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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!

Oreo Fri 09-Jan-26 21:42:35

Iam64

Apologies I’ve read the first and last two pages, not the entire thread.
I’m a dog person, always lived with dogs except two years in my late teens, early twenties. This thread is the most recent in many thst set out to complain about dogs. I currently share my life with a Labrador and a cocker spaniel. My spaniel rock steady, the lab a work in progress after a series of incidents when he, on lead, was irritated and upset by off lead dogs with neither manners or recall . Helping him relax when dogs he doesn’t know get in his face has been a challenge, as we have so many badly behaved dogs with owners who think they’re right (when they aren’t)
I absolutely take the point about allergies. I hope you’re getting well grannygravy. I no longer take my well behaved, gentle spaniel into our local cafe bar. Too many dogs, too often allowed, even encouraged to meet n greet other dogs and people. When mine come to the pub after a walk, they lie u def the table.
Oreo we don’t have mongrels because dogs don’t wander these days. Traffic far too dangerous

So, I’m ms grumpy, dogs on lead, I’d love to see every owner expected to commit to twelve months training classes.

Yes, that was my only thought about mongrels not being around any more, that dogs are so expensive that they never get the chance to wander off and breed when they want to.
It’s good, no unwanted puppies but at the same time I really like the look of mongrel dogs and they’re healthier too.

CanadianGran Fri 09-Jan-26 21:16:58

Here dogs are only allowed on outdoor patios at restaurants, and then, not all of them. There will usually be a 'dog's welcome' sign. Hotels typically have only a few assigned pet rooms so one needs to call well in advance to see if there is room.

We sometimes travel with our Aussie shepherd, so really only need to keep her with us then. Otherwise we leave her at home if we are out and about.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 09-Jan-26 21:08:40

Chardy

I've clearly led a sheltered life. Although an asthmatic friend of ours died, and from work, I knew about peanut and aerosols, I've honestly never heard of being near a dog leading to an allergic reaction or an asthma attack. And there are well over 10m dogs in UK.

I have been resuscitated on two separate occasions due to my dog allergy.

Maybe that’s why you could say I am overly cautious.

(Aged 15 and 20)

Chardy Fri 09-Jan-26 20:25:57

I've clearly led a sheltered life. Although an asthmatic friend of ours died, and from work, I knew about peanut and aerosols, I've honestly never heard of being near a dog leading to an allergic reaction or an asthma attack. And there are well over 10m dogs in UK.

Iam64 Fri 09-Jan-26 19:46:20

RosiesMawagain

I see it as "soft targetting" foxie and if it sounds like a witch hunt, well maybe it is.
Now back to budgies.
I think it's disgusting that some people let them fly round their living room, perch on hands and heads, have they never heard of psitticosis?
And as for goldfish - have you seen Jaws ?
I rest my case

You didn’t mention murderous cats, RosiesMawagain, My daughter has a kitten, too young to go out in this weather. It’s a tiny thing but is already dominating their ten year old Doodledog. Kitty stalks the dog, leaps out hissing at the poor dog, it’s clear that when let loose in the garden, birds will need to find alternative trees

Retread Fri 09-Jan-26 19:25:12

I’m equally as irritated by all of the above as I was by the dog.

RosiesMawagain Fri 09-Jan-26 19:10:43

Retread

I’ve not seen previous dog-bashing threads and I probably wouldn’t have commented on this one if I hadn’t been so recently irritated by the dog on the train seat.

Of course there are many responsible dog owners. And lovely 🐶 dogs 🐕.

I get more irritated by feet on crowded train seats, likewise bags, briefcases, backpacks or other possessions unless their owners have paid for an extra seat.

RosiesMawagain Fri 09-Jan-26 19:08:04

I see it as "soft targetting" foxie and if it sounds like a witch hunt, well maybe it is.
Now back to budgies.
I think it's disgusting that some people let them fly round their living room, perch on hands and heads, have they never heard of psitticosis?
And as for goldfish - have you seen Jaws ?
I rest my case

Retread Fri 09-Jan-26 19:05:38

I’ve not seen previous dog-bashing threads and I probably wouldn’t have commented on this one if I hadn’t been so recently irritated by the dog on the train seat.

Of course there are many responsible dog owners. And lovely 🐶 dogs 🐕.

foxie48 Fri 09-Jan-26 18:57:38

It's the usual lazy stereotyping*Rosiesmaw*. Those of us who are responsible dog owners with well trained obedient dogs get lumped with those who let their dogs run riot. I'm really sorry for those with an allergy to dogs it must be very tricky navigating the world so you don't come into contact with a dog. My friend is allergic to bee stings so I genuinely understand the concern. but I don't think she expects her neighbours to stop keeping bees ( which they do). She has an EpiPen and is currently undergoing venom immunotherapy.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 09-Jan-26 18:39:19

I hope I haven’t bashed you Maw I love dogs, but unfortunately my body doesn’t.

JamesandJon33 Fri 09-Jan-26 18:38:08

SWWales, dogs, dogs dogs. Most cafes and pubs allow dogs though some restrict them to specific areas.

RosiesMawagain Fri 09-Jan-26 18:35:49

I don't know where all these dog friendly shops, cafes and restaurants are.
I never see them.
From the tenor of this thread you'd think we were overrun with dogs . Well not around me we're not.
Like Iam, I regard myself as a responsible dog owner.
On-lead walks, no cafe or pub visits (apart from pub garden) never been on public transport and Rosie has never seen a beach.
I take the point about allergies although I know more people with a nut/ dairy/ peanut allergy or indeed cat allergies.
I am actually quite sick of the dog bashing on GN- this is far from bring an isolated thread - not least because they cannot defend themselves and also because it seems to be a dog owner bashing thread and by extension I feel quite battered.
Could we have one on budgies next please?

Gran22boys Fri 09-Jan-26 18:26:56

Sadgrandma

I would also like to add how horrible I find it when people allow their dogs to lick them on their mouths. Dogs lick their own bums and private parts!!!

Absolutely agree!

Iam64 Fri 09-Jan-26 18:20:25

Apologies I’ve read the first and last two pages, not the entire thread.
I’m a dog person, always lived with dogs except two years in my late teens, early twenties. This thread is the most recent in many thst set out to complain about dogs. I currently share my life with a Labrador and a cocker spaniel. My spaniel rock steady, the lab a work in progress after a series of incidents when he, on lead, was irritated and upset by off lead dogs with neither manners or recall . Helping him relax when dogs he doesn’t know get in his face has been a challenge, as we have so many badly behaved dogs with owners who think they’re right (when they aren’t)
I absolutely take the point about allergies. I hope you’re getting well grannygravy. I no longer take my well behaved, gentle spaniel into our local cafe bar. Too many dogs, too often allowed, even encouraged to meet n greet other dogs and people. When mine come to the pub after a walk, they lie u def the table.
Oreo we don’t have mongrels because dogs don’t wander these days. Traffic far too dangerous

So, I’m ms grumpy, dogs on lead, I’d love to see every owner expected to commit to twelve months training classes.

AGAA4 Fri 09-Jan-26 17:06:59

Kate1949

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.

We had just had our meal served in a restaurant when I stretched out my legs and hit something. When I looked under the table there was a dog lying there. The couple at the next table hastily removed the dog but I would not have known if I hadn't inadvertently kicked it.
I wasn't affected thankfully but spent the rest of the meal concerned that I might have an attack. Leaving wouldn't behave helped as it only takes a few breaths for the allergy to kick in.
I would not have known about the dog if I hadn't kicked him.

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 17:03:49

Last comment promise

1) I wish GG a speedy and full recovery

2) Many places are actually advertised outside and on their websites as being dog friendly, and many state very clearly “No dogs allowed”

Allira Fri 09-Jan-26 17:02:58

Cossy

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.

Have people been known to be hospitalised because of an allergy to children?

Drunks, possibly, if they become aggressive.

Cossy Fri 09-Jan-26 17:01:16

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’ve already apologised and stated I’d completely forgotten about asthma, silly of me and I’d never consider it a joke.

When my elder son was a toddler he had a fit and was blue lighted to to hospital, so I do know this awful experience. In the bed next to us was the sweetest little boy who was on his third visit in 8 weeks due to asthma attacks, his poor mum was distraught.

Again, I unreservedly apologise to anyone I’ve inadvertently angered or upset, it wasn’t my intention.

I won’t comment further on this thread.

Allira Fri 09-Jan-26 17:00:02

Musicgirl

Kate1949

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.

Couldn’t agree more with you.

So do I.

If places were specifically labelled 'dog friendly' you'd know to avoid them.

Allira Fri 09-Jan-26 16:58:53

GrannyGravy13

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.

I hope the medication work although not great to have to take steroids, GrannyGravy.

Yes, I have a DD who has been hospitalised due to severe allergic reactions, more specifically cats and horses although some dogs can trigger it.
It's the fur, dander and saliva in particular

AGAA4 Fri 09-Jan-26 16:56:19

GG13 I'm sorry you have had a flair up. It's a very distressing condition and frightening when you are struggling to breathe.
I have had a number of attacks that needed urgent treatment.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 09-Jan-26 16:54:40

Musicgirl

Kate1949

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.

Couldn’t agree more with you.

👏👏👏👏👏

Musicgirl Fri 09-Jan-26 16:52:33

Kate1949

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.

Couldn’t agree more with you.

Oreo Fri 09-Jan-26 16:51:11

It’s actually quite difficult to avoid dog friendly eateries unless you phone round loads first to check.On holiday it’s just about impossible to do.