Taking your dog out to dine with you to a restaurant is a privilege and not a right.  Only well-mannered dogs that are clean and well groomed should be accompanying you out for a meal. 

Even if the state or local laws permit, patio dining with your dog is offered solely as a courtesy by the restaurant.  If your dog does not know and perform the basics of Sit, Down and Stay, consider dining without your canine companion or get your meal "to go" and come back when your dog does know the basics and performs them well.  Barking is never acceptable and will disturb and may even frighten other patrons.

 

Although restaurateurs are concerned with health codes, they are also worried about complaints from dog-less diners.  Keep in mind that even though your dog may be well behaved, like a child, the average dog may have difficulty remaining still for the duration of your meal.  If your dog causes a disturbance, you should be prepared to pay your check, leave your meal and promptly exit the restaurant with your pooch.   Do not be upset if people refuse to be seated by you.  Not everyone will share your enjoyment of your dog's presence.

 

Some basic rules:

• Take your dog for a walk and potty break before entering the restaurant and be sure that your dog does its business well away from the restaurant.  Never ever let your dog go potty anywhere close to the entrance or walkways of an eating establishment.  No one wants to see a dog relieving himself while they are eating or before they eat.  It is very unsanitary and just plain rude.
  

• Request a table on the outside edge of the dining area.  A calmer atmosphere with fewer distractions should encourage your dog to down-stay longer.
  

• As you approach your table, keep your dog close to you and under control.  Do not allow your dog to sniff around, explore, greet or touch anyone. 

• Once you are comfortable, have your dog lie down directly under the table.  It is important to keep your dog safe and out of harms way.  Remember, you are at a restaurant and wait staff will be hustling around the parameter or your table with hot plates and breakables.   It would be easy for them to step on a paw or tail, or trip on or injure your dog or themselves.
  

• Your dog should always be on a regular leash, not and extension leash.  Secure your dog by holding the leash in the hand you do not use while eating or by putting your foot through the leash loop.  Do not secure the dog by tying him to the table as this could result in a disaster should the dog pull on the leash.

Don'ts:

• Don't place your dog, even if it is small, on the table, in your lap, or on a chair next to you.

• Don't let your dog eat off of your plate or drink from your glass and don't feed him from your plate.  Never ever put your plate (or any dinnerware) on the ground for your dog to eat from or lick.

• Don't let your dog touch or approach fellow diners.  Keep an eye on your dog to be certain that it is not getting too close to the patrons at nearby tables.  Not everyone finds dining with dogs a pleasant experience.
  

By following a few simple rules, dining with your dog can be a wonderful experience for you and those around you.

 

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