Do you think people should be allowed to bring dogs into shops/cafe/bar with them?

Murrisk · 29-05-2017 9:54pm

mahamageehad wrote: »

Sounds like a pretty sucky allergy to have. Never known anyone to have it, although a cousin sneezes a bit with cats. I wonder is the rate of allergies in Ireland higher due to less exposure as a child?

Who knows? Maybe but whatever caused them, they exist. Pondering how the allergy came about doesn't cure the allergy. My husband is allergic to some cats and will spend the full time he's in my parent's house with his eyes streaming and his nose running. Not all cats do this to him. He didn't grow up around cats so that might have something to do with it but whatever caused it, it doesn't matter, he has the allergy and that's that.

BabysCoffee · 29-05-2017 10:21pm

_Brian wrote: »

Personally if I were in a cafe with my kids and a dog was allowed in to disturb things I'd be asking the dog is removed or refusing to pay the bill.

I'd make sure not to visit The Fumbally, if I were you. It's dog central
http://thefumbally.ie/

mahamageehad · 29-05-2017 10:51pm

Murrisk wrote: »

Who knows? Maybe but whatever caused them, they exist. Pondering how the allergy came about doesn't cure the allergy. My husband is allergic to some cats and will spend the full time he's in my parent's house with his eyes streaming and his nose running. Not all cats do this to him. He didn't grow up around cats so that might have something to do with it but whatever caused it, it doesn't matter, he has the allergy and that's that.

Allergies are pretty much the only reason I could see banning pets tbh. (Are cats on leashes a thing in Ireland?) I had a quick google, and I dunno how reliable the stats are because the source isn't given, but DSPCA says 15-20% of population is allergic. Super surprised it's that high. Another link says cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, but it's still much higher than I expected. 1 in 5 is problematic enough that I couldn't see many shop/restaurant/cafe owners doing it even if it was allowed.

Murrisk · 30-05-2017 2:43am

mahamageehad wrote: »

Allergies are pretty much the only reason I could see banning pets tbh. (Are cats on leashes a thing in Ireland?) I had a quick google, and I dunno how reliable the stats are because the source isn't given, but DSPCA says 15-20% of population is allergic. Super surprised it's that high. Another link says cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, but it's still much higher than I expected. 1 in 5 is problematic enough that I couldn't see many shop/restaurant/cafe owners doing it even if it was allowed.

There also the problem of dogs just not getting on. I volunteered at an animal shelter for the summer and when dogs or cats arrived, we'd have to check that they got on OK with the dogs the walker would be bringing them out with. There wasn't enough volunteers to walk each dog separately so you'd usually have to bring two at a time. Some dogs just take an instant dislike to each other. Same with the cats in the cattery. There was a few common play areas but some cats couldn't be put in the same one together.

In a restaurant situation, I could see this causing a headache for owners. Earlier in the thread, I mentioned being a smoking areas where there were four dogs a few weeks back. It was a bit of a nightmare. Dogs barking at each other, dogs coming up cadging food whilst their owners were distracted and them all just generally milling around the place. I suppose the owners of the establishment could tell these people to leave but they probably wanted the money and I suppose it was outdoors and out of mind. But for my friends and me, it was a pain.

And then on top of that, the dander left behind by animals. My parent's cat died six months ago but for a while after his death, the dander was still causing issues for the Huz.

There's too many variables for it to work well. As for on the continent, how do we know if it's popular with non-pet owners?

fizzypish · 30-05-2017 8:01am

Animals in cafes and restaurants the whole time on the continent. 2 euros for a coffee beside a dog, no problem. 30 euro for a meal beside poochie and I start having issues. I don't even mind the dog that much but why are you bringing it out to a meal?

erica74 · 30-05-2017 9:21am

Bringing dogs into restaurants and cafes is so common in Europe, I don't understand why Ireland has to be so different.
As long as they are well behaved, I don't see the problem (the same rule should be applied to children). Maybe a notice up that says if the dog misbehaves, you'll be asked to leave (the same rule should be applied to children).
I would love to be able to bring my dogs into places with me.

Instead, you are subjected to screaming children being ignored by their parents everywhere you go.
Another thing you see all the time is children climbing up to maul exposed food, like the fresh bread section in shops and the salad bar - they're either dipping their hands in or coughing all over everything - while also being ignored by their parents.

pilly · 30-05-2017 9:24am

erica74 wrote: »

Bringing dogs into restaurants and cafes is so common in Europe, I don't understand why Ireland has to be so different.
As long as they are well behaved, I don't see the problem (the same rule should be applied to children). Maybe a notice up that says if the dog misbehaves, you'll be asked to leave (the same rule should be applied to children).
I would love to be able to bring my dogs into places with me.

Instead, you are subjected to screaming children being ignored by their parents everywhere you go.
Another thing you see all the time is children climbing up to maul exposed food, like the fresh bread section in shops and the salad bar - they're either dipping their hands in or coughing all over everything - while also being ignored by their parents.

Not to mention the kids that kneel up on their seats and stare at you for an hour and you feel obliged to smile at them. :mad:

fizzypish · 30-05-2017 9:36am

erica74 wrote: »

I would love to be able to bring my dogs into places with me.

Out of curiosity, why? (Specifically out to a meal)
If your already out with the dog and decide last minute to grab a bite, I get that but to specifically plan to go for a meal and bring the dog? Do dogs enjoy eating out? Is it not a case of an exercise in restraint (all the lovely things to see and smell but I must remain calm) a bit akin to a husband going clothes shopping (unwillingly) with his wife?

pilly · 30-05-2017 9:43am

fizzypish wrote: »

Out of curiosity, why? (Specifically out to a meal)
If your already out with the dog and decide last minute to grab a bite, I get that but to specifically plan to go for a meal and bring the dog? Do dogs enjoy eating out? Is it not a case of an exercise in restraint (all the lovely things to see and smell but I must remain calm) a bit akin to a husband going clothes shopping (unwillingly) with his wife?

In my case it would be because the nearest nice café to me is 30 minutes drive away and there are lovely walks around it. So if I want to go for something to eat while I'm out I leave the dog behind which is a shame for her because she doesn't get to go on the walk with me or play in the river.

fizzypish · 30-05-2017 9:52am

pilly wrote: »

In my case it would be because the nearest nice café to me is 30 minutes drive away and there are lovely walks around it. So if I want to go for something to eat while I'm out I leave the dog behind which is a shame for her because she doesn't get to go on the walk with me or play in the river.

This makes sense to me. Cafes I have no problem with but I've been to proper sit down evening meals with a dog a table over. Its odd but the dog itself doesn't bother me but it being ok to bring it in without a good reason does.

pilly · 30-05-2017 9:56am

fizzypish wrote: »

This makes sense to me. Cafes I have no problem with but I've been to proper sit down evening meals with a dog a table over. Its odd but the dog itself doesn't bother me but it being ok to bring it in without a good reason does.

Yeah I agree. I wouldn't really see a reason for bringing a dog out to a restaurant for dinner. If anything it would torment him anyway.

AryaStark · 30-05-2017 10:10am

Zebra3 wrote: »

Drinking in pubs all around Ireland for the last 25 years. Never once have I seen a dog in a pub.

Yet, you always seen a dog in the pub, and always with the same type of person.

Mad that.

There is a pub in Mullingar that allows you to bring your dog... I have been in for a nice coffee after walking the canal with my husky... They have some water bowls for dogs that visit!

erica74 · 30-05-2017 10:13am

fizzypish wrote: »

Out of curiosity, why? (Specifically out to a meal)
If your already out with the dog and decide last minute to grab a bite, I get that but to specifically plan to go for a meal and bring the dog? Do dogs enjoy eating out? Is it not a case of an exercise in restraint (all the lovely things to see and smell but I must remain calm) a bit akin to a husband going clothes shopping (unwillingly) with his wife?

Well I didn't say specifically out to a meal and I wasn't talking about specifically planning to go out and bringing my dog with me.
I'm talking about being out and wanting to stop in somewhere for something to eat or even just a coffee or like pilly mentioned, having cafes or small eateries near nice areas to walk your dog but not being able to use them.

I have been in a few different cities in Europe and it was especially commonplace to see older men and women, dining on their own, bring their dogs with them, probably for company.
I remember being in Paris and going to the same little cafe two nights in a row for a few drinks and there was an old man there on his own with his dog (a beagle) sitting in the chair opposite him, snoozing while the old man ate his french onion soup (very cliche I know but it's the truth).
And another story from Paris. I remember seeing a woman at the same cafe every morning (different cafe to the old man) eating breakfast with her dog on the floor beside her.
When I think of older men and women and their dogs potentially being their only company, I just think, why not let them bring their pets with them but obviously, they have to be well behaved etc. However, I don't think it will ever happen in Ireland.

It's very common in the UK to see dogs in pubs, having been brought along by their owners to keep them company while they enjoy a pint or two and then stroll home together. I think that would be a nice thing to do but obviously, not all pubs would be suitable. I mean, I wouldn't bring my dog along to a pub that had music and dancing or anything like that.

30-05-2017 10:15am

freshpopcorn wrote: »

................. do you think people should be allowed to bring their pet to the supermarket with them and rub them and touch food in the shop.............................................. Would this bother you or would you like to see an Ireland where you can bring a dog anywhere?......................

I've just spent two months in Austria, a very dog friendly place.
Dogs are allowed in most hotel, restaurants and shopping malls.

Regarding the piece in bold. You seem blissfully unaware of the amount of nose pickers, ball bag scratchers, non hand washers and ass pickers that are in the general population and who visit shops.

Someone rubbing a dog and touching an apple you may buy is the least of your worries.

Parchment · 30-05-2017 10:18am

The last time i was in Paris, i was in a busy cafe and there was actual dog sh!t on the floor inside the cafe.

mahamageehad · 30-05-2017 10:25am

Murrisk wrote: »

There also the problem of dogs just not getting on. I volunteered at an animal shelter for the summer and when dogs or cats arrived, we'd have to check that they got on OK with the dogs the walker would be bringing them out with. There wasn't enough volunteers to walk each dog separately so you'd usually have to bring two at a time. Some dogs just take an instant dislike to each other. Same with the cats in the cattery. There was a few common play areas but some cats couldn't be put in the same one together.

In a restaurant situation, I could see this causing a headache for owners. Earlier in the thread, I mentioned being a smoking areas where there were four dogs a few weeks back. It was a bit of a nightmare. Dogs barking at each other, dogs coming up cadging food whilst their owners were distracted and them all just generally milling around the place. I suppose the owners of the establishment could tell these people to leave but they probably wanted the money and I suppose it was outdoors and out of mind. But for my friends and me, it was a pain.

And then on top of that, the dander left behind by animals. My parent's cat died six months ago but for a while after his death, the dander was still causing issues for the Huz.

There's too many variables for it to work well. As for on the continent, how do we know if it's popular with non-pet owners?

Yeah but well trained dogs shouldn't be reacting to other dogs in a restaurant, that's exactly the point. If the dog can't be there without barking or begging for food, they shouldn't be there and the owner or staff should have no problem asking them to leave. I've never seen dogs barking in restaurants, pubs or cafes on the continent. As I said earlier in the thread, that's generally because expected standard of training is higher here.

Your other point is more interesting. No idea how we know it's popular with non-pet owners, but presumably if it was enough of an issue there would be certain establishments that refuse dogs? Here it's assumed that you can bring your dog anywhere unless explicly stated, one example is graveyards don't allow animals. I haven't seen very many places with signs that no animals are allowed, so I guess it's not a major problem? Would be interesting to ask someone here with allergies how they cope though.

pilly · 30-05-2017 10:57am

mahamageehad wrote:

Yeah but well trained dogs shouldn't be reacting to other dogs in a restaurant, that's exactly the point. If the dog can't be there without barking or begging for food, they shouldn't be there and the owner or staff should have no problem asking them to leave. I've never seen dogs barking in restaurants, pubs or cafes on the continent. As I said earlier in the thread, that's generally because expected standard of training is higher here.

I think that's definitely part of it. Standards of training and socialisation of dogs is much lower here.

whisky_galore · 30-05-2017 11:54am

Torn on this, I would like to see them more in pubs as the pub with a resident or a 'local' dog is dying out with OTT 'Elf n Safety.

On the other hand, a lot of dog owners here are lazy and irresponsible and would completely take the piss if given carte blanche to take their dogs wherever esp. when you have dogs running loose up and down the country chasing cars or sh1tting all over the streets.

OldNotWIse · 30-05-2017 12:17pm

I'm undecided. On the whole I think Ireland is low down the list of dog friendly countries. I tend to go to places where dogs are allowed, as I like to spend as much time with her as I can. A dog's life is short and I am not going to leave her home every time I go out if I can help it.

That said, I appreciate (though don't fully understand) people who do not want dogs sitting up in their faces when they go out, and I think this should be respected. I don't have concerns about hygiene - I'd be more worried about staff not washing hands or food left out in the open to be breathed on and pawed (:D) by others, but that's me and I accept that others might be concerned about doggie germs :P

I'd like to see more of a balance - we could do with a few new places that we cold bring our dogs to, but overall I am happy to stick with the places where I know my dog will be treated like the beautiful, special little thing that she is

Incidentally, the Hilton Charlemont is dog friendly

jmayo · 30-05-2017 2:32pm

Messiah Squeaking Archivist wrote: »

It works perfectly well in other parts of Europe. We Irish have a pretty ignorant view on how pets are treated.

Those cosmopolitan Europeans are of course much better.
Watching your step on city streets lest you spend the rest of the night trying to get the stench of dogshyte off your shoes is much better.
Not that it doesn't happen here as well with owners who can't give a toss.

Messiah Squeaking Archivist wrote: »

Have posters here read "Do you think people should be allowed to bring wild animals into shops/cafe/bar with them?"

Frightening children, oh please.

There should be at least pet designated areas in restaurants for pets dogs.

Seriously why do you need to bring your pet out to eat with you ?
Are you going to order them something off the menu ?

erica74 wrote: »

Bringing dogs into restaurants and cafes is so common in Europe, I don't understand why Ireland has to be so different.
As long as they are well behaved, I don't see the problem (the same rule should be applied to children). Maybe a notice up that says if the dog misbehaves, you'll be asked to leave (the same rule should be applied to children).
I would love to be able to bring my dogs into places with me.

Instead, you are subjected to screaming children being ignored by their parents everywhere you go.
Another thing you see all the time is children climbing up to maul exposed food, like the fresh bread section in shops and the salad bar - they're either dipping their hands in or coughing all over everything - while also being ignored by their parents.

You do know the difference between a human and a dog, right ?

Lot of things are common in Europe that are not common here.
Doesn't necessarily make them better.
For instance in France lots of people would gladly eat Black Beauty whereas here that would be seriously frowned upon.

And if you extend the argument further lots of people in other parts of the world would see your lovely pooches as something that could be on the dinner menu.

I am of opinion that I don't see why other people seem to think everyone has to put up with their pets or indeed their unruly kids.

It is like the fact some people think it is ok to bring round their pets when visiting.
They are your pets not mine.

Murrisk · 30-05-2017 5:00pm

erica74 wrote: »

As long as they are well behaved, I don't see the problem (the same rule should be applied to children). Maybe a notice up that says if the dog misbehaves, you'll be asked to leave (the same rule should be applied to children).

Look, children are humans. There is no getting away from that. We share a species with children. We once all were children. Not one of us can say we were always perfectly behaved as children. But we still we were all brought places.

There are problems unique to animals so that comparison to children is disengenuous. Allergies. Animals taking a dislike to each other. These are issues that would headaches for premises and customers alike. I've seen animal allergies in action, they are not pretty. Nobody should have to worry about their animal allergy playing up when they are trying to enjoy a meal. And so many people think that their pooch is perfect but, as I discovered a few weeks back, are often too deep in conversation to notice that their pooch is annoying other patrons.

And lastly, just because something happens on the continent, doesn't mean it's the right way. What is it with people using what is the norm "on the continent" as an argument ender? Ireland is different, all countries have their differences.

Children can be very annoying in establishments, true, but why add another layer of annoyance?

Murrisk · 30-05-2017 5:09pm

mahamageehad wrote: »

Yeah but well trained dogs shouldn't be reacting to other dogs in a restaurant, that's exactly the point. If the dog can't be there without barking or begging for food, they shouldn't be there and the owner or staff should have no problem asking them to leave. I've never seen dogs barking in restaurants, pubs or cafes on the continent. As I said earlier in the thread, that's generally because expected standard of training is higher here.

I don't know a huge amount about dog-training, but I have more experience of cat-training and socialisation and I know with cats at least, socialisation has little to do with cats sometimes taking a dislike to one another. Honestly, we got in some lovely, friendly, placid cats in that just randomly take a dislike to a new arrival and it would never really resolve. Individual cats have their own temperaments and I guess another cat with its own temperament must just rub them up the wrong way.

corner of hells · 30-05-2017 5:15pm

Lia_lia wrote: »

I would have no problems with dog being allowed in shops/cafes/bars etc..

My Dad owns a bar in France and his dog pretty much lives in the bar. Customers bring their dogs all the time. No one bats an eyelid.

I don't understand some people's obsession with hygiene. Especially around pet dogs.

Wait, just told on... did you just your dad owns a bar?
Did anyone else read this post ?

Stephen15 · 30-05-2017 5:22pm

ForestFire wrote: »

If well disciplined and kept under control then shops could be okay, but not areas where people eat for me anyway.

Would you have issues with multiple dogs in confined space being aggressive to each other?

As for rubbing and touching food, not nice, but when you think about it, anyone in a shop could have had there hands on pets, dirt or up there arse:o before they got there...maybe best not to think, but I think I'll be washing fruit and veg more often now:)

In Italy its seems to welcome to bring you dogs everywhere including restaurants, bars, shops and public transport.

Also in supermarkets there they provide disposable gloves which you are expected to wear if buying loose fruit and veg. So it's not like they don't care about hygiene on the continent in fact they probably care more than they do for example in France where you have to wear speedos in the pool.

Do you think people should be allowed to bring dogs into shops/cafe/bar with them?

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