Dogs welcome

Jamie. This might please you. The reason why responsible dog owners do not tie up and leave their dogs outside is because they might get stolen. A lot of dogs are stolen around the country but not being a dog owner/lover explains why you're not aware of this.

I lunched in Seatown, Dorset in a very small room in a pub and some dog owners allowed their mutts to come up to our table and put their heads on it to sniff at our plates. These women were extremely rude when I complained. You wouldn't allow children to behave like this so why dogs? I was brought up to believe that civility meant not discomforting others. I expected an apology, not a torrent of abuse. What's wrong with tying up dogs to wait outside. I attended a church in the Yukon once; a row of well- behaved dogs waited quietly for their owners outside, tethered to a rail.

So do that!

Paddyann I agree with you. I wouldn't want to go in a restaurant that allows dogs either. I'd avoid it and eat at another one.

Last time we went out for lunch I cancelled my dessert and paid the bill as the two boys sitting at the table opposite, and in unavoidable view, both ate with their mouths open, spat out food and shouted and squabbled. Give me a dozing spaniel under the table any day.

I don't have a dog and as my name suggests I love cats. whilst on holiday in France I was very amused by a man in a cafe feeding his dog mussels. I don't mind at all seeing people's dogs as long as they are well behaved and I think it is up to the owners to regulate their pets behaviour - which I think most do and if not the restaurant staff.

Well said Anya. Is there any point in contuing this thread? Any opinions not yet expressed?

Seems to me it comes down to personal preference, live and let live. No need for people who don't like dogs in eateries, go to one where dogs are not allowed.

You've got plenty of other places to choose from, so go there and allow dog owners to eat in their preferred eatery.

I suppose that ultimately it comes down to a balance of tolerance on one side and consideration on the other.

Paddyann is frightened of dogs and is therefore very wise to avoid restaurants which allow dogs. I am not afraid of dogs (though have been bitten twice by Jack Russells so will avoid that breed if possible) and was a dog owner for 30+ years. It never once occurred to me that I should be allowed to take my dog into a restaurant. Nor onto a beach where small children were playing, nor into a park ditto. If friends or family who didn't like dogs visited the dog was shut away. People come first.

Why should I have to avoid restaurants? Owning a dog is a responsibility that creates some limitations on how you live. That is the choice: If I get a dog I cannot eat in certain places!
I choose not to have a dog so I can do the things I like to do.

I don't see a problem it would be your choice to eat there and as long as the dogs are well behaved it would be fine no different to children in a restaurant although thinking about it some of the behaviour from unruly children I've endured I think dogs sleeping under a table would be less hassle.

One with wifi!

Having been concerned for hygiene with dogs and smokers, given headaches by other people's noisy brats and probably had to queue as well maybe I should retreat to an uninhabited desert island ?

I'd never dream of taking my dogs anywhere there is food served or n a food shop.no matter how well behaved , it's not considerate of other people and possibl unhygenic.

I don't like dogs as one bit me as a child. English pubs seem to be full of dogs. I tripped over one recently. They are stretched out all over the floor. Ugh!

I've got no problem with dogs or children in cafes as long as the owners/parents ensure they are well behaved. I don't think animals are any dirtier than people. I suppose some will say that they lick their privates and then lick people but, honestly, how many men wash their hands after they have been to the toilet- I suspect not a very high percentage.

I agree with you Paddyann. Reminds me of someone I used to know when she was booking a hotel rang and asked if they would allow her dog in yhe bedroom. When they said 'yes' she said that she wouldn't be making a booking as she didn't like the thought of any dog being in the room. I agrre.

In a pub.

Should have said that the pubs we visit have either, outside patio areas or terraces where you can sit and eat with your dog. Have a wonderful lunch, enjoy the sunshine and the sea and just watch the world go by. Can't wait, Cornwall here we come. Have never yet come across a badly behaved dog ???

I'm with paddyann and personally would give a wide berth to an eatery that encouraged diners to bring their dogs with them – the hygiene concerns alone would put me off my food. But I’m sure there are plenty of dog owners who would jump at the chance to patronise such a place. However, allowing dogs is an especially brave move for a new restaurant that apparently claims to be the only one in the area offering “fine dining”. They certainly risk frightening off quite a few potential customers. I’d be interested to know how the place does, and in particular what hygiene score it gets after its first FSA inspection.

I agree re parents angelab but children are human beings which dogs are not!

Like everyone here, I am pro responsible/ thoughtful parents!

Owning a dog is a choice. If you make that choice then part of that decision is knowing the limitations pet owning brings. If you have a dog that cannot be left at home for an evening then you know your chance of eating out in decent restaurants is limited. I do not think my choice of restaurants should be limited if I have chosen not to have a dog. As I said I would expect to see dogs in pubs/ some cafes especially in areas where dog walks happen. I am not anti-dog but am pro responsible/ thoughtful dog owners!