come trained to do all of these things^ I think this is the most pertinent thing. Too many people have no idea of the hard work and length of time involved in training a puppy and just have an idealised vision of pet ownership.

Yes, absolutely. Dogs, especially puppies, are hard work and training should be an ongoing thing. They pay us back a thousand times over in love and affection though.
They are NOT a novelty, a toy, a fashion accessory and I think nowadays, too many people get them on a whim for some of those reasons. The problem is not the dogs themselves, but thoughtless owners who don't train them properly and don't take others into consideration.
Our beautiful, well-trained, laidback Lab is currently recovering from a trip to the emergency vet on Boxing Day and two minor operations after he was attacked by a very large mastiff type dog, off lead, just before Christmas. My husband said the woman who had the dog just shrugged and said - oh, he doesn't like black dogs!

Very important points about the training of dogs . They’re not born trained and it’s hard work and you have to be consistent . Not just small puppies but as they get a bit older , they try and rebel , just like teenagers , which is why many get rehomed . Dogs , not teenagers obviously . Our latest dog has been harder to train than the previous two . Even though they are all labs .
The dogs bought during Covid probably didn’t get trained properly as you had to reply on online training videos , rather than classes or 121 . And possibly have attachment issues due to owners wfh . Which is why some owners take their dogs everywhere .

I would not like to see a world without dogs. They are, mostly, lovely creatures. I do not have a dog but they make my life a bit nicer when I meet lots of them on walks. I know all their names and their owners make me laugh with amusing tales (tails) about their pets.
All these owners are responsible and the dogs are well behaved.

I just wonder why some people have to take their dogs everywhere?
Dogs should be respected and treated as dogs. I'm sure some would rather go to the park than a restaurant.

Something really needs to be done about dogs now, and the ridiculous people who get them and don't have a clue. Terrible story -

www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y54xgzpzzo

Tenko

Very important points about the training of dogs . They’re not born trained and it’s hard work and you have to be consistent . Not just small puppies but as they get a bit older , they try and rebel , just like teenagers , which is why many get rehomed . Dogs , not teenagers obviously . Our latest dog has been harder to train than the previous two . Even though they are all labs .
The dogs bought during Covid probably didn’t get trained properly as you had to reply on online training videos , rather than classes or 121 . And possibly have attachment issues due to owners wfh . Which is why some owners take their dogs everywhere .

Yes, training has to be consistent and patient.

Not just small puppies but as they get a bit older , they try and rebel , just like teenagers , which is why many get rehomed . Dogs , not teenagers obviously.
Although I was often tempted to rehome my DC when they were teenagers - and keep the dog.

So sorry to read about your lab ViceVersa. Incidents like yours seem to be more common now. My lab became lead reactive as a result of incidents when harassed by off lead dogs, when he was walking or sitting nicely on lead.
He’s doing well but I avoid areas I’ve walked for years as it’s too busy with offlead dogs, with no recall. I walk my spaniel there, she’s rock solid.

Thank you, Iam64 - I'm just hoping this doesn't cause him to become reactive to other dogs. He's on restricted walking at the moment, but gets his stitches out on Tuesday.

Let us know. ViceVersa. Reactivity is so hard to manage and reduce. My lab much improved - his was triggered by badly behaved dogs

I find a lot of children are so badly behave in restaurants and pubs that I much prefer dogs

No you are not being unreasonable.
I don’t have dogs but my family have!
They don’t seem to see a problem with anything their dogs do at any time. Sadly.
Maybe the reason for so many in the shops bars and restaurants is because business is not as good as it was and they need any customers even with their dogs?

Totally, utterly, wholeheartedly, one million percent agree. Dogs in eateries is a no! Dogs off leads is a no! Dogs worrying sheep is a no!

Totally agree with you, in Cheshire Oaks dogs everywhere, I nearly fell over a lead and hurt myself (didn’t see the dog).
I wonder do they have 3rd party insurance in case their dog hurts someone 🤔
I have the insurance for my horse, just a thought

A couple of years ago DH was attacked by a passing dog. He was on his way home from his regular morning walk and the dog and owner were on the other side of the road. The dog suddenly went for him, and dragged him to the ground. When he got home his knees, elbow and hands were all bleeding and his good walking jacket torn. The owner was obviously shocked as well as DH, so not a regular occurrence. We've seen it since a few times and it is now muzzled so suspect it happened to someone else as well.

I completely agree and you're not being the slightest bit unreasonable. I've loathe going into pubs and restaurants only to be surrounded by variously yappy/smelly/badly behaved and quite frankly unwelcome canines. I had booked to go to a new restaurant recently but cancelled when I read their 'dogs welcome' policy. Another well-known, very up-market Brasserie chain (second part of name rhymes with Plonk) completely put me off by inviting me to bring a 'canine companion'. No thanks. Have also see dogs in food halls, sniffing round the table-height displays and generally having a snarl at each other. I've had dogs in the past but can't stand this ridiculous preoccupation with 'furry friends'. Says more about the owners than the animals.

Granatlast007

Something really needs to be done about dogs now, and the ridiculous people who get them and don't have a clue. Terrible story -

www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y54xgzpzzo

That was quite shocking. I saw it a few days ago. Sadly I don't think they found the dog or owner.

I had 2 dogs..they apparently didnt hate each other..as we thought.They are small..and well behaved.We now have 4!!!.If we take them out.we eat outside..because it isnt fair.They are always friendly..and love everyone..however..it isnt fair to inflict them on people who dont like them..

I've become allergic to my dogs in the last 6 years. Before that I had no problems. Always had a dog since childhood.
I don't take them shopping or to restaurants or cafes. OH does take them to the pub as do lots of other people. They are well trained and lie quietly under the table. They are treated as dogs, ie no clothing, pyjamas, bandanas, Xmas or birthday presents or party. They sleep the kitchen on a dog bed. No dog icecreams or other food rubbish.
They aren't furbabies and are our dogs which we love very much. I cope with the allergy with antihistamines

Stop moaning.

I don't mind dogs but I do not like the people that think everyone should like them - like their ill behaved children. Both need to be kept in check.
that being said, too many people have bought a dog with the ideal picture in mind but forget the need to be fed, watered, walked and taken to the vets.
Like people who want a baby but not a child - not dolls to be played with when in the mood.

I agree that there are too many dogs allowed in venues where people are eating. I do not want a dog sniffing round me hoping for food or even just saying hello. I don't want to smell dogs or end up with dog hair on my trousers. I think dog lovers have no idea that not everybody feels the same way about their beloved pets. I have an acquaintance who insists on bringing her dog everywhere and then gets irate if venue dares to tell her dogs are not allowed.

I agree I wouldn’t eat in a restaurant or cafe if dogs were there ugh

I prefer dogs to people, so I’m in a minority maybe. Kids are noisy as are adults. My dog sits quietly with us.

I agree 100 %. And surely this must contravene Health and Safety Regulations. I can't possibly see how it wouldn't. I used to have a lovely dog myself but would not have dreamed of taking her into a shop or eatery of any sort. I was recently in The Range and someone had brought in a dog which left a trail of faeces behind it and close to shelves where food items were being sold. Enough! Someone please start a Parliament Petition (sorry no good at this myself) and I'll be one of the first to sign and share.

Yes, imo you are being unreasonable! Sorry to say it!
And yes I am exactly one of the "Dog owners may say they prefer their dogs to people/ children/ babies. But they seem to be the childless ones."
You see children in supermarket trollies touching everything - and you know EXACTLY where those fingers have been!
(Not for nothing do teachers avoid eating cakes made by children! )

Of course there are bad dog owners, as there are neglectful people in all walks of life. But tackle the individuals not make rules that are overkill. That so often happens nowadays.

Personally I dislike the numbers of cats who 'ablute' in my garden. But nothing I can do about it.
Studies show that people who grow up close to animals are better adjusted, healthier - better immunity - and less likely to have psychological problems.

If you go into a hotel room that smells of dog - tell them when you book / and ask to be moved. Most hotels in my experience have some, not all, dog friendly rooms.

If waiters don't wash their hands - tell them!

Letting a dog jump up at your table is wrong and should not happen.

But there are many, many lonely people whose dog is their best and truest friend.

I think we need more kindness; be more chilled, not less dogs!