Is it wise to bring dogs to Dubai? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Is it wise to bring dogs to Dubai?

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 13:51

Hi all - my husband is currently interviewing for a role in Dubai, and whilst we don't know yet if he will get it, we are hoping he does and I'm beginning to research the thousands of things we need to know before moving!!
We have three dogs and whilst one we would not bring as he is a big dog demanding of exercise and also has very thick fur. The other two however are mini dachshunds and I would really, really want to bring them with us. My question is how practical is it having dogs in Dubai? I have read that they are seen as dirty by the Arabs - I even read somewhere that people said their dogs had stones thrown at them whilst they were walking them! Is this true? Are there safe places to walk?
Any advice from people who have dogs out there would be gratefully received!! Thanks in advance,
:cool:

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 February 2015 - 10:29
We adopted our 7 year old whippet about 8 months ago and have had nothing but good experiences in our area. I live in jumeirah and have not noticed anyone scared of her but I only walk her at night because she is sensitive to loud noises and cars. In fact, I find it a great way to meet neighbours who also walk their dogs. I think if you have a plan to care for your doggies, and know how they will be looked after if you go away for summer, they will be happy here.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 21:56
http://www.bringfido.com/destination/country/united_arab_emirates/
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 21:52
We live in Arabian Ranches and once a year they have a 24 hour race which, depending on wind direction we can hear, especially overnight, but I never hear anything any other time...
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 20:26
Totally agree with you Debliz, we Have our little maltese with us, children wouldn't stay away from her and also had nobody else who could take care of her at home. Life here is not easy for her, too many restrictions, as you said and The weather is too hot for most months during the year. We do our best to let her have a great time out but there's not enough green around, too sandy too everything. No parks, no leash off places... The best thing she enjoys is going to the desert. I hope some other posters might suggest which beaches exactly to go outside Dubai, last Saturday Somebody brought a dog to the Beach after Madinat, open beach where you can park in the sand. All expats around, nobody complained and it was such a fun to see this little one swimming. But I always wonder what might happen if police passes by, I'm even scared that a fee wouldn't Be enough and that they might decide to take the dog away from its owner...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 18:03
When we moved to Dubai we took the (very hard) decision not to bring our gorgeous labradoodle with us. She was then seven years old and was used to living a very busy outside life. Weather permitting our back door was always open and we were fortunate enough to have just under half an acre of garden so she could come in and out as she pleased, all year round - unless the wind drove the rain indoors through the open door. In addition I walked her at least twice every day for a minimum of an hour each time and DH walked her to our local village pub weekday evenings where he had a pint and she met all her friends! She really didn't like the heat - even the British summer was too hot for her, even with a No 1 summer clip. Luckily we had ( still have) great friends who were more than happy to give Jess a new forever home - Jess would stay with them whenever we went on holiday and they would 'borrow' her when they went camping (she went all over the UK), for weekends when they had long country walks planned or even if they just thought that she would like a weekend break from us! We missed her dreadfully but we also know that we made the right decision for her. It would have been so selfish of us to have brought her to Dubai with all the restrictions which would have been necessary. We saw her every time we returned to the UK and, yes, she did remember us. When she died, aged 15 ½ yrs, we know that she had had a great life and we also know that, hard though the decision was, it was the best decision for her.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 17:49
Hi Oldtimer, can you tell me to which beaches exactly you are going with your little ones?
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 17:44
Wow thanks for your replies - great to hear some positivity! We are attracted to the Meadows and Arabian Ranches so it sounds like we should be ok with walking around those areas. Love the idea of going into the desert for walks - we live by the coast in Dorset here, so they'll enjoy a total contrast! Quick question to ilovechoos and Cherry ripe - I read on the area review for Arabian Ranches that it's noisy from Motir City - do you find this? Is it constant or just certain days? Would love to know a bit more about it! Thanks :biggrin:
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 16:15
No problem if you live in an area where you can exercise the dogs responsibly. It is lovely to hear from women who have dogs that live in areas that can support them well. I live in the Marina area,where most people are living in apartments, and am saddened by the number of dogs who are 'walked' around outside the Carrefour and who are allowed to move about on a lead on the sandy verges that are being prepared as flower beds, whilst their owners or caretakers are on their phones pretending not to notice that their dogs are fouling the area. This behaviour is totally wrong, as is allowing dogs on a long lead into lifts and allowing them to 'sniff' other occupants. I am a dog lover, but it is difficult to defend this behaviour.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 15:46
Mini dachshunds will settle fine. I haven't received any negative response from locals to my large collie X, in fact i am regularly asked if they can take her photo! Certainly many people are nervous of dogs and give mine a wide berth, but I am sensitive to this and usually try to cross the road and keep her on a short lead. It is very hot in the summer but the dogs become lazier in the heat and don't move much between 8-4. Walk them early and late and beware of how hot roads can be on little paws. They are part of your family so bring them with you. We have found some remote beaches where we take ours and she loves lolling in the waves, so life isn't so bad for her. We live in Jumeira and have a nice garden and plenty of places to walk her on lead. Downside is it is expensive to ship them and kennels are pricey too. Good luck with your move :cool:
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 14:32
We have 2 dogs and they are fine, there is a dog park in the Greens, plenty of Doggie Day care places where they can go to socialize, the desert is a pretty great place to take them and we have found some beaches between AD and DXB where we let them off the lead as well. We live in the Ranches and I love walking them - never had a problem.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 14:31
Bring your dogs and your common sense. Dogs are not considered dirty in Islam, rather, "unclean" which is different. Dogs (and any other animal except the P word - which is another discussion) are accepted in Islam if they serve a purpose (hunting, guarding, etc.). That said it is the responsibility of the dog owner to accept there are a lot of people, not only muslims, who do not like dogs and avoid them for various reasons. However, there are the thick headed who subscribe to the "love me love my dog". Sorry, but that is equivalent to force feeding my dinner guests who despise brussel sprouts to eat them and shut up about it. And, of course, there are those who will not or cannot control their dogs but insist on letting them run free in areas where the animal might encounter someone who does not love that dog. THIS HAPPENS ALL OVER THE WORLD NO MATTER WHAT RELIGION ONE MAY OR MAY NOT BELIEVE IN. It is the responsibility of the dog owner to ensure that their dog is not making someone else feel uncomfortable. I cross the street, make my dog sit and wait at a safe distance if I can see that someone is afraid/nervous. It's called courtesy and respect. Sorry for the sermon, but I know so many people who feel their little fido can do no wrong (including pooping and not picking up, controlling their animal, or trying to avoid disturbing their neighbours) that the annoyance at their crass stupidity just boils over sometimes. Responsible dog owners rarely if ever have problems.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 February 2015 - 14:18
We have never had any problems with our little Maltese. The gardeners and tradesmen tend to back off and wont come near him but lots of people have dogs here and walk them regularly ( we live in Arabian Ranches). I think one main problem is 'off the leash' opportunities are scarce unless you go into the desert. There are plenty of vets and boarding kennels. I see no reason to leave them behind when you move but you may need to think about which area you will be living in. The gated communities ( Arabian Ranches, Springs, Meadows etc) would be much easier to walk them than in stand alone villa areas like Jumeriah or Barsha ( although certainly not impossible). <em>edited by Cherry ripe on 13/02/2015</em>
 
 

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