Dogs

[RoadCar]

I would like to know your opinion. I was in a cafe at Cleethorpes yesterday, ordered what I wanted sat down and got my meal. Half way through two dogs came in with their owners, I thought thats all I need, then 5 minutes later another dog came in. They was not barking at each other anyway, but I thought it was a bit unhygienic having dogs in a cafe and they should be banned from all food areas. I should say that they was not guide dog, I don't have a problem with guide dog but domestic dogs I do in food areas. What do you think about dogs in food areas?

[OverWyreGrower]

I don't see why normal, well behaved dogs are any more or less unhygenic than guide dogs? Provided they are under control and not in the food preparation areas/behind the counter etc, or sat on 'people seats' I don't see the problem.

Our two have come to cafe's, pubs etc before and will just sit/lie down under the table whilst we eat.

[SarahStrawberry]

I think it depends on how they behave and if the owners are responsible. I love dogs and we have a 3 year old Lab x collie but I know I wouldn't take him into a cafe or restaurant because he wouldn't sit still and he likes his grub and anyone else's that should happen to fall his way

He doesn't really get in the kitchen at home, only a few minutes a day on average mainly because he gets out alot to run on the farm so his paws are quite muddy and I think it would be unhygienic. He mostly lives in the porch or in the everyday living room once he's dried off.

[ginger ninger]

Most Cafe have a notice outside that say whether dog's are welcome or not. Some have seating areas where people can sit inside or outside with there pets, most have bowls of water outside for dogs. Personally I don't want to sit where other peoples pets are so I avoid the cafe's where dog's are allowed, there's plenty of cafe's in Cleethorps that cater for all.

OH's Mum & Dad take there dog everywhere with them and to be honest it's a pain in the backside, jumping up and down all over, it also begs at the table...yuk. Now those are the dog's I want to avoid.

But I do agree with O.W.G...why should well behaved pet dog be discriminated against when Guide dog's can go everywhere.

[Two_Sheds]

I don't see why normal, well behaved dogs are any more or less unhygenic than guide dogs?

Or most people Has anyone else noticed how many people leave the public toilets without washing their hands?

Dogs are much quieter than children too.

We're struggling to find dog-friendly places to eat, even the ones with outdoor tables get a bit sniffy and say "no dogs at all!" as if we were attempting to poison the whole restaurant

[OverWyreGrower]

OH's Mum & Dad take there dog everywhere with them and to be honest it's a pain in the backside, jumping up and down all over, it also begs at the table...yuk. Now those are the dog's I want to avoid.

If our dogs were like this, I wouldn't take them in cafe's etc! They don't jump up, beg at the table etc at home, so they won't do it out!

We've been to places before, and the waiting staff haven't even noticed we have dogs, as they are so quiet! That's saying something when they are 2 fully grown Boxer boys!!

[Hilary B]

I'd say it depends on the dog! At the moment we are not eating out (even pub lunch), but Lady (who we still have) can rarely be trusted even in a pub garden. Gemma (who we last last year) was a bit better but I would never take her indoors. No idea about the pup, but I wouldn't take him anywhere posher than the eating area of a pub (not a proper restaurant) however good he might be.
There are pets as obedient and well behaved as a guide dog, and there are others!
I agree that some children have as little idea how to behave in an eating area as the average (ie, not particularly bad or good) dog. It's really down to whether they are actually doing anything to trouble other customers. I've been in several pubs where the owner's dog comes to look for spilled food, but without being a nuisance.

[Florence Fennel]

I have never taken a dog to a restaurant or cafe. We have had a succession of very big German Shepherds. The only time we have taken them out to eat has been on a picnic with the children. If we were going out to eat I used to leave them at home, sometimes with a dog sitter if it was going to be a long time. They were all very well behaved dogs, but I don't think it's good for the dogs or the customers in a cafe!

[binley100]

I wouldn't take a dog out to a restaurant for a sit down meal but if you're out and pop into a cafe for a cuppa , as long as they're well behaved I don't see why not.
I've noticed in France they are much more welcoming to dogs in eating places, come to think of it they are welcoming to children as well.

[MrsC]

Sorry but I may put the cat amongst the pigeons here so to speak, but can't see the difference between a domestic dog and a guide dog really. Why can't dogs be allowed, if we saw a dead pig at the side of the road then my god how awful people would say, don't touch but you'd have one in your fridge in a cafe, albeit nicely sliced in a pack. Sorry but it doesn't wash with me. Too much emphasis on hygiene in the eating area, but how many people go in and inspect the kitchens. Everyone eats with the same cutlery that some other person has had in their mouth, has it been washed properly? Who knows, but we are all still here, so no I don't think dogs are unhygienic in this environment. If they're not allowed to run around jumping up and begging for food at people then why not, eh kids are allowed to run around in these places, and yes I have both, kids and dogs

[northepaul]

I dont have a problem with dogs in cafes either, or I should say, well behaved dogs that is.
However it does annoy me when the dogs are allowed to sit in aisles and throughways on trains/buses - very hard to get around them esp if someone is less able.

Also what about people with allergies?

[MrsC]

People are allergic to allsorts though

Don't you get charged for animals to travel on public transport?

Shopping bags etc are hard to get round as well!

[Jelliebabe]

Badly behaved dogs and children get on my nerves! Should train them all up in the same way!

[Two_Sheds]

what about people with allergies?

People allergic to dogs would be allergic to guide dogs (but possibly not react so much? )

[miffy]

We have a soppy old collie cross and she has come into cafes and pubs with us, she just lies under the table and goes to sleep.
As long as dogs are not in food prep areas what is the problem? Also folk carry so many germs themselves both on their hands and feet that you are more likely to catch something off them than a well behaved pooch.
Re allergies, I am a bit allergic to folk who look down at our Daisy as she is a very loved and wonderful part of our family!!
Re places to eat where dogs are allowed kennel club does a dog friendly guide.