Originally Posted by
bealine
I have no problem at all with "emotional support" dogs in the cabin, but I do have a problem with hygiene and with dog behaviour. Whilst I am not a tough cookie with my dog like Cesar Milan, I do believe that both dogs and humanfolk need to know and respect the "law of the pack" - I am the leader, my dog does as I say!
1. Dogs should never be allowed on furniture and should never be allowed to eat from trays or plates used by humans.
2. If a dog curls up on its owner's lap - no problem. But no way should the dog's undercarriage be lowered on to the seat cushion, ever!
3. Poop or wee is the owner's responsibility, always. A responsible owner will always carry poop sacks and sanitising wipes in case of accident and should take responsibility without being asked.
4. Owners should recognise that some parts of the population simply don't like, or trust dogs - and some are downright scared of them no matter how little and cutesy they are. For that reason, a dog on an aeroplane should be kept on its leash and under firm control all the time.
While I'm with you on the hygiene part, but as to the faux machoism, you might want to do some reading on dog behavior. The concept of the "law of the pack" has been dunked as a load of garbage. Dominance in dogs is a myth. Your ideas on how dogs should act really make no sense.
Dogs being on or off of furniture has nothing to do with their behavior or control therein.
The dogs in question were on leash control on the plane so I'm not really sure why you're talking about that.
Incidentally, I've flown 10k miles on AS alone this year. Haven't found a dog. There are far bigger things with AS of which people should be concerned.