30/10/2026
So, I am aware this may be a little controversial, but yesterday I saw an advert for dog friendly cinema screenings, and today I saw an article about a pub that is serving a Sunday roast for dogs, and I have some thoughts on both these things…
Firstly, I need to say that I love dogs. Like, REALLY love dogs. I have three of them, after all. In my opinion, dogs are the purest, most wonderful life form that has evolved on this planet, and yes, I am including humans in that. But, much as I love all dogs, and especially my dogs, I remain very much aware that they are, and always will be, dogs. And their needs, their pleasures, their joys are very different from humans, and that should be respected.
I think things like dog friendly cinema screenings and Sunday roasts for dogs can cause some people to lose sight of what exactly dogs are, and what dogs like doing and what dogs need from life to thrive and be happy and healthy. I’m not saying people should not take their dogs anywhere with them- I know many absolutely wonderful ‘pub dogs’, for example, who love nothing more than popping for a biscuit and a scratch while their owner has a drink in some pleasant and quiet establishment- but equally I have seen many miserable anxious dogs in pubs who want to be anywhere but there, but have been dragged along by their owner . At the same time, I can’t really fault businesses in these awful, difficult times for trying to entice more customers in. But no dog actually WANTS to spend an afternoon or evening at the cinema. And while I’m sure many hounds will happily yum down a Sunday roast, will they enjoy the experience of a busy city centre pub so much, especially one full of other dogs?
Before everyone jumps in the comments insisting that THEIR dog DOES love such things, and is perfectly happy, yes, I am sure there are some dogs who are not bothered by spending a couple of hours in a cinema or a heaving pub. But does it actually make them happy? Who are you doing this for- is it to treat your dog, or because you like the idea of doing this with them?
There is a whole industry built around anthropomorphising animals- but especially dogs and cats. You can buy Halloween costumes and Christmas outfits and advent calendars for dogs. They can go and stay at ‘5* doggy spas’ instead of a kennels, complete with ‘treatments’. There is ‘pawsecco’ so your dog can enjoy a tipple with you, and puppercinos so they can be included in your coffee date (despite the fact that a lot of dogs are lactose intolerant). They can be perfumed and manicured, some even have their poor nails painted (and I consider both of those things to actually be quite abusive, their noses are so sensitive that it must be hell for a dog to be doused in perfume, even if it is ‘meant’ for dogs, and painting their nails is just ridiculous). Pretty much anything we consider a treat for ourselves these days, can also be provided in canine form. And I am quite sure everyone pouring a bowl of pawsecco or a puppercino is doing so with excellent intentions and just wanting to share a little moment of joy with their dog.
But who is it all for? All dogs really want is companionship, food and exercise- depending on the breed both mental and physical exercise. A dog who has those three things in plentiful supply is a happy dog. All the rest is just decoration. And I worry, and again, this is only my opinion, that all these human style experiences for dogs means that some people, especially new and inexperienced dog owners start to view dogs less like animals whose nature is very different from ours and more like humans- and then we start to expect dogs to behave more like humans. And so when the dog ‘disappoints’ by simply behaving like a dog, they are punished or, depending on the transgression, rehomed or sent to a shelter or even put to sleep, for a crime no greater than simply following their nature and being a dog. But when you are expecting your dog to be your best friend, your therapist and your surrogate child all in one, that is a lot of pressure for a dog to live up to, when all it wants is a warm spot on the sofa beside you, and to be told they are the bestest boy or girl.
So if you really want to do something special for your dog, let them be a dog. Take them for a long walk, followed by a snuggle with you. Give them a good meaty bone to chew, not a puppercino or even a ‘Sunday roast’. Play with them. Book a dog field for an hour if you have nowhere safe nearby to let them run. And of course, tell them repeatedly that they are the very very very bestest of best boys or girls.
