Are dogs becoming the new smoking?

I'd rather have a dog under tge tsble than screaming children running about in any eating establishment.

Daisycuddles

The issues is training of staff then. Why shouldn't dogs be allowed as long as they stay on the floor. What about people who go to the toilet in eating places that don't wash their hands ? That isn't hygienic either. Are you going to complain about that as well? I really am getting fed up of these anti dog posts.

The issues is training of staff then.

Certainly - and some owners, too.

But it isn't only about hygiene - there are those who are afraid of dogs, for various reasons; some are allergic to them - others have been attacked, bitten by them, tripped-up over their leads, or simply don't want a dog around them... they have every right to have their say without being labelled 'anti-dog'.

I've never owned a dog, though have family who do, and I don't want one - though I have on occasions seen magnificent creatures that might have tempted me years ago.

I'm not anti-dog, I'm anti people who don't understand nor accept that others do not share their passion, for valid reasons, and anti owners who either have no control over their dogs, or don't think they need controlling.

4allweknow

I'd rather have a dog under tge tsble than screaming children running about in any eating establishment.

Me too!

As for those who say ‘I’m not anti-dog’ …smacks of something else starting ‘I’m not…’

Furret

4allweknow

I'd rather have a dog under tge tsble than screaming children running about in any eating establishment.

Me too!

As for those who say ‘I’m not anti-dog’ …smacks of something else starting ‘I’m not…’

And what about all those who have openly shown themselves to be anti children............. and who would probably now say, 'I'm not anti children, but...'

Out of interest would you all be happy for people to take their well behaved (on leads, harnesses etc) cats, rabbits, reptiles and any other pets into cafés, restaurants, garden centres? If not why not?

Furret

4allweknow

I'd rather have a dog under tge tsble than screaming children running about in any eating establishment.

Me too!

As for those who say ‘I’m not anti-dog’ …smacks of something else starting ‘I’m not…’

I don't want dogs or screaming children in restaurants.

The hygiene issue is not one to be ignored. Years ago I was involved in a public hygiene campaign around dogs and toxocara canis and ever since then I've been very aware of zoonosis (animal disease passing to humans).

Google tells me that zoonosis covers all these:
Viral: Ebola, Influenza (avian/swine), Rabies, COVID-19.
Bacterial: Salmonella, Q fever (Coxiella), Anthrax.
Parasitic/Fungal: Toxoplasmosis, Cryptosporidium.
Transmission: Direct contact with bodily fluids (saliva, blood, urine), consuming contaminated food/water, or bites from infected vectors.

So I definitely don't want dogs in eating places because I've seen waitresses petting their mouths and saying '"Aren't you lovely!" and we have no idea whether they immediately rushed off to the bathroom to wash their hands but in most cases I doubt it. So I will not be eating there thank you.

Rosie51

Furret

4allweknow

I'd rather have a dog under tge tsble than screaming children running about in any eating establishment.

Me too!

As for those who say ‘I’m not anti-dog’ …smacks of something else starting ‘I’m not…’

And what about all those who have openly shown themselves to be anti children............. and who would probably now say, 'I'm not anti children, but...'

Out of interest would you all be happy for people to take their well behaved (on leads, harnesses etc) cats, rabbits, reptiles and any other pets into cafés, restaurants, garden centres? If not why not?

And what about all those who have openly shown themselves to be anti children............. and who would probably now say, 'I'm not anti children, but...'

touché !

I don't mind dogs in pubs but not restaurants . What I do abhor is people with small dogs sat on their knees at the table either being fed or actually eating from the table. I have to force myself to keep quiet. I certainly understand that pubs etc have to make a living but the next people at that table don't need these sort of germs. I'm a dog lover but on the floor please.

Just seen on Mumsnet.

Someone going on a caravan holiday, dog supposed to be going to kennels, but let down last minute. Obv dog free site.

Can’t find another, don’t want to disappoint kids.

“Would it be ok to take dog anyway and just not say? Only a tiny one, doesn’t shed hairs, blah blah blah”

Pleased to see in the replies no one agreed.

What if it barked continually, how could it be walked, etc etc.?

Another entitled owner, thinking that of course rules are for everyone else.

That's the whole crux of the matter here though, isn't it? Entitled owners - not the responsible ones who do take other people into consideration. The ones who think they - and their dogs - are the centre of the universe (I could say the same about some parents and their 'little princes or princesses' too). A bit of consideration, common courtesy and respect would go a long way - and, I might add, works both ways too!

Agree absolutely, ViceVersa. However, these are not the dogs under discussion, here.
I reiterate that those who state how negative they feel about children in public places ( which seem particularly prone to screaming/ running amok) are more likely to require the services of any of this disliked group than that of either of the categories of dog that you have listed.
It's not the pro - dog stance with which I take issue, it's the anti - child rhetoric.

M0nica

Colls

Honestly, all the grumpy comments!
For many, many people, their dogs are cats are their best, most loyal friends and companions and I would definitely rather go to a cafe and see beautiful dogs than grumpy, judgemental faces!
Dogs keep ill health away; being grumpy is not good for immune systems!
In fact, before I get my coat, I'll say compared to often snotty, sneezy, squarky children, I'd rather see dogs anywhere!
I'll get my coat now!

Would you really want to eat somewhere where the waitress wipes the dogs bowls and tables witht same cloth and patted dogs, including around the mouth and then handles your food.

The alternative to having a dog is not being grumpy. I am a happy and cheerful indivdidual, especially when there are no dogs around.

I am fearful and unhappy around dogs becaause I have been attacked and badly bruised by dogs, thankfully wearing muzzles, otherwise I could have been very seriously injured. but most of all, as I have said. I do not want dogs, other than assistance dogs in places serving food. Dogs can and do spread disease especially when food handlers serve customers and dogs without washing their hands in between.

I would expect hygiene in every cafe so I'm not sure why you list those theoretical practices.

The comments in the thread, I felt, were grumpy, I didn't say being grumpy is 'alternative to having a dog'.

Humans and children and just life spread disease. It's known that being exposed to germs is good for us and we can't be avoided.

Some of those complaining about dogs being unhygienic would have an absolute fit if they ever saw what goes on behind the scenes in some eating places!

I think when the debate reaches the point where dog owners defensively suggest that their animals are preferable to screaming children / very-noisy-adults - or grumpy ones... it's futile to continue.

And now the core-argument, about hygiene in establishments serving food, has been 'debunked' by "It's known that being exposed to germs is good for us and we can't be avoided."...

There’s no evidence that adults improve their immune system by exposure to random pathogens through food handling. If we’re supposed to accept that any germ exposure is good for us, there’d be no point in hand-washing rules or food safety standards at all. We are not arguing that life should be sterile, but exposure without consent is not a virtue.

I hope the responsible dog owners who I suspect might just be the majority will know they are not being criticised.

Humans and children and just life spread disease. It's known that being exposed to germs is good for us and we can't be avoided.

No, being exposed to "germs" is not necessarily good for us .

I remember reading a notice as I waited at the Eye Hospital, about how toxocariasis, found in dog faeces, can caused blindness in children.

I notice nobody has felt able to answer my question upthread

Out of interest would you all be happy for people to take their well behaved (on leads, harnesses etc) cats, rabbits, reptiles and any other pets into cafés, restaurants, garden centres? If not why not?

Plans to open a rabbit-filled cafe in north London have sparked a huge backlash from animal-lovers who fear the creatures may “die of fright”.
www.standard.co.uk/news/london/islington-bunny-cafe-faces-backlash-amid-fears-rabbits-will-die-of-fright-a3257701.html

It was a few years ago, not sure if it went ahead. 🐇

I remember reading a notice as I waited at the Eye Hospital, about how toxocariasis, found in dog faeces, can caused blindness in children.

Yes, it's back to the same old thing - responsible dog owners do get their dogs wormed regularly to help prevent this occuring. Keeping their vaccinations up to date is also critical. I had no problem paying £115 per dog last month for rabies jabs, I know these are compulsory to travel, but what I'm saying is responsible dog owners factor this in and are prepared to take every possible precaution. Just as responsible dog owners don't allow their dogs to lick plates in cafés.

Rosie51

I notice nobody has felt able to answer my question upthread

^Out of interest would you all be happy for people to take their well behaved (on leads, harnesses etc) cats, rabbits, reptiles and any other pets into cafés, restaurants, garden centres? If not why not?^

What a daft question
You’ve omitted Shire horses, Shetland ponies and goats.

RosiesMawagain

Rosie51

I notice nobody has felt able to answer my question upthread

^Out of interest would you all be happy for people to take their well behaved (on leads, harnesses etc) cats, rabbits, reptiles and any other pets into cafés, restaurants, garden centres? If not why not?^

What a daft question
You’ve omitted Shire horses, Shetland ponies and goats.

Why would taking your much loved pet cat out with you be so daft? There are cat cafés where cats roam freely and interact with the customers. I know of somebody who has an 'indoor cat' who is walked outside on a harness, because the roads nearby are just too dangerous with fast moving traffic.

I think you'll find that the owners of Shire horses, Shetland ponies and goats don't generally have them inside their own homes either. Perhaps you're unaware that they're all rather larger than the normal domestic pets?

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202602/medium-3g5rhe-0-swns-pony-pub-16.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202602/medium-4d342z-images-1.jpeg

Rosie51

I notice nobody has felt able to answer my question upthread

^Out of interest would you all be happy for people to take their well behaved (on leads, harnesses etc) cats, rabbits, reptiles and any other pets into cafés, restaurants, garden centres? If not why not?^

😲

Thanks Allira

Well it would seem some ponies are welcome in the pub, what say you now RosiesMawagain?

I have been in a hotel resaurant abroad, where birds were allowed to fly in and out.

Rosie51

Thanks Allira

Well it would seem some ponies are welcome in the pub, what say you now RosiesMawagain?

I say reductio ad absurdum Rosie51

🤣🤣🤣🤣