“I’m Sorry, But Unless It’s A Trained Service Dog, Your Dog Simply Does Not Need To Come With You On All Your Errands”: Woman’s Thread About Dogs Goes Viral On Twitter
If you’re anything like us, then you’re a huge fan of animals of shapes and sizes, from cuddly cats and derpy doggos to inquisitive iguanas and witty parrots. However, part of being a good owner is being very aware of your environment and the people around you. Sure, there are plenty of animal lovers out there! But there are also folks who are less than thrilled to meet your pet. They might be allergic, have a phobia from childhood, may expect all dogs to be on leashes before they can relax, or might simply not like the mess your forever friends make.
Twitter user @madisontayt_, from New York, went viral on the social media network after sharing her thoughts about pet culture becoming far too permissive. According to her, owners shouldn’t be bringing their dogs with them every single time they leave to do an errand. This started a fiery discussion online with people on both sides of the doggy fence. Read on to see how the net reacted.
Bored Panda reached out to the PDSA, the UK’s largest veterinary charity, for some insights on coexisting with dogs in public. We were interested to know what owners can do to ensure it’s safe for everyone to be around their dogs—including what’s best for their own pets! PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh was kind enough to answer our questions, and you’ll find her advice as you read on.
One Twitter user went massively viral after suggesting that dog owners shouldn’t bring their pets absolutely everywhere with them
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Madison’s thread was viewed a jaw-dropping 11.2 million times and got 123.8k likes. It just goes to show how much people care to share their thoughts and feelings when the topic turns to dogs!
The OP’s argument is very straightforward. She points out that even though she loves dogs, she’s “tired of tripping over” them every time she goes to a shop. She’s also not a fan of watching canines put up their paws on coffee shop counters. According to her, dog owners simply shouldn’t bring their best buddies with them every time they go out, unless they have an actual trained service dog.
Madison also doesn’t suggest outright banning dogs in public, she simply wanted to start a discussion about how prevalent pets have become in throughout life in the city.
Many people understood the woman’s nuanced line of thought. After all, no matter how much we might love dogs doesn’t mean that the entire world is going to enjoy them rubbing up against every surface in public and acting all derpy around their food: some people expect dog owners to ensure that their pets are highly trained. Other internet users, however, were less than friendly with their response. Some folks were even rude to the OP instead of discussing the topic.
“Training is recommended for all dogs, but this is especially important if they are going to be coming with you for days out in public”
“We are a nation of dog lovers and for many, dogs are part of the family. For some people, their dogs are their only companion and for a multitude of reasons, they may wish to keep their dog by their side no matter where they go, or they may not be able to leave their dog at home. Additionally, dogs are very sociable and shouldn’t be left home alone for prolonged periods of time,” PDSA Vet Nurse Walsh told Bored Panda.
“Regardless of where you are, there could always be someone out walking their dog. This is why it’s important that all people, not just dog owners, have the knowledge and skills they need in order to safely coexist. If you see a dog and wish to meet them, be sure to check with their owner first—whilst a dog may look excited or happy to see you, understandably, they may find a stranger approaching very worrying and they may not be a fan of strokes,” she said.
“Similarly, dogs all have their own individual personalities and whilst some can be super social and want to make friends with any dog they come into contact with, other dogs may prefer their own space. It’s always sensible to check with their owner before allowing your dog to approach another dog. If you see another dog on a lead whilst out walking your own dog, it’s a good idea to pop your dog back on their lead whilst you walk past,” Walsh gave some excellent advice.
Meanwhile, if dog owners know that their pets are uncomfortable being in loud, busy places, it’s best to avoid taking them there. “However, sometimes these situations are unavoidable, so it’s key to be able to keep your dog happy and otherwise occupied—this can be done by rewarding them with high-value treats, or keeping their favorite toy in sight or letting them carry it around. Your dog will have their own individual preference, but if you need help with getting your dog to adjust to certain situations that are unavoidable, speak to your vet or get support and advice from a qualified behaviorist,” Walsh told Bored Panda.
“Training is recommended for all dogs, but this is especially important if they are going to be coming with you for days out in public. Knowing and using basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘lie down’ will help your dog to know what they should be doing, and ensure they aren’t doing anything undesirable!” she stressed the importance of this.
“Off-lead adventures give your dog many opportunities to sniff and explore—which is what they love to do! For your dog to do this safely, you will need to use reward based training to help them learn a recall command so they come back to you no matter what might pique their interest. If your dog doesn’t currently have strong recall training, it’s wise to keep your dog on a lead whilst in public, unless you are in a safe space like an enclosed park, or dog field,” the vet advised.
“Your dog should always be on a lead near roads, in shops and cafes, or if they are nervous around other dogs and people. You can use an adjustable lead to give them more freedom in suitable areas, whilst still keeping them safe.” For more information, you can visit the PDSA’s website. The vet charity has 48 pet hospitals across the UK, provided 2 million veterinary treatments in 2022 and saved the lives of 141,000 pets with life-threatening conditions.
She started a fiery discussion online, with people on both sides of the fence. Some folks completely disagreed with her and called her out
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As we’ve mentioned before, one of the reasons why someone might not want to be surrounded by dogs when they’re having a cup of coffee or doing their grocery shopping is that they’re scared of them. Usually, we develop phobias due to traumatic events in our lives or because of how we were raised.
“If parents or people of influence have anxiety about dogs, for example, then it is more than likely a child growing up with them will also develop the same irrational reaction around dogs,” a representative of the UK Addiction Team Group explained to Bored Panda during a previous interview.
“Unfortunately genetics and learned behavior can trickle into the development of other behaviors and disorders, such as substance misuse, eating disorders, or unhealthy relationships with food, as well as gaming and gambling,” he shared.
“Regardless of how a phobia originates, overcoming them can be difficult but is possible. It’s important to recognize if more than one person is suffering and encourage all to participate. Gradual desensitization or self-exposure to the cause is encouraged,” he suggested.
“A more complex and long-term phobia may need similar treatment given to someone with an anxiety disorder or mental health illness; counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy or psychotherapy are all good options to explore.”
But even if you’re the biggest canine lover in the area, you shouldn’t be rushing up to strange dogs without their owners’ permission! Talk to them first, ask them if you can pet the dog. And don’t feed the animals anything without learning more about their dietary requirements. You might want to show how generous you are by giving them a little treat, but they might be on a vet-supervised exercise and healthy diet routine. Again—communicate with the owner.
Meanwhile, you should always be aware of a dog’s body language. If you’re given the owner’s go-ahead and if the doggo has a wagging tail and floppy ears, it’s probably in a relaxed mood. In that case, go ahead and give it some head pats and belly rubs.
However, if the dog’s tail is low or tucked underneath them, their ears are pinned back, and they seem tense, it’s best to err on the side of caution and leave them alone. Some of these animals also show their belly when they’re feeling anxious. What’s more, try not to avoid looking canines straight in the eyes because you might come off as too aggressive.
The owners, on their part, should strive to be in control of their pets the entire time they’re out in public. That means putting on a leash, and sometimes even a muzzle (depending on the animal’s character and the local laws). But the very best thing that an owner can do is to take the time and energy to train their pets to obey commands and to behave like a gentledoggo when surrounded by people.
However, other Twitter users agreed with the author of the thread. Here’s their stance
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I agree with her. I've had a few situations where dogs have come up to me ignored by their owners while I'm eating and it's made me uncomfortable. I also don't want to be licked. I like dogs but other people should not have them forced on them just because the owner wants to take them everywhere.
I love dogs too, but it is annoying when the owner lets them jump up at you when they have muddy paws, but it’s seen as acceptable as I live in a rural area, but I just want to enjoy my walk in peace.
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I do see this woman's point. What happens if someone has sever allergies or are afraid of dogs. Wouldn't that be considered triggering that everywhere you go there is a dog lurking... no matter how nice you think your dog is. Just an opinion.
I am severely allergic. Asthma attack and hives after being close to them. Hairs fly. I can't do anything against my neighbours dog in their garden, but when he's out, I am inside. That sucks on good weather days. Plus the amount of cats that are not mine in my garden. Allergy sucks. Edit: our gardens are small and both neighbours have dogs laying against our fence.
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Their not wrong. I don't take my dogs to the store, for example, but we go to the park and the lake. Dog friendly activities. Even then, I've had plenty of dog owners who've had their dogs off leash at a leash only park. Last time the owners didn't even try to keep their dogs controlled, could see I was struggling to deal with theirs and my 3 (with leashes getting all tangled up) I told them they were lucky my dogs were nice. There are other people who's pets will fight if approached that way by another dog. If I hadn't been trying to get my very excited dogs away from theirs I'd have said a lot more I'm sure. Jerks.
You are right though. I have to not only protect other dogs and people from my dog, but I have a responsibility to protect my dog from them too. I have to take him places where there aren't many people or other animals because he's a reactive mess. And god forbid there's an off leash dog running around. I'm having panic attacks just writing this.
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I have a dog and two cats, and I completely agree with her. Some people may be allergic, and they really don’t appreciate pets in certain places and it would be impolite to bring them everywhere unless they are trained service dogs. Some of these people disagreeing with her seems kind of rude
No. I’ve had dogs take my food in a cafeteria, I’m allergic, i know people who have been attacked, and they make it harder for service dogs to work.
I was bit by a German Shepherd (my granddad's dog) when I was about 4. I'd just been standing there, and it ran up to me and attacked. Still have scars on my face. I was lucky, because their bite strength is 238 psi, which is enough to tear off flesh and crush bone, but I just had superficial facial wounds. It wasn't until I was about 20 that I realized why we never saw that dog again. I know it's different now, and they'd try train and rehome the dog, but this was near 40 years ago. Still tense up around German Shepherds, though.
Load More Replies... People bringing their untrained, uncontrolled, yappy little hellions everywhere make it impossible for persons with a legitimate and trained service animal to bring theirs along. I work in such an industry where we vet every animal entering our property. We've thrown people out with poorly-behaved animals. (Yes, there are legitimate and legal questions you can ask about service animals.) Wrong answer? No entry. Sorry.
I'm a mom of two kids and the owner of a very small dog, and I 100% agree with the OP. I try to be mindful of my kids' and dog's temperaments and the setting. I don't believe my kids belong everywhere, and my dog belongs in even fewer spaces. We spend a lot of time at home and that's ok. I try to be considerate of others and on those few occasions when I'm without the little ones, I hope others are considerate of me, too.
I love it when people "support" their opinions by citing what is "natural". As they sit there in their plumbed and wired house, drinking a Pepsi, vaccinated, wearing deodorant.
The commenter who said it was cruel to leave them longer and we use to have them with us everywhere. True true but times have changed and we have more rules for reasons. Also maybe if you're working long hours or travel or want to travel don't get a dog. It's more cruel to take in an animal you can't meet it's demands then to leave it alone an extra 30-90 mins. All those a******s who got pandemic pets only to give them up are s**t humans. The commenter comparing them to babies while I agree with your feelings your logic is absent. Your pet can take care of itself, a baby can't, they're basically helpless for the first year and a half. Kinda need to bring them with. Allergies is a reason I don't agree with. If you're that allergic thats on you to be responsible for. Non service animals shouldn't be in most indoor places but their fur will be no matter what just like walking past people outside. So either deal with your allergies or get delivery for everything.
Plus from a historical viewpoint they're wrong. Industrialisation started from about 1800. Working class factory workers did not have their dogs with them. Dogs used to roam the streets in the poorer parts of town or be chained up outside if the family had a garden. Dogs now have it good.
Load More Replies... I have seen dogs in grocery stores LICKING MEAT PACKAGES. I have seen dogs p**s in shops and restaurants. I am allergic and have had to leave people-spaces because people feel entitled to bring their dogs. LEAVE THEM HOME.
A dog pissed on my mate's bag in a pub once. Not outside the pub, actually in there.
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A few months ago I stepped on a dog's paw in a bus. I still shudder remembering it... I felt so sorry and without thinking I kept apologizing to the dog, but I also berated the owner. It was a small dog and a very full bus, you couldn't even see the poor dog.
Small dogs tend to be more aggressive. In that situation, he could have easily bitten someone.
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Yes, you don't "need" to bring a non-service dog with you. But what has need to do with it? You need to be considerate to others when deciding where and whether to take your pet, but that's the only need involved. (Non-pet owner here, if that matters.)
Haven't there also been cases of trained service dogs being attacked by untrained, fake service dogs?
To me people (irresponsible owners) are the problem not the dogs. Not everyone should be allowed to own dogs. Implementing a test to see if you are allowed to by a dog, and then having obligatory training sessions with that dog would solve all of these issues except for allergies
They should also have a license to have children. Too many emotionally damaged people passing on their damage to their offspring. 'it's everyone's right to have kids', maybe, but it's every kid's right to have parents capable of meeting their emotional and physical needs, and the rights of the kids trumps the adult (who could in fact work at overcoming their trauma if they so desired).
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Taking your dog to the park is perfectly acceptable. Taking it to the grocery store or to Burger King is not. If you truly can't bear to be away from your dog for an hour or two, may I suggest a good therapist...?
Nope. I love dogs, but not every dog is behaved and/or clean. Bring your dog in your own spaces: hotel rooms, cars, outside, pet stores, etc.
The real risk that no one considers is that an untrained animal of any sort can interfere with a to true service animal's work. There have even been instances where the untrained animal attack a service animal.
The ignorance around service animals is sad. Well if I'm being honest the level of human ignorance is sad. We brag about being the smart species and the superior one yet we chose to be willfully ignorant.
Load More Replies... I see some of what she is saying, there should be pet friendly businesses and non pet friendly to cater to those with fears and allergies. That being said, if we are gonna be tolerant more often than not then there has to be rules such as leashes and masks for the dogs that insist on licking everything. There also has to be fines and consequences for bad behaviour and not cleaning up after your dog, cat whatever. As to the complainant about the park, clearly it was a designated dog friendly park, again there needs to be both leashed and unleashed parks. What I don't want is a society that is not animal tolerant at all. We are all part of the animal kingdom and should be able to share space in a fair manner.
If all owners were responsible owners, I wouldn't have a problem with it, but they let their dogs have a 10 foot range on a leash and get mad at you if you don't want to interact with their dog. They're really aggressive about it and think anything their dog does is adorable, including scaring other patrons, sh*tting on the floor or bothering other people while they eat. Those are the people with dogs who I object to. The entitled half-wits who think they're the only ones who matter.
Most of you here are complaining about things that would be solved with a leash. And a responsible owner. The same way bratty kids are a result of bad parenting, so are dogs. The solution is not banning, but educating.
I think those of us complaining are aware that the owners are the problem. Those people defending dogs seem to forget that the irresponsible owners outnumber the responsible ones.
Load More Replies... I think she's kind of missing the point. I personally have no issue with a well-trained, friendly dog in a non-food prep public space. The real problem is a) people who don't make any effort to train or socialize their dog. As far as I'm concerned, that should be a requirement of dog ownership. If you can't be bothered to make them a polite member of society, don't have a dog. And b) people's total lack of consideration for others. Most of these people aren't completely stupid. They know their out-of-control animal is unpleasant for everyone else in the world to deal with, they just don't care about anyone but themselves. Having your dog out in public is fine, but it's a privilege, not a right like people seem to think, and if you can't make your dog behave you lose your privilege.
This. My sister refused to train her dogs properly. They make the whole household miserable. But she WILL NOT allow anyone else to step in and work on them.
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In the store I work at, we see some regular customers come in with their dogs often. Usually we hardly notice because they are some of the most well-behaved small dogs I've ever come across. One lady has her little Chinese Crested in a stroller. One carries hers in a pet purse. The dogs never jump out and run around nor bark. The store does have a service dogs only policy. But for these customers we ignore their dogs as long as they aren't roaming and causing a disturbance to other customers. It's like we would rather maintain the peace of shoppers than stir up a scene while asking someone with a behaved, contained dog to leave. We're not concerned about allergies, either, considering it's a thrift store and much of the clothing that gets put out is littered with all sorts of allergens, including pet hair/dander, perfume/cologne, detergence, cigarette smoke, etc. If a dog is being disruptive, though, of course we would get them to leave.
I take mine to places that allow them, like restaurants with outdoor patio dining and breweries that don’t serve food. What gets me is owners that bring aggressive or untrained dogs to these places. That’ll ruin it for everyone. I would never take him to any grocery store or retailer or anywhere else that didn’t welcome dogs.
As a disabled person with a trained service dog, I honestly agree. People's pet dogs are constantly barking at my dog and trying to get his attention while he's doing his job in places where pet dogs are not even technically permitted, like coffee shops and pharmacies and just about anywhere. And trust me, almost every pet dog I encounter WILL do this. It's rare that someone's pet dog is trained thoroughly enough that they won't try to engage with another dog in their path, hence all the training my service dog has had. He doesn't pull on his leash or try to play, but of course he gets distracted by it, because he's not a robot. I've had to leave stores because of someone letting their pet bother my service dog. If your dog will leave my dog alone -- no barking, no lunging, no running to sniff -- then I don't mind, but otherwise, please stay out of the places that are only legally accessible to highly trained animals. It's not fair to me as a disabled person trying to live my life.
I agree completely. Your dog enables you to live your life. There's a big difference between that and "muh fur baby goes where I go."
Load More Replies... I understand why people like taking their dogs places, especially if you're tightly bonded. However, if you take your dog places, it should be trained, harnessed, and kept at your side. Nobody wants to hear barking as they're eating dinner at a restaurant. A strange dog approaching me is highly stressful, especially if it's large. And people must be held legally and financially responsible for any damage the dog does to humans or property. Signed - someone with a facial scar from a dog bite. And I was four years old and just standing there, certainly not approaching an animal larger than I was.
Wow that one guy comparing taking your baby places to taking your dog places was one hot take. The baby will eventually grow into a child and then an adult who will go everywhere on their own and needs exposure to different places and situations. It's very important for their development. People who so casually compare dogs to children should not have children...
I partly agree with this, but I think the child vs dog argument works when people are complaining about others forcing their dogs on them simply because someone is out with their dog. If the argument "If I wanted a dog I would have gotten one" is applicable because they don't want to see or hear dogs then the argument "If I would have wanted a kid I would have gotten one" is equally right. Obviously children have a different place in society than dogs, but I do personally think that if your child can't behave in public (stores, museums, restaurants etc) then your child shouldn't be in those places. I'm also pretty sure that most people who seriously compare dogs to children and not doing it just to prove a point or try to prove one doesn't actually want to have kids
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Funny how Eric says the dogs get too close to his kids. I've had so many kids get way too close to my dog, even sticking fingers into her muzzle with the parents not intervening whatsoever. Fortunately she is very friendly and has a high tolerance. But seriously, a lot of the things people complain about when it comes to dogs can also be said about kids. When the parents don't care, they can also be loud, aggressive, annoy others and also poop and pee in public places. And I don't find it any less annoying when it's kids doing that.
I had a father push his toddler to pet my 30 kg dog while I and the dog were facing away. I turned around and told him not to... it was wrong on so many levels
Load More Replies... I am 100% animals over humans but I fully agree with the OP. There were clear lines that were put into place for valid reasons. Your pet under your control and in their normal environment is likely the best boy/girl but unfamiliar people and environments change their behavior, just like with humans. You also have no clue how other people will react whether positively or negatively. More people than not aren't good at handling or being around animals (even their own. I see so many bad pet owners out there). The reason animals aren't allowed in food places is obvious and if you don't understand i don't understand how you've made it this far. Retail places because they don't want to risk the damages or costs that will occur.
I have service dog. She is very well trained. She is a pomeranian. I love dogs but far too many non-service dogs are simply not trained enough to be in public places - with a few exceptions - and should always be on leash. These ill-trained dogs make it harder for those of us with non-traditional breeds.
I work in banking and someone brought in her obviously untrained, anxious, uncomfortable, “service” yip-dog who jumped and barked and growled at EVERYONE coming in. My desk is right next to the entrance and it was a really uncomfortable working with her as her dog yipped loudly every time something moved. Honey, that’s not a trained service dog, and you are making everyone uncomfortable trying to be heard over your dog at a BANK. HELLO LADY LET ME TELL YOU HOW YOUR BANK ACCOUNT IS DOING LOUDLY IN FRONT OF ALL OF THESE OTHER STRANGERS. WOULD YOU MIND REPEATING YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER AND CODE WORD.
In most countries you are allowed to tell people with service dogs to leave if their dog doesn't behave
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I love my dog, but I only take her into stores that explicitly allow dogs (basically pet supply stores and Half Price Books). If I want something to eat when I'm with her, I either go through a drive-thru, eat somewhere with outdoor tables, or get food to go and eat in my car.
Dogs can be well behaved, and adorable, but don’t belong everywhere. You just can’t guarantee that they won’t hurt someone. There was this dog, normally pretty chill, that out of nowhere attacked and hurt my brother. In addition, what about people with severe allergies? Are you just going to tell them to “stay at home?”
Thank goodness for leash laws. If you're out and about (and not at an off leash dog park) your dog should be on a leash so you have control over the situation. Please don't bring dogs into shops with food. Dogs on open air patios are great though! Points to anyone that brings a well behaved dog to a restaurant or cafe with a patio. I love seeing them!
A few things on this topic. Allergies suck I know I used to be allergic, but why is everything always catered to people who are allergic to dogs? We don't plant different trees in parks or replace the grass just because some people are allergic. Of course allergic people should be able to go shopping or go to restaurants and cinemas, but we should have some places where you are allowed to bring your dog, and some where you aren't. As it is now there are beardly any places you are allowed to bring pets. On the untrained dog topic: Everyone who buys a dog should have to sign up for a training course with said dog. Sure some dogs are jumpier than others but you shouldn't be allowed in certain public places with untrained dogs. Personally I'd like to have some sort of driving license for dogs that showed where that dog was allowed to go and if it had to have a lead or not in certain areas. That being said I think dogs are already restricted enough and we don't need to make it worse
You can bring pets to many pet related stores, and parks, also I feel like all dogs should be on leashes when outside the home in order to prevent dogs running into roads, or after animals or kids.
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Know what happens when you get rid of bodega cats? You get bodega rats. I'll take the cat.
Everybody assumes that people bringing their dogs are breaking the rules. There is not a blanket ban on dogs. Unless a place has a sign that says no dogs, there might not be a rule against them. I too assumed dogs were not allowed in stores other than pet stores, but was surprised when the stores I shop at started adding PET FRIENDLY signs, welcoming customers to bring their (leashed) dog (or other pet) inside! I would never have brought my dog without knowing they welcomed it, but I can actually take my dog with me everywhere I go and not break any rules (not saying I do, just that I could). So "we have different rules now" is not an argument against taking your dog with you.
I think a lot of people here are mistaking pets with service animals... pets don't necessarily belong everywhere.. but an actual service animal does. Unfortunately too many people abuse the service dog thing and get their untrained dogs a "service dog" certificate.. denying an actual service animal would be akin to denying someone their crutches..
I don’t get too worked up over it unless it happens around food. An outdoor cafe is fine but you don’t need to bring your dog to the grocery store. If it were a cat, people would lose their minds. Just be considerate and understand that not everyone is a dog person. I had a dog jump up on me in a store once and the owner seemed shocked and confused that I wasn’t excited when I recoiled.
I have 5 dogs, but ai only take one with me places because she behaves, and only places she's allowed. I cringe when I see young puppies at Walmart and home Depot. Just trying to get parvovirus. Then you have the people with the little dogs that think it's cute when they're dog growls.
Hilarious. Who is she to tell people that they shouldn't take their dogs with them? Sure, the dog needs to be well behaved and stay away from people like her and not jump up on strangers. Most responsible people who take their dogs to e.g restaurants wouldn't take them in the first place if they weren't well behaved. She can go do one. Seriously, this is what concerns her in life?
Where do you live? I've had a Yorkie in a "service dog" vest climb up on my table at a restaurant and make off with a chunk of pork chop. Lots of people bring ill-behaved dogs out and about.
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Well, personally I would love to see well behaved children and pets everywhere, mind you well behaved. Although allergic ppl might not agree with it. The ideal way to deal with it imo, somehow let guests know if restaurant/shop pet-free or pet friendly. Via info on online platforms or maybe a sign-sticker on door. It would save ton of time and spare owners a lot of complaints.
Idk it sucks when irresponsible owners ruin it for others because dogs who are taken everywhere since young are usually so chill and easy to work with, nothing phases them, those dang covid quarantine dogs are basketcases because they never been out of their homes and get way overstimulated.
I've been in the restaurant industry for over a decade. Have I almost tripped on a dog crawling on the floor? No, but a baby, yes. Have I seen a dog poop in arestaurant? No, but a baby's used diaper on a table, yes. Have I seen a dog smashing blueberries on a white table cloth? No, but a baby, yes. Have I had to clean after a dog has thrown all their food on the floor in a restaurant? No, but after baby, every time.
OMG who would let a baby crawl on a restaurant floor! UNSANITARY!
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I have a Hidden Disabilities Assistance Animal registered with Emotional Support Animals UK; she and I are both protected under the disabilities and mental health acts so I can take her anywhere. When I take her out, she wears a harness and she sits in a pet stroller. I don't need to discuss my disabilities, visible or otherwise, with anybody and I have the right to have whatever support I need to live a fulfilling life.
UK law doesn't recognise emotional support animals as assistance animals, so it isn't protected by law. That being said, the fact that your animal is for a disability is different to what the thread is about. It's about those who don't require an animal for their health, but rather demand the same accomodations purely because Fluffy is their 'furbaby'. These animals aren't trained to the same standards as assistance animals and their absense doesn't prevent the owner from carrying out their day-to-day life.
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My dogs are extremely well trained. They behave better than some adults. On public transport, they go under the seat and not once did we have someone sit next to us and not even realise there was a dog under there, once for an hour on the train. They go to shops and restaurants and everywhere they're allowed. Even had the opportunity to take the older one to a museum once. No, she didn't get the point of the exhibition, but she was with me and we could do things that are more fun for dogs right after.
i agree, also with cats. yes emotional support animals are a thing. and they can be valid. but a lot of ppl fill out a form online w/o a diagnosis and say its an "emotional support cat/dog" and then actual ppl w severe anxiety/autism/depression aren't taken seriously w emotional support animals.
have people heard of allergies or health codes? there's a reason ESA's aren't allowed inside most establishments when service animals are. there's a reason people don’t bring their pet corn snake or iguana everywhere with them why should a pet dog be okay. service animals are amazing!!! but pets are for home and walks not for shopping and eating out
It's entitlement. Pure and simple. Nobody loves your dog but you. There are rules. Kindly follow them.
I am also am animal lover but I agree although I am not personally bothered by dogs in public places. Too compare a animal to a baby is ridiculous and it shows how we are devaluing human life. I am not saying people can't or shouldn't love their pets as much as they do people but animals are equipped to take care of themselves as and can safely be left home alone for short periods of time. Don't compare animals to babies.
I agree with her, I don't want your dog/cat/snake/bird/rat in the grocery store, hardware store, restaurant, ECT. Service dogs are fine but non service animals aren't because they lack verifiable training. It's beyond frustrating when these non service animals urinate/defecate inside these places and even more infuriating when the owner doesn't clean it up. Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart need to stop allowing non service animals in the stores.
Depending on the dog and how well its trained. I've been in a store with where 2 different people had their dogs with them. Dog A was calm and stayed closed to his owner, Dog B was yapping and tried to start something with Dog A.
I am glad that people recognize that service dogs are in a separate category. Mine is a pomeranian. She is well trained. Sometimes people don't even know she's there. If she were just a pet I would not bring her anyplace unless they specified 'dog friendly.' And it would be hard to find a more animal person that I.
Not a dog person myself but I completely understand wanting your best friend with you everywhere you go, but I still agree with the OP. to add to it, I also agree with the comment that said we need more dog safe environments or establishments, along with more people training their animals for being away from home.
I have a couple of comments here: ya can't train a dog to go in public places unless you take them to public places. I take my pup to tractor supply and petsmart because they are welcomed. I don't take her to restaurants or the like unless I'm traveling with her and it's too hot to leave her in the car. But she sits at my feet and doesn't move. I appreciate others could be scared or allergic, so I don't take her places where folks are 'enclosed,' again unless I'm traveling. 99% of the time I can get a dog sitter too, which helps. Dogs are more comfortable at home unless they are left too long. My daughter's dog tore her couch apart because she was gone, for him, too long.
Obscenely wealthy people like Paris Hilton turned them into accessories, and then it just sort of grew from there. Now we have Great Danes running around Starbucks. On another note: I know I’m not alone in this, but I really struggle with the term “owner” when it comes to animals. We don’t OWN animals. We share a world, and if we’re fortunate enough, a home with them, but we don’t own them. Getting to care for an animal is a gift. You know?
While I love dogs and have my own I hate when people just let them do what they want in public. It's like children, but children are even worse! I hate it that people take their dogs off leash, have them sit in furniture or let them approach other people like that is normal, and it's not. Where I live in Europe people behave very well with their dogs and we put them through training if necessary so there are very little problems the problem it's more when people approach my dogs to pet them and that is very nerve wrecking and disrespectful... Because if something happens the fault is mine. Children for me are the worse problem parents are just not capable of controlling them and the leash is not really well liked... I have seen children licking counters in supermarkets and the parents just don't care it's gross... There should be some rules concerning limiting behaviour for pets and children in public so that parents are aware of what is acceptable...
I can't really say I agree with this one. My mum has a service dog for anxiety and schizophrenia and he goes everywhere with her. He is very well behaved and has no tail, without him she suffers anxiety attacks. I feel like this lady is saying that he shouldn't be able to go everywhere with her and that's a little infuriating.
I raised and trained large dogs all of my adult life. Rule number one: obedience training and manners are non-negotiable for dogs to be out in public. Dogs must lie down quietly or walk closely at heel and be under control at all times. Socialize with strangers only if the request it. No exceptions even if you think your dog is small, really cute and friendly.
I love animals, but believe that most of the dogs that are seen in stores and restaurants shouldn't be there. It's very disrespectful of those people who have real seeing eye dogs, because they are blind; or similar situations. What's the matter with you anyway, to say that you need a "emotional support" animal with you? I don't want to see pets in restaurants. I don't want to see pets in a shopping cart in the grocery store where I will be putting my food. That's just plain gross !!!
It's the people who clearly haven't attempted to train their dog at all and don't have any control over them in public spaces that really gets to me. Remember eating on a patio at our pub and this couple barely paid any attention to their medium-sized dog who was cute but kept coming over to our table because our food arrived. The dog jumped up and its sharp nails scratched all down my leg (I was wearing shorts) leaving scratches. The people still didn't understand why I was upset. I wasn't even trying to pet the dog or anything, I was trying to eat.
I don't think having well behaved dogs in public is bad. I have chihuahuas. I have one that goes with me to a lot of places simply because I feel more comfortable out in public with him he's sociable doesn't bark and stays in his bag which I carry on my shoulder you only see him if he sticks his head out. I don't let people pet him unless it's outside and they ask. Only well behaved kids can pet him with parent supervision while I hold him and never near his head or face. He's never so much as even growled but I take no chances as I know he's an animal. If you have a problem with this or me don't come to Cleveland OH lol : D
The more dogs getting taken places the more risk there is of a bad result. That may be a dog pooping on the floor, a kid getting bitten or dogs fighting/killing one another. There have been a couple small dogs attacked by larger dogs in Bunnings (hardware store) fairly recently. I've taken my new one to Bunnings precisely once and only because he was a tiny pup I didn't want to leave alone and I carried him in the store. I love dogs, but I don't trust other people.
I love my dog more than any person, other than maybe my fiancee but they're just about tied. 😂 I would absolutely LOVE to bring him everywhere I go. But the sad truth is I can't and even if I technically could, I usually shouldn't. Some people have allergies. They need to breathe and that trumps my want to be with my dog 24/7. Some people have debilitating fears of dogs. They should be able to walk into a grocery store without running into someone's pet. Service animals are the only animals that should be in grocery stores.
Anthropomorphism, allergies, dog s**t every place and untrained humans allowing their pets to become masters.
I love dogs, my daughter loooves dogs. But I have a huge line when it comes to dog owners in stores who say their dog is "friendly" or "Oh, they don't bite". No Gina, they're friendly to ➡️YOU⬅️. They're not going to bite ➡️YOU⬅️. If you have to vouch for them when the vibe your dog is emanating doesn't match, you don't get to be offended if I keep my dog-loving daughter from petting your "friendly, won't bite" dog while they're in the shopping cart at checkout. We've almost lost fingers to those type of dogs before. One time was enough.
It's not a good reason to take a dog everywhere, because the poor doggy has to be alone for 8+ hours anyway. If the dog suffers from loneliness because of the owner's absence, that's animal cruelty.
I love dogs. A service dog is just that. A dog that's specifically trained to assist someone with disabilities. They should always be wearing their vest or tag. Legally they're allowed everywhere. It's not quite the same as a dog that helps people with non-physical disabilities, like PTSD, depression, anxiety, loneliness, etc. Those dogs are very useful in their place. Therapy dogs help a lot of people. But I'm not sure they've had the same training as service dogs. Service dog training takes a long time. Personally, I feel that dogs should not be in restaurants or grocery stores, unless they're trained service dogs. Those dogs won't be tempted to beg at tables or grab stuff off store shelves, unless given that task. If the restaurant has outdoor seating, I'm ok with all dogs as long as they behave.
PTSD dogs have service dog training just so you know. I think you're mixing up emotional support animals with psychiatric assistance dogs.
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I can accept dogs in places that are meant for dogs to be exercised on or meant for dogs or dog friendly but not everywhere, it just gets unfun.
My story about a dog in “public” wins hands down. At my job we interviewed a person who brought their dog in a purse. The interview includes a tour of the facility. I work in a high volume microbiology laboratory. The most common thing we have laying about is blood agar plates, which is a medium to grow bacteria-lots and lots of bacteria (so we can identify it). I don’t know if a dog would find the agar tasty enough to eat, but if it did….I don’t think it would make it.
I don't take my pups everywhere with me, maybe once in awhile, especially to like dog stores (I get a kick out of seeing which treat they choose!). And I do love seeing well behaved pups when I'm out, but mine shed- like, ALOT. And I don't want someone else to clean up my mess, or find hairs somewhere that they shouldn't be. Every Sunday (yay, today) we brush them down and/or bathe them (every other weekend), so it's def manageable. But still.
I have a dog that goes with me everywhere. There's not very many places that I go that she doesn't. I have a small dog who is very quiet, minds better than most humans, doesn't lick people She is very social. When I take her into places she stays by my side. She is my Service Dog. I have been around good pet owners and bad owners. It's Not Always the Dog that is the Problem. If you want or don't want them to do certain things then you should train them. I didn't send my Service Dog to classes I taught her everything she needed to know but she also taught herself other things. In TEXAS we have a LAW that allows you to take your dog into any Restaurant that has a outdoors area. I had a problem with a Restaurant because I had my Service Dog(Registered) with me. I had to Explain the Law to them and also showed them my Service Dog Card. Not everyone knows the Laws about Service Animals. If you don't want to be around Animals then feel free to go somewhere where they are not. I
Petition to replace all people with dogs. At least when I leave my home and have to go out.
I'd much rather see hella dogs in public than kids or any of the people who agree with OP. Also... idgaf about your allergies. Not my problem. That's a you problem. Just be happy Natural selection doesn't really exist anymore & there are medications for you to be able to coexist in the world with your allergens (I say that as a person with a deadly allergy) .. but the f**k if I'm going to care more about you, a stranger than feeling safe while I'm out & about. I don't bring my dog into restaurants or anywhere that non service dogs are not allowed. But I live in New Orleans. We can pretty much bring dogs anywhere & that I do. Also, I'm allergic to bees but you don't see me trying to extinguish bees from public spaces. Lol.
No, they're quite literally not "small people". They're small HUMANS, not people. Young children are literally sociopathic in nature until they are taught the manners, morals, and ethics that our modern society operates on. If you leave a toddler to its own devices, it'll run around, cram everything into its mouth, eat random things, knock things over, grab whatever it wants to grab, scream, cry, and hit other people. Toddlers literally do not know the "rules" that we live by as people, and they operate on instinct and urges until they are taught to control themselves. They need training.... JUST like dogs do.
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Ooooh boy. "Pitbulls and the like"... Quite a loaded statement, there....
Load More Replies... I agree with her. I've had a few situations where dogs have come up to me ignored by their owners while I'm eating and it's made me uncomfortable. I also don't want to be licked. I like dogs but other people should not have them forced on them just because the owner wants to take them everywhere.
I love dogs too, but it is annoying when the owner lets them jump up at you when they have muddy paws, but it’s seen as acceptable as I live in a rural area, but I just want to enjoy my walk in peace.
Load More Replies... I do see this woman's point. What happens if someone has sever allergies or are afraid of dogs. Wouldn't that be considered triggering that everywhere you go there is a dog lurking... no matter how nice you think your dog is. Just an opinion.
I am severely allergic. Asthma attack and hives after being close to them. Hairs fly. I can't do anything against my neighbours dog in their garden, but when he's out, I am inside. That sucks on good weather days. Plus the amount of cats that are not mine in my garden. Allergy sucks. Edit: our gardens are small and both neighbours have dogs laying against our fence.
Load More Replies... Their not wrong. I don't take my dogs to the store, for example, but we go to the park and the lake. Dog friendly activities. Even then, I've had plenty of dog owners who've had their dogs off leash at a leash only park. Last time the owners didn't even try to keep their dogs controlled, could see I was struggling to deal with theirs and my 3 (with leashes getting all tangled up) I told them they were lucky my dogs were nice. There are other people who's pets will fight if approached that way by another dog. If I hadn't been trying to get my very excited dogs away from theirs I'd have said a lot more I'm sure. Jerks.
You are right though. I have to not only protect other dogs and people from my dog, but I have a responsibility to protect my dog from them too. I have to take him places where there aren't many people or other animals because he's a reactive mess. And god forbid there's an off leash dog running around. I'm having panic attacks just writing this.
Load More Replies... I have a dog and two cats, and I completely agree with her. Some people may be allergic, and they really don’t appreciate pets in certain places and it would be impolite to bring them everywhere unless they are trained service dogs. Some of these people disagreeing with her seems kind of rude
No. I’ve had dogs take my food in a cafeteria, I’m allergic, i know people who have been attacked, and they make it harder for service dogs to work.
I was bit by a German Shepherd (my granddad's dog) when I was about 4. I'd just been standing there, and it ran up to me and attacked. Still have scars on my face. I was lucky, because their bite strength is 238 psi, which is enough to tear off flesh and crush bone, but I just had superficial facial wounds. It wasn't until I was about 20 that I realized why we never saw that dog again. I know it's different now, and they'd try train and rehome the dog, but this was near 40 years ago. Still tense up around German Shepherds, though.
Load More Replies... People bringing their untrained, uncontrolled, yappy little hellions everywhere make it impossible for persons with a legitimate and trained service animal to bring theirs along. I work in such an industry where we vet every animal entering our property. We've thrown people out with poorly-behaved animals. (Yes, there are legitimate and legal questions you can ask about service animals.) Wrong answer? No entry. Sorry.
I'm a mom of two kids and the owner of a very small dog, and I 100% agree with the OP. I try to be mindful of my kids' and dog's temperaments and the setting. I don't believe my kids belong everywhere, and my dog belongs in even fewer spaces. We spend a lot of time at home and that's ok. I try to be considerate of others and on those few occasions when I'm without the little ones, I hope others are considerate of me, too.
I love it when people "support" their opinions by citing what is "natural". As they sit there in their plumbed and wired house, drinking a Pepsi, vaccinated, wearing deodorant.
The commenter who said it was cruel to leave them longer and we use to have them with us everywhere. True true but times have changed and we have more rules for reasons. Also maybe if you're working long hours or travel or want to travel don't get a dog. It's more cruel to take in an animal you can't meet it's demands then to leave it alone an extra 30-90 mins. All those a******s who got pandemic pets only to give them up are s**t humans. The commenter comparing them to babies while I agree with your feelings your logic is absent. Your pet can take care of itself, a baby can't, they're basically helpless for the first year and a half. Kinda need to bring them with. Allergies is a reason I don't agree with. If you're that allergic thats on you to be responsible for. Non service animals shouldn't be in most indoor places but their fur will be no matter what just like walking past people outside. So either deal with your allergies or get delivery for everything.
Plus from a historical viewpoint they're wrong. Industrialisation started from about 1800. Working class factory workers did not have their dogs with them. Dogs used to roam the streets in the poorer parts of town or be chained up outside if the family had a garden. Dogs now have it good.
Load More Replies... I have seen dogs in grocery stores LICKING MEAT PACKAGES. I have seen dogs p**s in shops and restaurants. I am allergic and have had to leave people-spaces because people feel entitled to bring their dogs. LEAVE THEM HOME.
A dog pissed on my mate's bag in a pub once. Not outside the pub, actually in there.
Load More Replies... A few months ago I stepped on a dog's paw in a bus. I still shudder remembering it... I felt so sorry and without thinking I kept apologizing to the dog, but I also berated the owner. It was a small dog and a very full bus, you couldn't even see the poor dog.
Small dogs tend to be more aggressive. In that situation, he could have easily bitten someone.
Load More Replies... Yes, you don't "need" to bring a non-service dog with you. But what has need to do with it? You need to be considerate to others when deciding where and whether to take your pet, but that's the only need involved. (Non-pet owner here, if that matters.)
Haven't there also been cases of trained service dogs being attacked by untrained, fake service dogs?
To me people (irresponsible owners) are the problem not the dogs. Not everyone should be allowed to own dogs. Implementing a test to see if you are allowed to by a dog, and then having obligatory training sessions with that dog would solve all of these issues except for allergies
They should also have a license to have children. Too many emotionally damaged people passing on their damage to their offspring. 'it's everyone's right to have kids', maybe, but it's every kid's right to have parents capable of meeting their emotional and physical needs, and the rights of the kids trumps the adult (who could in fact work at overcoming their trauma if they so desired).
Load More Replies... Taking your dog to the park is perfectly acceptable. Taking it to the grocery store or to Burger King is not. If you truly can't bear to be away from your dog for an hour or two, may I suggest a good therapist...?
Nope. I love dogs, but not every dog is behaved and/or clean. Bring your dog in your own spaces: hotel rooms, cars, outside, pet stores, etc.
The real risk that no one considers is that an untrained animal of any sort can interfere with a to true service animal's work. There have even been instances where the untrained animal attack a service animal.
The ignorance around service animals is sad. Well if I'm being honest the level of human ignorance is sad. We brag about being the smart species and the superior one yet we chose to be willfully ignorant.
Load More Replies... I see some of what she is saying, there should be pet friendly businesses and non pet friendly to cater to those with fears and allergies. That being said, if we are gonna be tolerant more often than not then there has to be rules such as leashes and masks for the dogs that insist on licking everything. There also has to be fines and consequences for bad behaviour and not cleaning up after your dog, cat whatever. As to the complainant about the park, clearly it was a designated dog friendly park, again there needs to be both leashed and unleashed parks. What I don't want is a society that is not animal tolerant at all. We are all part of the animal kingdom and should be able to share space in a fair manner.
If all owners were responsible owners, I wouldn't have a problem with it, but they let their dogs have a 10 foot range on a leash and get mad at you if you don't want to interact with their dog. They're really aggressive about it and think anything their dog does is adorable, including scaring other patrons, sh*tting on the floor or bothering other people while they eat. Those are the people with dogs who I object to. The entitled half-wits who think they're the only ones who matter.
Most of you here are complaining about things that would be solved with a leash. And a responsible owner. The same way bratty kids are a result of bad parenting, so are dogs. The solution is not banning, but educating.
I think those of us complaining are aware that the owners are the problem. Those people defending dogs seem to forget that the irresponsible owners outnumber the responsible ones.
Load More Replies... I think she's kind of missing the point. I personally have no issue with a well-trained, friendly dog in a non-food prep public space. The real problem is a) people who don't make any effort to train or socialize their dog. As far as I'm concerned, that should be a requirement of dog ownership. If you can't be bothered to make them a polite member of society, don't have a dog. And b) people's total lack of consideration for others. Most of these people aren't completely stupid. They know their out-of-control animal is unpleasant for everyone else in the world to deal with, they just don't care about anyone but themselves. Having your dog out in public is fine, but it's a privilege, not a right like people seem to think, and if you can't make your dog behave you lose your privilege.
This. My sister refused to train her dogs properly. They make the whole household miserable. But she WILL NOT allow anyone else to step in and work on them.
Load More Replies... In the store I work at, we see some regular customers come in with their dogs often. Usually we hardly notice because they are some of the most well-behaved small dogs I've ever come across. One lady has her little Chinese Crested in a stroller. One carries hers in a pet purse. The dogs never jump out and run around nor bark. The store does have a service dogs only policy. But for these customers we ignore their dogs as long as they aren't roaming and causing a disturbance to other customers. It's like we would rather maintain the peace of shoppers than stir up a scene while asking someone with a behaved, contained dog to leave. We're not concerned about allergies, either, considering it's a thrift store and much of the clothing that gets put out is littered with all sorts of allergens, including pet hair/dander, perfume/cologne, detergence, cigarette smoke, etc. If a dog is being disruptive, though, of course we would get them to leave.
I take mine to places that allow them, like restaurants with outdoor patio dining and breweries that don’t serve food. What gets me is owners that bring aggressive or untrained dogs to these places. That’ll ruin it for everyone. I would never take him to any grocery store or retailer or anywhere else that didn’t welcome dogs.
As a disabled person with a trained service dog, I honestly agree. People's pet dogs are constantly barking at my dog and trying to get his attention while he's doing his job in places where pet dogs are not even technically permitted, like coffee shops and pharmacies and just about anywhere. And trust me, almost every pet dog I encounter WILL do this. It's rare that someone's pet dog is trained thoroughly enough that they won't try to engage with another dog in their path, hence all the training my service dog has had. He doesn't pull on his leash or try to play, but of course he gets distracted by it, because he's not a robot. I've had to leave stores because of someone letting their pet bother my service dog. If your dog will leave my dog alone -- no barking, no lunging, no running to sniff -- then I don't mind, but otherwise, please stay out of the places that are only legally accessible to highly trained animals. It's not fair to me as a disabled person trying to live my life.
I agree completely. Your dog enables you to live your life. There's a big difference between that and "muh fur baby goes where I go."
Load More Replies... I understand why people like taking their dogs places, especially if you're tightly bonded. However, if you take your dog places, it should be trained, harnessed, and kept at your side. Nobody wants to hear barking as they're eating dinner at a restaurant. A strange dog approaching me is highly stressful, especially if it's large. And people must be held legally and financially responsible for any damage the dog does to humans or property. Signed - someone with a facial scar from a dog bite. And I was four years old and just standing there, certainly not approaching an animal larger than I was.
Wow that one guy comparing taking your baby places to taking your dog places was one hot take. The baby will eventually grow into a child and then an adult who will go everywhere on their own and needs exposure to different places and situations. It's very important for their development. People who so casually compare dogs to children should not have children...
I partly agree with this, but I think the child vs dog argument works when people are complaining about others forcing their dogs on them simply because someone is out with their dog. If the argument "If I wanted a dog I would have gotten one" is applicable because they don't want to see or hear dogs then the argument "If I would have wanted a kid I would have gotten one" is equally right. Obviously children have a different place in society than dogs, but I do personally think that if your child can't behave in public (stores, museums, restaurants etc) then your child shouldn't be in those places. I'm also pretty sure that most people who seriously compare dogs to children and not doing it just to prove a point or try to prove one doesn't actually want to have kids
Load More Replies... Funny how Eric says the dogs get too close to his kids. I've had so many kids get way too close to my dog, even sticking fingers into her muzzle with the parents not intervening whatsoever. Fortunately she is very friendly and has a high tolerance. But seriously, a lot of the things people complain about when it comes to dogs can also be said about kids. When the parents don't care, they can also be loud, aggressive, annoy others and also poop and pee in public places. And I don't find it any less annoying when it's kids doing that.
I had a father push his toddler to pet my 30 kg dog while I and the dog were facing away. I turned around and told him not to... it was wrong on so many levels
Load More Replies... I am 100% animals over humans but I fully agree with the OP. There were clear lines that were put into place for valid reasons. Your pet under your control and in their normal environment is likely the best boy/girl but unfamiliar people and environments change their behavior, just like with humans. You also have no clue how other people will react whether positively or negatively. More people than not aren't good at handling or being around animals (even their own. I see so many bad pet owners out there). The reason animals aren't allowed in food places is obvious and if you don't understand i don't understand how you've made it this far. Retail places because they don't want to risk the damages or costs that will occur.
I have service dog. She is very well trained. She is a pomeranian. I love dogs but far too many non-service dogs are simply not trained enough to be in public places - with a few exceptions - and should always be on leash. These ill-trained dogs make it harder for those of us with non-traditional breeds.
I work in banking and someone brought in her obviously untrained, anxious, uncomfortable, “service” yip-dog who jumped and barked and growled at EVERYONE coming in. My desk is right next to the entrance and it was a really uncomfortable working with her as her dog yipped loudly every time something moved. Honey, that’s not a trained service dog, and you are making everyone uncomfortable trying to be heard over your dog at a BANK. HELLO LADY LET ME TELL YOU HOW YOUR BANK ACCOUNT IS DOING LOUDLY IN FRONT OF ALL OF THESE OTHER STRANGERS. WOULD YOU MIND REPEATING YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER AND CODE WORD.
In most countries you are allowed to tell people with service dogs to leave if their dog doesn't behave
Load More Replies... I love my dog, but I only take her into stores that explicitly allow dogs (basically pet supply stores and Half Price Books). If I want something to eat when I'm with her, I either go through a drive-thru, eat somewhere with outdoor tables, or get food to go and eat in my car.
Dogs can be well behaved, and adorable, but don’t belong everywhere. You just can’t guarantee that they won’t hurt someone. There was this dog, normally pretty chill, that out of nowhere attacked and hurt my brother. In addition, what about people with severe allergies? Are you just going to tell them to “stay at home?”
Thank goodness for leash laws. If you're out and about (and not at an off leash dog park) your dog should be on a leash so you have control over the situation. Please don't bring dogs into shops with food. Dogs on open air patios are great though! Points to anyone that brings a well behaved dog to a restaurant or cafe with a patio. I love seeing them!
A few things on this topic. Allergies suck I know I used to be allergic, but why is everything always catered to people who are allergic to dogs? We don't plant different trees in parks or replace the grass just because some people are allergic. Of course allergic people should be able to go shopping or go to restaurants and cinemas, but we should have some places where you are allowed to bring your dog, and some where you aren't. As it is now there are beardly any places you are allowed to bring pets. On the untrained dog topic: Everyone who buys a dog should have to sign up for a training course with said dog. Sure some dogs are jumpier than others but you shouldn't be allowed in certain public places with untrained dogs. Personally I'd like to have some sort of driving license for dogs that showed where that dog was allowed to go and if it had to have a lead or not in certain areas. That being said I think dogs are already restricted enough and we don't need to make it worse
You can bring pets to many pet related stores, and parks, also I feel like all dogs should be on leashes when outside the home in order to prevent dogs running into roads, or after animals or kids.
Load More Replies... Know what happens when you get rid of bodega cats? You get bodega rats. I'll take the cat.
Everybody assumes that people bringing their dogs are breaking the rules. There is not a blanket ban on dogs. Unless a place has a sign that says no dogs, there might not be a rule against them. I too assumed dogs were not allowed in stores other than pet stores, but was surprised when the stores I shop at started adding PET FRIENDLY signs, welcoming customers to bring their (leashed) dog (or other pet) inside! I would never have brought my dog without knowing they welcomed it, but I can actually take my dog with me everywhere I go and not break any rules (not saying I do, just that I could). So "we have different rules now" is not an argument against taking your dog with you.
I think a lot of people here are mistaking pets with service animals... pets don't necessarily belong everywhere.. but an actual service animal does. Unfortunately too many people abuse the service dog thing and get their untrained dogs a "service dog" certificate.. denying an actual service animal would be akin to denying someone their crutches..
I don’t get too worked up over it unless it happens around food. An outdoor cafe is fine but you don’t need to bring your dog to the grocery store. If it were a cat, people would lose their minds. Just be considerate and understand that not everyone is a dog person. I had a dog jump up on me in a store once and the owner seemed shocked and confused that I wasn’t excited when I recoiled.
I have 5 dogs, but ai only take one with me places because she behaves, and only places she's allowed. I cringe when I see young puppies at Walmart and home Depot. Just trying to get parvovirus. Then you have the people with the little dogs that think it's cute when they're dog growls.
Hilarious. Who is she to tell people that they shouldn't take their dogs with them? Sure, the dog needs to be well behaved and stay away from people like her and not jump up on strangers. Most responsible people who take their dogs to e.g restaurants wouldn't take them in the first place if they weren't well behaved. She can go do one. Seriously, this is what concerns her in life?
Where do you live? I've had a Yorkie in a "service dog" vest climb up on my table at a restaurant and make off with a chunk of pork chop. Lots of people bring ill-behaved dogs out and about.
Load More Replies... Well, personally I would love to see well behaved children and pets everywhere, mind you well behaved. Although allergic ppl might not agree with it. The ideal way to deal with it imo, somehow let guests know if restaurant/shop pet-free or pet friendly. Via info on online platforms or maybe a sign-sticker on door. It would save ton of time and spare owners a lot of complaints.
Idk it sucks when irresponsible owners ruin it for others because dogs who are taken everywhere since young are usually so chill and easy to work with, nothing phases them, those dang covid quarantine dogs are basketcases because they never been out of their homes and get way overstimulated.
I've been in the restaurant industry for over a decade. Have I almost tripped on a dog crawling on the floor? No, but a baby, yes. Have I seen a dog poop in arestaurant? No, but a baby's used diaper on a table, yes. Have I seen a dog smashing blueberries on a white table cloth? No, but a baby, yes. Have I had to clean after a dog has thrown all their food on the floor in a restaurant? No, but after baby, every time.
OMG who would let a baby crawl on a restaurant floor! UNSANITARY!
Load More Replies... I have a Hidden Disabilities Assistance Animal registered with Emotional Support Animals UK; she and I are both protected under the disabilities and mental health acts so I can take her anywhere. When I take her out, she wears a harness and she sits in a pet stroller. I don't need to discuss my disabilities, visible or otherwise, with anybody and I have the right to have whatever support I need to live a fulfilling life.
UK law doesn't recognise emotional support animals as assistance animals, so it isn't protected by law. That being said, the fact that your animal is for a disability is different to what the thread is about. It's about those who don't require an animal for their health, but rather demand the same accomodations purely because Fluffy is their 'furbaby'. These animals aren't trained to the same standards as assistance animals and their absense doesn't prevent the owner from carrying out their day-to-day life.
Load More Replies... My dogs are extremely well trained. They behave better than some adults. On public transport, they go under the seat and not once did we have someone sit next to us and not even realise there was a dog under there, once for an hour on the train. They go to shops and restaurants and everywhere they're allowed. Even had the opportunity to take the older one to a museum once. No, she didn't get the point of the exhibition, but she was with me and we could do things that are more fun for dogs right after.
i agree, also with cats. yes emotional support animals are a thing. and they can be valid. but a lot of ppl fill out a form online w/o a diagnosis and say its an "emotional support cat/dog" and then actual ppl w severe anxiety/autism/depression aren't taken seriously w emotional support animals.
have people heard of allergies or health codes? there's a reason ESA's aren't allowed inside most establishments when service animals are. there's a reason people don’t bring their pet corn snake or iguana everywhere with them why should a pet dog be okay. service animals are amazing!!! but pets are for home and walks not for shopping and eating out
It's entitlement. Pure and simple. Nobody loves your dog but you. There are rules. Kindly follow them.
I am also am animal lover but I agree although I am not personally bothered by dogs in public places. Too compare a animal to a baby is ridiculous and it shows how we are devaluing human life. I am not saying people can't or shouldn't love their pets as much as they do people but animals are equipped to take care of themselves as and can safely be left home alone for short periods of time. Don't compare animals to babies.
I agree with her, I don't want your dog/cat/snake/bird/rat in the grocery store, hardware store, restaurant, ECT. Service dogs are fine but non service animals aren't because they lack verifiable training. It's beyond frustrating when these non service animals urinate/defecate inside these places and even more infuriating when the owner doesn't clean it up. Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart need to stop allowing non service animals in the stores.
Depending on the dog and how well its trained. I've been in a store with where 2 different people had their dogs with them. Dog A was calm and stayed closed to his owner, Dog B was yapping and tried to start something with Dog A.
I am glad that people recognize that service dogs are in a separate category. Mine is a pomeranian. She is well trained. Sometimes people don't even know she's there. If she were just a pet I would not bring her anyplace unless they specified 'dog friendly.' And it would be hard to find a more animal person that I.
Not a dog person myself but I completely understand wanting your best friend with you everywhere you go, but I still agree with the OP. to add to it, I also agree with the comment that said we need more dog safe environments or establishments, along with more people training their animals for being away from home.
I have a couple of comments here: ya can't train a dog to go in public places unless you take them to public places. I take my pup to tractor supply and petsmart because they are welcomed. I don't take her to restaurants or the like unless I'm traveling with her and it's too hot to leave her in the car. But she sits at my feet and doesn't move. I appreciate others could be scared or allergic, so I don't take her places where folks are 'enclosed,' again unless I'm traveling. 99% of the time I can get a dog sitter too, which helps. Dogs are more comfortable at home unless they are left too long. My daughter's dog tore her couch apart because she was gone, for him, too long.
Obscenely wealthy people like Paris Hilton turned them into accessories, and then it just sort of grew from there. Now we have Great Danes running around Starbucks. On another note: I know I’m not alone in this, but I really struggle with the term “owner” when it comes to animals. We don’t OWN animals. We share a world, and if we’re fortunate enough, a home with them, but we don’t own them. Getting to care for an animal is a gift. You know?
While I love dogs and have my own I hate when people just let them do what they want in public. It's like children, but children are even worse! I hate it that people take their dogs off leash, have them sit in furniture or let them approach other people like that is normal, and it's not. Where I live in Europe people behave very well with their dogs and we put them through training if necessary so there are very little problems the problem it's more when people approach my dogs to pet them and that is very nerve wrecking and disrespectful... Because if something happens the fault is mine. Children for me are the worse problem parents are just not capable of controlling them and the leash is not really well liked... I have seen children licking counters in supermarkets and the parents just don't care it's gross... There should be some rules concerning limiting behaviour for pets and children in public so that parents are aware of what is acceptable...
I can't really say I agree with this one. My mum has a service dog for anxiety and schizophrenia and he goes everywhere with her. He is very well behaved and has no tail, without him she suffers anxiety attacks. I feel like this lady is saying that he shouldn't be able to go everywhere with her and that's a little infuriating.
I raised and trained large dogs all of my adult life. Rule number one: obedience training and manners are non-negotiable for dogs to be out in public. Dogs must lie down quietly or walk closely at heel and be under control at all times. Socialize with strangers only if the request it. No exceptions even if you think your dog is small, really cute and friendly.
I love animals, but believe that most of the dogs that are seen in stores and restaurants shouldn't be there. It's very disrespectful of those people who have real seeing eye dogs, because they are blind; or similar situations. What's the matter with you anyway, to say that you need a "emotional support" animal with you? I don't want to see pets in restaurants. I don't want to see pets in a shopping cart in the grocery store where I will be putting my food. That's just plain gross !!!
It's the people who clearly haven't attempted to train their dog at all and don't have any control over them in public spaces that really gets to me. Remember eating on a patio at our pub and this couple barely paid any attention to their medium-sized dog who was cute but kept coming over to our table because our food arrived. The dog jumped up and its sharp nails scratched all down my leg (I was wearing shorts) leaving scratches. The people still didn't understand why I was upset. I wasn't even trying to pet the dog or anything, I was trying to eat.
I don't think having well behaved dogs in public is bad. I have chihuahuas. I have one that goes with me to a lot of places simply because I feel more comfortable out in public with him he's sociable doesn't bark and stays in his bag which I carry on my shoulder you only see him if he sticks his head out. I don't let people pet him unless it's outside and they ask. Only well behaved kids can pet him with parent supervision while I hold him and never near his head or face. He's never so much as even growled but I take no chances as I know he's an animal. If you have a problem with this or me don't come to Cleveland OH lol : D
The more dogs getting taken places the more risk there is of a bad result. That may be a dog pooping on the floor, a kid getting bitten or dogs fighting/killing one another. There have been a couple small dogs attacked by larger dogs in Bunnings (hardware store) fairly recently. I've taken my new one to Bunnings precisely once and only because he was a tiny pup I didn't want to leave alone and I carried him in the store. I love dogs, but I don't trust other people.
I love my dog more than any person, other than maybe my fiancee but they're just about tied. 😂 I would absolutely LOVE to bring him everywhere I go. But the sad truth is I can't and even if I technically could, I usually shouldn't. Some people have allergies. They need to breathe and that trumps my want to be with my dog 24/7. Some people have debilitating fears of dogs. They should be able to walk into a grocery store without running into someone's pet. Service animals are the only animals that should be in grocery stores.
Anthropomorphism, allergies, dog s**t every place and untrained humans allowing their pets to become masters.
I love dogs, my daughter loooves dogs. But I have a huge line when it comes to dog owners in stores who say their dog is "friendly" or "Oh, they don't bite". No Gina, they're friendly to ➡️YOU⬅️. They're not going to bite ➡️YOU⬅️. If you have to vouch for them when the vibe your dog is emanating doesn't match, you don't get to be offended if I keep my dog-loving daughter from petting your "friendly, won't bite" dog while they're in the shopping cart at checkout. We've almost lost fingers to those type of dogs before. One time was enough.
It's not a good reason to take a dog everywhere, because the poor doggy has to be alone for 8+ hours anyway. If the dog suffers from loneliness because of the owner's absence, that's animal cruelty.
I love dogs. A service dog is just that. A dog that's specifically trained to assist someone with disabilities. They should always be wearing their vest or tag. Legally they're allowed everywhere. It's not quite the same as a dog that helps people with non-physical disabilities, like PTSD, depression, anxiety, loneliness, etc. Those dogs are very useful in their place. Therapy dogs help a lot of people. But I'm not sure they've had the same training as service dogs. Service dog training takes a long time. Personally, I feel that dogs should not be in restaurants or grocery stores, unless they're trained service dogs. Those dogs won't be tempted to beg at tables or grab stuff off store shelves, unless given that task. If the restaurant has outdoor seating, I'm ok with all dogs as long as they behave.
PTSD dogs have service dog training just so you know. I think you're mixing up emotional support animals with psychiatric assistance dogs.
Load More Replies... I can accept dogs in places that are meant for dogs to be exercised on or meant for dogs or dog friendly but not everywhere, it just gets unfun.
My story about a dog in “public” wins hands down. At my job we interviewed a person who brought their dog in a purse. The interview includes a tour of the facility. I work in a high volume microbiology laboratory. The most common thing we have laying about is blood agar plates, which is a medium to grow bacteria-lots and lots of bacteria (so we can identify it). I don’t know if a dog would find the agar tasty enough to eat, but if it did….I don’t think it would make it.
I don't take my pups everywhere with me, maybe once in awhile, especially to like dog stores (I get a kick out of seeing which treat they choose!). And I do love seeing well behaved pups when I'm out, but mine shed- like, ALOT. And I don't want someone else to clean up my mess, or find hairs somewhere that they shouldn't be. Every Sunday (yay, today) we brush them down and/or bathe them (every other weekend), so it's def manageable. But still.
I have a dog that goes with me everywhere. There's not very many places that I go that she doesn't. I have a small dog who is very quiet, minds better than most humans, doesn't lick people She is very social. When I take her into places she stays by my side. She is my Service Dog. I have been around good pet owners and bad owners. It's Not Always the Dog that is the Problem. If you want or don't want them to do certain things then you should train them. I didn't send my Service Dog to classes I taught her everything she needed to know but she also taught herself other things. In TEXAS we have a LAW that allows you to take your dog into any Restaurant that has a outdoors area. I had a problem with a Restaurant because I had my Service Dog(Registered) with me. I had to Explain the Law to them and also showed them my Service Dog Card. Not everyone knows the Laws about Service Animals. If you don't want to be around Animals then feel free to go somewhere where they are not. I
Petition to replace all people with dogs. At least when I leave my home and have to go out.
I'd much rather see hella dogs in public than kids or any of the people who agree with OP. Also... idgaf about your allergies. Not my problem. That's a you problem. Just be happy Natural selection doesn't really exist anymore & there are medications for you to be able to coexist in the world with your allergens (I say that as a person with a deadly allergy) .. but the f**k if I'm going to care more about you, a stranger than feeling safe while I'm out & about. I don't bring my dog into restaurants or anywhere that non service dogs are not allowed. But I live in New Orleans. We can pretty much bring dogs anywhere & that I do. Also, I'm allergic to bees but you don't see me trying to extinguish bees from public spaces. Lol.
No, they're quite literally not "small people". They're small HUMANS, not people. Young children are literally sociopathic in nature until they are taught the manners, morals, and ethics that our modern society operates on. If you leave a toddler to its own devices, it'll run around, cram everything into its mouth, eat random things, knock things over, grab whatever it wants to grab, scream, cry, and hit other people. Toddlers literally do not know the "rules" that we live by as people, and they operate on instinct and urges until they are taught to control themselves. They need training.... JUST like dogs do.
Load More Replies... Ooooh boy. "Pitbulls and the like"... Quite a loaded statement, there....
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