Why is Ireland so dog un-friendly?

borderlinemeath

Beggared wrote: »

I like dogs but I don't want one at the next table to me when I'm eating out somewhere. No matter how much we all love our little furry friends they are still animals, talking baby talk to them and putting little jackets on them doesn't make them people.

Another complete generalisation.

We're not all Paris Hilton y'know:rolleyes:
My dogs wardrobe is empty bar a novelty christmas scarf:D. And no she doesn't get "baby talk".

I once saw a woman changing her childs nappy on a table in McDonalds:eek:. The staff just looked on open mouthed. She wasn't asked to leave, probably because she was African and it may have looked like discrimination. (I always wondered did she do it on purpose to get provoke a reaction because it was such a gross thing to do and they have changing facilities) Yet I would be refused entry from the same place if I had my dog with me. It really is the PC/H&S brigade gone mad..

Shammy

When i look around the estate that i live in and i look at the people who have dogs , maybe 1 of about 25 of them would know how to behave properly . Most of them are "family pets" , with little or no training done just bought for the kids.

IMO a lot people need to be educated with regards the responsiblities that comes with a dog , i.e Training , socialization , picking up your dogs number 2 after he leaves it in a public place.

Granted i know there are good owners but also there are owners that get a dog just for the sake of it.

paddyandy

Time and time again we complicate an argument by saying that something ELSE just as bad happens.Then it's not an argument anymore ...it's just a game.It happens everywhere on boards and it's a pity because there are some great ideas coming in all the time and they're lost in trolling.

ncmc

Shammy wrote: »

When i look around the estate that i live in and i look at the people who have dogs , maybe 1 of about 25 of them would know how to behave properly . Most of them are "family pets" , with little or no training done just bought for the kids.

IMO a lot people need to be educated with regards the responsiblities that comes with a dog , i.e Training , socialization , picking up your dogs number 2 after he leaves it in a public place.

Granted i know there are good owners but also there are owners that get a dog just for the sake of it.

100% agree Shammy, but in general, those people aren't the ones who would want to bring their dog out with them to a pub or cafe. For the most part, the ones that want to bring their dogs with them are the ones who know their dogs will behave.

Like I said previously, this isn't a new fangled idea, it's totally accepted on the continent and I have NEVER seen a dog act up in a cafe or pub. So why is it just such an issue in Ireland?

ncmc

Kali_Kalika wrote: »

I was at Starbucks yesterday afternoon with a friend and my dog. They had no problem with my pup being under the table. The waitress did make a joke about not tying her to the table in case she'd go flying with it (believe that was in a film/ad recently) :rolleyes: But it was a joke and they were fine about it. She even asked if the dog would like a coffee or if I needed a bowl for water. I assured her the dog was fine as I had a bottle of water and her travel bowl with her. We'd just been for an incredibly long walk so she was quite content to sit under my chair and watch things go by and ended up having a snooze for awhile. In the time that we were there, two "yummy mummies" arrived with their brood who proceeded to destroy the place. The screaming and running around were the worst. There was an older couple seated next to us at one of the outdoor tables who had plenty of tsk tsk tsking and :rolleyes: (eye rolling) the lady leaned over at one point and even made the comment of "I thought your dog would have been the one causing havoc - but look at those kids! Shocking. Your dogs so good I can't believe it. Its a pitty yer ones in there (jabs thumb at the yummy mummies can't leash train those kids!" :D:D Delighted wasn't the word! And as a side note - the waitress had been really nice and accomodating with our visit and she was rewarded with an 8 euro tip from the pair of us. So, to any wait staff out there - doggy people are delighted when their dog can snooze under their chair and will tip nicely for that privledge!

Great story Kali kalika, laughing at the dog being offered a coffee, can just imagine my dog with a dose of caffeine in her .

Where was this Starbucks? Great, refreshing attitude to have. I'm sure you would have been asked to leave if your dog caused problems, but as your dog was a model of good behaviour, they saw you as the good customer you were, and got rewarded with a handsome tip. A win-win situation all round.

Beggared

ncmc wrote: »

No body is talking about humanising dogs, which is a whole different topic, I am talking about the convenience of being able to get a cup of coffee or a beer while I am out for the day with my dog. Or being able to go away for a weekend and bring her with me without having to pay through the nose for the privilage. This isn't a new idea, It works in other countries, why not here?

To some extent you are. You want to have dogs treated on an equal footing as human beings in establishments where food and drink is served. It's just not appropriate regardless of how nice the animals are. On the continent, France in particular, it is quite common to see small dogs in restaurants, although this is most often in the outside dining areas. TBH the French go overboard to the point of eccentricity about their pets. It has to be said that their dogs are way better behaved than their average Irish counterparts. If dog owners addressed that particular issue maybe they would have more friends and fewer enemies.

I had to laugh when a poster said this

ncmc wrote:

What about stuff people drag in on the soles of their shoes

Did the poster mean dog poop? Because that is the first thing that would have popped into many peoples's minds. Not a great agrument for the dog lobby.

As for the old gent with the dog under the stool anecdote what about the good old days when we used to keep the livestock inside the house? We've just got them out and now we have people campaigning to have animals allowed in restaurants. I think we are ahead of our continental cousins on this one and we should stay ahead.

ncmc

Beggared wrote: »

To some extent you are. You want to have dogs treated on an equal footing as human beings in establishments where food and drink is served. It's just not appropriate regardless of how nice the animals are. On the continent, France in particular, it is quite common to see small dogs in restaurants, although this is most often in the outside dining areas. TBH the French go overboard to the point of eccentricity about their pets. It has to be said the dogs are way better behaved than their average Irish counterparts. If dog owners addressed that particular issue maybe they would have more friends and fewer enemies.

I had to laugh when a poster said this

Did the poster mean dog poop? Because that is the first thing that would have popped into many peoples's minds. Not a great agrument for the dog lobby.

As for the old gent with the dog under the stool anecdote what about the good old days when we used to keep the livestock inside the house? We've just got them out and now we have people campaigning to have animals allowed in restaurants. I think we are ahead of our continental cousins on this one and we should stay ahead.

I am NOT talking about animals being treated equally to humans. I don't expect them to be allowed pull up a chair to the table and eat off the crokery! I am talking about sitting quietly under a table (acting like a dog in other words) while their owners have a coffee or a bite to eat.

The dragging in stuff on the soles of shoes was a tongue in cheek remark to the ridiculous poster going on about saliva.

Beggared

ncmc wrote: »

I am NOT talking about animals being treated equally to humans. I don't expect them to be allowed pull up a chair to the table and eat off the crokery! I am talking about sitting quietly under a table (acting like a dog in other words) while their owners have a coffee or a bite to eat.

The dragging in stuff on the soles of shoes was a tongue in cheek remark to the ridiculous poster going on about saliva.

Tonge in cheek or not, exactly what were you thinking was on the soles of the shoes? Come on now, be honest. We're all friends here.

mikemac

Surely you've been in a pub with a lurcher lying asleep on a bench?

There's even a pub in Limerick with this.
And if you buy crisps he'll be over begging

ncmc

Beggared wrote: »

Tonge in cheek or not, exactly what were you thinking was on the soles of the shoes? Come on now, be honest. We're all friends here.

Dog poo, bird poo, that iccy crap that leaks from the bottom of bins, general grime, cow poo if you're in the country! all possible to be on shoes and slightly more dangerous than dog saliva! (I don't actually think any of these are dangerous, it was a response to the ridiculous argument that dogs shouldn't be allowed in establisments because of their saliva!)

borderlinemeath

Beggared wrote: »

To some extent you are. You want to have dogs treated on an equal footing as human beings in establishments where food and drink is served. It's just not appropriate regardless of how nice the animals are. On the continent, France in particular, it is quite common to see small dogs in restaurants, although this is most often in the outside dining areas.

;)

TBH the French go overboard to the point of eccentricity about their pets. It has to be said that their dogs are way better behaved than their average Irish counterparts. If dog owners addressed that particular issue maybe they would have more friends and fewer enemies.

Again, more generalising.

I had to laugh when a poster said this

Did the poster mean dog poop? Because that is the first thing that would have popped into many peoples's minds. Not a great agrument for the dog lobby.

Chewing gum, saliva that scumbags hack up in the street, vomit outside pubs, cigarette butts...

As for the old gent with the dog under the stool anecdote what about the good old days when we used to keep the livestock inside the house? We've just got them out and now we have people campaigning to have animals allowed in restaurants. I think we are ahead of our continental cousins on this one and we should stay ahead.

Ironically we lag far behind some of our European counterparts in animal welfare.

I grew up with dogs, rabbits, fish, terrapins and at one stage even had a box of snails as pets.:D. I was obsessed with animals and how they lived, what their purpose was (bees and honey etc). Nowadays little tarquin and penelope aren't allowed touch any animals, have to use dettol "no hands" antibac soap and get sick at the slightest sniffle. We've gone backwards not forewards if you ask me.

kate.m

I like dogs, and have no problem with them sitting outsife cafes or in beer gardens, but I think the issue *might* have something to do with allergies?
I know my brother has a pretty severe reaction when surrounded by dog/cat hairs. I'm not bashing on dog owners or anything, but it might be a reason as to why they are not allowed indoors regarding cafes ect...

Also the comment about children isn't a fair comparison. They're kids, some will be loud and childish and others wont. There are plenty of children who dont kick up a fuss and can sit quietly.

(also parents are usually paying to feed the children so there is a profit...)

kylith

Beggared wrote: »

TBH the French go overboard to the point of eccentricity about their pets. It has to be said that their dogs are way better behaved than their average Irish counterparts. If dog owners addressed that particular issue maybe they would have more friends and fewer enemies.

Do you think, perhaps, that the fact French people can bring their dogs anywhere might contribute to the fact that they are well behaved and calm in all sorts of situations?

It's not about dogs being equal to humans, it's about going for a walk with you dog, seeing a pub and being able to break up your walk with a snack or drink.

westies4ever

paddyandy wrote: »

<wise Geek > try this site.Try and be civil.

try what site? and you are the 'dog hater' on the animal and pets forum.

westies4ever

westies4ever wrote: »

try what site? and you are the 'dog hater' on the animal and pets forum.

http://www.wisegeek.com/are-dogs-mouths-really-cleaner-than-humans.htm

i assume this is what you mean? and the authors? kathy hawkins & bronwyn harris? and they are??

Beggared

kylith wrote: »

Do you think, perhaps, that the fact French people can bring their dogs anywhere might contribute to the fact that they are well behaved and calm in all sorts of situations?

It's chicken and egg really. They are well behaved in social situations because they are well used them but also they are brought into social situations because they are already well behaved. I used to show dogs and I always made sure they mixed well with people in public so that they would behave well when I was showing them. Their good behaviour didn't happen by accident, it was nurtured from the time they were pups. I don't know that the general Irish dog owner goes that far so I can't honestly say that their dogs will be as well socialised.

kylith wrote: »

It's not about dogs being equal to humans, it's about going for a walk with you dog, seeing a pub and being able to break up your walk with a snack or drink.

I don't want to deny you the simple pleasures of life but at the same time I don't want to eat in a doggy environment, I can do that at home.

Kash

I can totaly understand someone not wanting to share a restaurant with a dog - but I don't understand why they can't sit under my feet in a beer garden. As has been said many times before on this thread, the rest of Europe manages quite well.

We have two, and they are relatively big dogs, albeit fairly well trained (they will do what they are told 90% of the time) so finding a place that is happy to see us is a godsend. We found one in near the Burren - Linnanes Pub - they even brought us out a big bowl of water for the dogs! So, we go there regularly with our two hounds.

It would be cool if there was a sticky listing dog-friendly pubs/cafe's/B&Bs and things around Ireland! I'd definitely be interested in knowing a few more...


Still laughing at that comment about the type of people who give human names to dogs!

Bullseye1

Well put and spot on. This country has been ruined by over the top H&S and Food Safety standards. It's our governments obsession with wanting to be best pupil in class. The EU introduces legislation which the rest of Europe ignore and we decide to go one step further.

Damokc wrote: »

they're probably in dread that H&S officer will walk in and shut it down because of the dirty creature! Truth be know that there are shops,butchers and chippers etc. up and down the country with farmers with shìte up to their knees walking in and out of shops everyday!

I know for a fact I'd rather see a nice quiet dog sitting in a restaurant than a screaming child!

Beggared

Kash wrote: »

It would be cool if there was a sticky listing dog-friendly pubs/cafe's/B&Bs and things around Ireland! I'd definitely be interested in knowing a few more.

That is a really good idea. I'd know where to avoid. Only joking. .

sensibleken

I just booked a hotel in Prague. A large 4 star in the centre of the city and advertised as pet friendly but specified cat and dog only. Last time I was there every pub had at least one dog in it, including one St Bernard. I have been in pubs in dublin that had dogs in. Anseo and Slatterys in Dublin but it is nowhere near as widespread as in other countries.

iguana

I miss this a lot since moving back to Ireland. In London at weekends we'd usually head out for the day with the dogs, go for a walk and get brunch along the way and then walk on again for a few hours, often stopping somewhere for dinner or a few drinks before going home. We could often spend quite a bit on those days, getting one or two meals and several drinks. We regularly went into shops and markets along the way and bought stuff. Money we just wouldn't have spent if dogs were unwelcome. If we felt like a change of scenery there was even no issue with getting on a bus/tube/train with the dogs.

We've both missed it a lot this summer. It's great to be able to just walk out the door with the dogs and a small bag and see where the day takes you. I do find it really strange that I think longingly of a huge, very populous city as being a superior home for my dogs than a country that's renowned for it's greenery.;)

Kali_Kalika

ncmc wrote: »

Great story Kali kalika, laughing at the dog being offered a coffee, can just imagine my dog with a dose of caffeine in her .

Where was this Starbucks? Great, refreshing attitude to have. I'm sure you would have been asked to leave if your dog caused problems, but as your dog was a model of good behaviour, they saw you as the good customer you were, and got rewarded with a handsome tip. A win-win situation all round.

It was the Starbucks in Malahide. And in fairness, there are a few establishments around Malahide that have been very accomodating with her. Its a Bagel being our favourite hang out!

It was a great experience! And to show my thanks I had no problem leaving a nice hefty tip for their service and consideration! I thought the coffee offer was hilarious as well! Had she been a problem I would have freely left of our own powers instead of having to be asked! When she was younger I tried to bring her out to a beer garden (at a golf course, dogs always there under tables and going around the course with the players) and she was just too young and too distracted by all the people and food, so only stayed a few minutes, in which she wasn't horribly bad (still better than many children!) but overall she wasn't great so didn't want to offend so we finished our drinks in about 5 minutes and moved on.

CiaranC

Bad enough people bringing children into the places we eat without dogs as well

charlemont

CiaranC wrote: »

Bad enough people bringing children into the places we eat without dogs as well

Wow ! You sound like a barrel of laughs.

aisher

I have had a coffee or two outside - no one has ever made any comment and my pooch just sits under the table bothering no body. I would not expect to be allowed to do the same inside - I dont see why a behaved dog should bother anyone outside - people smoke outdoors and thats more intrusive then a dog sitting under a table.

scudzilla

Our Boxer, Brodi, is 2 next week, since she was 10 weeks old we've been taking her into the Garden Centre opposite Malahide Castle about twice a week, we walked straight through and sat outside the Insomnia, the staff got to know her really well.

She always sat next to us, never wandered off, never barked, never messed, her behaviour was 10 times better than some of the little bastard kids who go in there.

2 weeks ago we were walking in and the manager of the Garden Centre came up to us and said no dogs allowed, we could take her in today but that was it. I mentioned that we'd been coming in for nearly 2 years, she said that she'd been manager there for 5 years and had never allowed dogs in.

What a complete gob****e she was, we were doing no harm at all.

Apparently, after speaking to 2/3 members of staff there she is a known tyrant and nobody likes her

We go and sit outside Starbucks in Malahide now, they're awesome, even giving us a free small cup of warm milk for her!!

Kali_Kalika

scudzilla wrote: »

Our Boxer, Brodi, is 2 next week

I might be totally off here - but I think my pup has played with your boxer a few times! At least I think she did! The name Brodi and a boxer are in my head!

scudzilla

Kali_Kalika wrote: »

I might be totally off here - but I think my pup has played with your boxer a few times! At least I think she did! The name Brodi and a boxer are in my head!

What dog ya got? You go to Malahide Castle a lot?

Kali_Kalika

scudzilla wrote: »

What dog ya got? You go to Malahide Castle a lot?

I go quite often, a few times a week - usually in the evenings. She's a rescue so no idea what she is - best guess is Border Collie/Setter. She's black and bronze coloured - about knee high. I'll pop over to the post of pic of your pet thread (or whatever its called) and pop up a photo of her.

OldNotWIse

Agree, in general we are not very forward when it comes to our pets. Thankfully I haven't really had too many bad experiences with my little one. Irish rail specify on their website that they allow dogs to travel (with certain conditions) so they cannot say anything really when you are in the stations etc. Buses are a little different. It's essentially at the driver's discretion. All I can say, from experience, Irish drivers have never had a problem. Foreign drivers, more often than not, have refused me. I dont know the reason for this.

As for hotels, they are few and far between.