re: When did people start bringing their dogs everywhere?

I love dogs and have dogs, but I agree with OP. There are times and places for everything. I don't particularly like when your Great Dane or Golden Retriever gets some water and then proceeds to walk over and gets his drool all over my leg or pants. Typically, the owners are oblivious.

Also, there are certain establishments (more restaurants), where I don't need to see your dog drooling or shedding everywhere.

And then there's the case where the dogs start barking and going after one another ... that's a whole different story.

ETA: I'm generally against the strapping the kid to the chest and bringing him/her to breweries as well.