We Need More Dog Friendly Places In Australia

[Ness1409]

I find it is becoming more strictly enforced if anything - it is very difficult to find anywhere to eat in Brisbane where you can take a dog. I have given up taking the dog out very often which is a shame. However, at one of the few places which allow dogs we went to recently a girl was there with her dog off lead and running up to my dog wanting to play and generally making a nuisance of itself around the tables. It worries me when that happens because the cafe may ban all dogs in future.

Would you mind PM-ing me some info about the cafe you have been to where you can take your dog?

I have just moved to Oz from the UK and am finding it very frustrating that I can't take the dogs out with me much - they literally came everywhere with me in the UK, to work, the pub, the local shops, to the post office, the bank, on buses, trains and tubes... I'm dying a little inside when I realise what a huge lifestyle change it is for them, and seriously reconsidering our life here...

Would love to find somewhere we could go for Sunday Brunch to catch up with friends and have the boys laying quietly at my feet like the well-socialised dogs they are

Cheers

Ness

[seeana]

I think that one issue is that people don't realise how much a dog can bring to their lives. Since I got arty a week ago, I've had puppy play date offers and going to cafe's with him, so many things you can do with your dog, but people are afraid that their dogs wont be welcome.

I do understand that not everyone is interested in doing these things and more importantly the requirement for a dog to have good manners when out and about but this is something that if you want to take your dog out and about you usually teach them so that they are easier to take with you.

I want arty to be able to do practically everything with me and that means I need him to be listening to commands and doing what I tell him when I tell him so we both stay safe.

I think if more emphasis was put on: "Have a well trained dog and you can do heaps of awesome stuff with it" rather than "have your dog trained so it isnt a danger/destructive/menace" then some owners would be more inclined to train.

I do believe there needs to be more dog friendly places here in Ballarat, but, that said, I know I am also lucky in that we have the biggest park as an off-lead area. I just remember that when I was a kid in Perth there were so many places that you could take your dog and when we came to Victoria we felt as if we couldn't even take them out of the house for all the rules here.

Arty looks absolutely adorable it took me over 40 yrs to bring a Golden into my life now I have two this is JMO ......but they would have to be one of the most incredable animals ever.

My old golden Shane has brought me so much laughter and joy over the years and when I look into his eyes the kindness intellegence and understanding stands out like a beacon ,may you have many wonderful years with Arty as I am having with Shane.

[seeana]

I have used STAYZ and it was good we rented a house for a week at Callah Beach and it was great But although in off season (April) there was a curfew on the beaches and we could only go there before 9am and after 7pm.

Did our homework before we went to find off leash friendly beaches only to find the rules had changed once we got there.I find it hard as my dogs are very well trained and socialised yet often feel like a second class citizen if we want to take our dogs anywhere.

Thinking about it its a bit like Apartheid really.

Ummm.. It's nothing like apartheid.

Ok poor analogy I admit ........how about this a smoker in a room of non smokers.

[jacqui835]

So I have a dream...

A new title - one that actually means something to everyone.

Community dog (or something - haven't worked out the specifics). Maybe Well-mannered, well-adjusted dogs - something to convey that.

Dog is tested for DA, HA, basic obedience, tolerance of children and annoying people, loud noises etc. Basically you have a dog that will just follow you around, maybe help carry your stuff if you have a big one - Sammy loves helping with the groceries with his backpack, lie down at your feet when you're waiting etc.

If the dog passes, said dog can accompany their owners to many more locations (ie I could have my dog with me at work).

Thing is, if we had more well-behaved dogs out on display, and real incentives to train your dogs, more people would potentially get on board, and dog understanding and education would be improved across the general population.

[Blonde_Phoenix]

I don't believe that 99% of dog owners are responsible, unfortunately.

You took the words right out of my mouth Rebelsquest.

I'd love to see more cafes allowing dogs (I think it's still technically illegal in Qld though rarely enforced??). But after eating at a lovely dog friendly cafe in the Yarra Valley (they provided nice comfy cushions for the dogs to rest on 'under' the tables) and witnessing an owner feed their SWF at the table from their fork (yeah I didn't finish my breakfast and I like dogs), I can see why a lot of people aren't so keen.

Maybe it is only 1% but they definitely ruin it for the rest of us .

The dog's mouth is probably more hygienic than the human's and I'm assuming all cutlery is cleaned in boiling water anyway, so don't understand what your problem is?

Actually they did it on Mythbusters and the dogs mouth was cleaner than Adams (maybe it says more about Adam though ;) ). Rationally it has nothing to do with hygine it's just poor manners and it's not something I want to be looking at while trying to eat.

[jacqui835]

I have used STAYZ and it was good we rented a house for a week at Callah Beach and it was great But although in off season (April) there was a curfew on the beaches and we could only go there before 9am and after 7pm.

Did our homework before we went to find off leash friendly beaches only to find the rules had changed once we got there.I find it hard as my dogs are very well trained and socialised yet often feel like a second class citizen if we want to take our dogs anywhere.

Thinking about it its a bit like Apartheid really.

Ummm.. It's nothing like apartheid.

Ok poor analogy I admit ........how about this a smoker in a room of non smokers.

Yeah but smokers are hurting other people - passive smoking is a proven cause of cancers etc. I have no issue with people smoking - I think you should be able to do what you want to do to your body, but, it's not fair that others should be hurt by your actions. Having your dog with you if it's well-behaved does not hurt anyone (unless they're allergic or something).

[Reewel]

I spent some time in the UK last year and I could not believe just how dog friendly it was. I stayed with a friend who took her dog

everywhere except the supermarket. She went into fashion stores, shoe shops, outside at cafes, it really astounded me. Up in St Andrews

all the shops had bowls of water outside for local dogs. It was just lovely to see. I wish it could be like that here in Australia

[Guest lavendergirl]

I find it is becoming more strictly enforced if anything - it is very difficult to find anywhere to eat in Brisbane where you can take a dog. I have given up taking the dog out very often which is a shame. However, at one of the few places which allow dogs we went to recently a girl was there with her dog off lead and running up to my dog wanting to play and generally making a nuisance of itself around the tables. It worries me when that happens because the cafe may ban all dogs in future.

Would you mind PM-ing me some info about the cafe you have been to where you can take your dog?

I have just moved to Oz from the UK and am finding it very frustrating that I can't take the dogs out with me much - they literally came everywhere with me in the UK, to work, the pub, the local shops, to the post office, the bank, on buses, trains and tubes... I'm dying a little inside when I realise what a huge lifestyle change it is for them, and seriously reconsidering our life here...

Would love to find somewhere we could go for Sunday Brunch to catch up with friends and have the boys laying quietly at my feet like the well-socialised dogs they are

Cheers

Ness

Depends where in Brisbane you are - Wynnum has a few places along the Esplanade where you can have a dog outside at the pavement tables. There are one or two on Honour Avenue at Graceville if you are anywhere near there - it is just a matter of taking a drive along and spotting people there already with their dogs

You will have more luck with those places that have tables on the actual public footpath - presumably because it is a thoroughfare. Perhaps others can suggest places in other areas of Brisbane?

[Blonde_Phoenix]

I don't believe that 99% of dog owners are responsible, unfortunately.

You took the words right out of my mouth Rebelsquest.

I'd love to see more cafes allowing dogs (I think it's still technically illegal in Qld though rarely enforced??). But after eating at a lovely dog friendly cafe in the Yarra Valley (they provided nice comfy cushions for the dogs to rest on 'under' the tables) and witnessing an owner feed their SWF at the table from their fork (yeah I didn't finish my breakfast and I like dogs), I can see why a lot of people aren't so keen.

Maybe it is only 1% but they definitely ruin it for the rest of us .

I find it is becoming more strictly enforced if anything - it is very difficult to find anywhere to eat in Brisbane where you can take a dog. I have given up taking the dog out very often which is a shame. However, at one of the few places which allow dogs we went to recently a girl was there with her dog off lead and running up to my dog wanting to play and generally making a nuisance of itself around the tables. It worries me when that happens because the cafe may ban all dogs in future.

I had noticed it appeared that enforcement was on the increase. In my local area one of the cafes recently put up a no dogs sign and I haven't seen any dogs lately at two others where I had seen dogs previously allowed. I haven't actually asked the cafes if it was the case, just an observation.

[seeana]

So I have a dream...

A new title - one that actually means something to everyone.

Community dog (or something - haven't worked out the specifics). Maybe Well-mannered, well-adjusted dogs - something to convey that.

Dog is tested for DA, HA, basic obedience, tolerance of children and annoying people, loud noises etc. Basically you have a dog that will just follow you around, maybe help carry your stuff if you have a big one - Sammy loves helping with the groceries with his backpack, lie down at your feet when you're waiting etc.

If the dog passes, said dog can accompany their owners to many more locations (ie I could have my dog with me at work).

Thing is, if we had more well-behaved dogs out on display, and real incentives to train your dogs, more people would potentially get on board, and dog understanding and education would be improved across the general population.

Oh for joy ......this is exactly exactly what I have been trying get over ,Count me in.

[Guest lavendergirl]

I don't believe that 99% of dog owners are responsible, unfortunately.

You took the words right out of my mouth Rebelsquest.

I'd love to see more cafes allowing dogs (I think it's still technically illegal in Qld though rarely enforced??). But after eating at a lovely dog friendly cafe in the Yarra Valley (they provided nice comfy cushions for the dogs to rest on 'under' the tables) and witnessing an owner feed their SWF at the table from their fork (yeah I didn't finish my breakfast and I like dogs), I can see why a lot of people aren't so keen.

Maybe it is only 1% but they definitely ruin it for the rest of us .

I find it is becoming more strictly enforced if anything - it is very difficult to find anywhere to eat in Brisbane where you can take a dog. I have given up taking the dog out very often which is a shame. However, at one of the few places which allow dogs we went to recently a girl was there with her dog off lead and running up to my dog wanting to play and generally making a nuisance of itself around the tables. It worries me when that happens because the cafe may ban all dogs in future.

I had noticed it appeared that enforcement was on the increase. In my local area one of the cafes recently put up a no dogs sign and I haven't seen any dogs lately at two others where I had seen dogs previously allowed. I haven't actually asked the cafes if it was the case, just an observation.

Thats right. One cafe we had the dog at one week and when we went back the next week we were told it was not allowed Sometimes it just depends on the staff of the day I think.

[Blonde_Phoenix]

Depends where in Brisbane you are - Wynnum has a few places along the Esplanade where you can have a dog outside at the pavement tables. There are one or two on Honour Avenue at Graceville if you are anywhere near there - it is just a matter of taking a drive along and spotting people there already with their dogs

You will have more luck with those places that have tables on the actual public footpath - presumably because it is a thoroughfare. Perhaps others can suggest places in other areas of Brisbane?

That's the area I was thinking about when I wondered if enforcement was on the rise. One is the cafe with the no dogs sign now. The other was one of the one's I'd hadn't seen dogs at lately, I should pop over and ask them I only live about a 5 minute walk from there.

[SparkyTansy]

This is exactly what I am getting at ....we have to change our outlook.

But how to get the the message out there ....its all a matter of education and I think that a good place to start is in the school system ,because in some cases it not coming from the parents.

The school system should be teaching kids to be more dog accepting? I think there are many things our education system needs to improve on before pet ownership education will be considered.

What is more important than teaching basic human kindness and responsibility, if the parents are incapable of teaching that (and some are) Surely its up to the schools to pass on that knowledge to the best of their capability .

Kindness and care for any living being is I believe the most important lesson we can learn, if it is not in us already ....surely after that everything should go hand in hand.

Some farm Schools have animals and it teaches the children how to care for them here in Aus.I have read of some schools in the USA that bring dogs into the classroom so the children can interact with them and learn about how to look after them.

Out of the mouths of babes.

But that would be the sensible thing to do wouldn't it.

There is a program in Victoria that teaches children (Kindy and primary) how to interact with dogs kindly and safely. The people that go to the schools have been trained extensively with the program and their dogs have passed temperament tests.

[seeana]

I have used STAYZ and it was good we rented a house for a week at Callah Beach and it was great But although in off season (April) there was a curfew on the beaches and we could only go there before 9am and after 7pm.

Did our homework before we went to find off leash friendly beaches only to find the rules had changed once we got there.I find it hard as my dogs are very well trained and socialised yet often feel like a second class citizen if we want to take our dogs anywhere.

Thinking about it its a bit like Apartheid really.

Ummm.. It's nothing like apartheid.

Ok poor analogy I admit ........how about this a smoker in a room of non smokers.

Yeah but smokers are hurting other people - passive smoking is a proven cause of cancers etc. I have no issue with people smoking - I think you should be able to do what you want to do to your body, but, it's not fair that others should be hurt by your actions. Having your dog with you if it's well-behaved does not hurt anyone (unless they're allergic or something).

What I was getting at in the first place is how the Councils treat dog owners and their dogs and how unfair it is! that's what I was trying to get over............

Um ..........discrimination Ah that's the word I was looking for, just couldn't think of it.

[Talien]

Listening to your stories, I think I will count myself lucky.

Today, Arty and I went to a cafe and spent some time with friends there.

Then Sue and I went to the pet wharehouse near us, pets are allowed inside, however as Arty's not had his vaccination yet he didn't come with me.

Here I have never seen a sign saying no dogs. Only when I go to parks do I see "no dogs" or more often "dogs must be on leash" signs.

So i guess in hindsight I'm lucky.

I do think that people need to incorporate dogs into their lives more. Most people I know only see there pets as friendly ornaments for the home and very few take them out and about. It's hard to believe but they don't even know what they are missing! So many wonderful things

[Greytmate]

It is a QLD state health law that dogs are not permitted in or near outdoor dining areas anywhere. Cafes risk a fine if they allow it.

I think it is a stupid law, because it isn't a health concern. Behaviour concerns can be dealt with under the dog control laws.

[Talien]

Wow.

That's... <must restrain self> ridiculous. I am glad I don't live there. If it starts with that where does it end. I understand for an unruly dog, but as you said behaviour concerns can be dealt with in other ways

I loved having Arty at the cafe with me today, and he loved the attention (he's a people magnet). To add to that there is cafe two doors down from me and I would be devastated if he wasn't allowed there! (they have a pug though and are smitten by arty too)

So much could change I think if more dog owners were more responsible, training, picking up after your dog, ensuring their behaviour is correct for a public area, so many issues could be solved, but too many people are hell-bent on doing the wrong thing, or potentially just as bad - simply not caring.

[seeana]

This is exactly what I am getting at ....we have to change our outlook.

But how to get the the message out there ....its all a matter of education and I think that a good place to start is in the school system ,because in some cases it not coming from the parents.

The school system should be teaching kids to be more dog accepting? I think there are many things our education system needs to improve on before pet ownership education will be considered.

What is more important than teaching basic human kindness and responsibility, if the parents are incapable of teaching that (and some are) Surely its up to the schools to pass on that knowledge to the best of their capability .

Kindness and care for any living being is I believe the most important lesson we can learn, if it is not in us already ....surely after that everything should go hand in hand.

Some farm Schools have animals and it teaches the children how to care for them here in Aus.I have read of some schools in the USA that bring dogs into the classroom so the children can interact with them and learn about how to look after them.

Out of the mouths of babes.

But that would be the sensible thing to do wouldn't it.

There is a program in Victoria that teaches children (Kindy and primary) how to interact with dogs kindly and safely. The people that go to the schools have been trained extensively with the program and their dogs have passed temperament tests.

Lets hope the Education Dept extends this to all Kindy and Primary Aus wide as this could be life changing for some children.

[rebelsquest]

Listening to your stories, I think I will count myself lucky.

Today, Arty and I went to a cafe and spent some time with friends there.

Then Sue and I went to the pet wharehouse near us, pets are allowed inside, however as Arty's not had his vaccination yet he didn't come with me.

Here I have never seen a sign saying no dogs. Only when I go to parks do I see "no dogs" or more often "dogs must be on leash" signs.

So i guess in hindsight I'm lucky.

I do think that people need to incorporate dogs into their lives more. Most people I know only see there pets as friendly ornaments for the home and very few take them out and about. It's hard to believe but they don't even know what they are missing! So many wonderful things

I don't follow, you took him out to a cafe, but wouldn't take him into a shop because he hadn't had his vaccination?