As a proud fur parent, you’ll most likely want your beloved pet to be included in various moments of your life, whether those be mundane experiences or special occasions. Taking them with you to your favorite restaurant could easily fall under either of those scenarios. After all, who says only humans can make for great dining companions?
Bringing your dog along with you on a dining experience can be a fun type of outing, and certainly one that will make any meal much more enjoyable. But you’ll need to do some extra planning and preparation beforehand to ensure a positive experience for you, your dog, and the other diners in the establishment.
To that end, as part of our blog section, here are some do’s and don’ts to remember when dining with your dog at a local restaurant:
Do’s When Dining With Your Dog at a Local Restaurant
1) Do: Research Pet-Friendly Establishments
Not all restaurants allow pets, and even pet-friendly venues may have specific restrictions. Do your due diligence and research beforehand about whether the restaurant you’re planning to dine in allows dogs. For pet-friendly restaurants in NYC – read this.
Even if they do allow pets, pay attention to rules such as size restrictions or if dogs are only allowed in outdoor seating areas. Look up reviews of other pet owners as well to verify the restaurant’s dog policy. Knowing the rules will help you choose a suitable venue and ensure that you and your dog will be welcomed with open arms.
For more about dog-friendly restaurants in the US – watch this video:
2) Do: Bring Pet Essentials
Make sure you bring pet essentials during the visit, both to attend to your dog’s needs and to keep them comfortable during their stay. For example, a portable water bowl will keep your dog hydrated, especially if you’re in an outdoor seating area on a warmer day.
Bring custom poop bags and a scooper to clean up after your dog. You can also pack a comfort item, such as their favorite blanket or chew toy, to help keep them calm and avoid causing disturbances to other diners.
3) Do: Keep Your Dog Leashed
Keeping your dog on a leash gives you full control of their movements and prevents them from approaching other diners. Consider putting a short, non-retractable leash on them for easier navigation in crowded or busy areas. This will ensure the safety of your pet, other diners, and the restaurant’s staff, especially during the frenetic pace of peak dining hours.
Watch this video for some more useful tips for dining with your dog at a restaurant:
4) Do: Choose a Quiet Spot
When selecting a spot at the restaurant, pick one away from heavy foot traffic and loud noises. A peaceful environment will allow your dog to feel calmer and more secure, which means they’re less likely to make excessive noise caused by anxiety. If you know your dog has certain triggers, position yourself strategically to avoid those as well.
5) Do: Clean Up After Your Dog
Whether your dog relieves themselves or sheds fur as they move, make sure you’re well prepared to clean up after them. Bring necessary supplies such as waste bags or paper towels for prompt clean-ups. Not only is this a common courtesy you should extend to the staff and other diners; but it also reflects positively on you and encourages restaurants to continue being pet-friendly.
Don’ts when Dining with your Dog at a Restaurant
1) Don’t: Bring an Untrained Dog
If your dog isn’t capable yet of behaving in public settings, then it’s best to avoid taking them with you until they’re properly trained. It’s crucial for your dog to be able to heed basic commands like “sit” and “stay” so that you can rein them in if they get excited. Ultimately, if your dog can recognize commands but needs improvement when following them, train them by practicing at home first.
For some tips on training your dog for a visit at a restaurant (or pub) – watch this:
2) Don’t: Feed Your Dog from the Table
Avoid sneaking a piece of your meal to your dog, as this can encourage begging and other disruptive behaviors. Moreover, it’s not always the case that human foods are safe for dogs to eat—even common seasonings such as onions and garlic can prove to be toxic to them. Instead, offer them treats that you’ve bought or order food from the restaurant’s pet-friendly menu if they have one.
However, there are restaurants out there where your dog could potentially eat from the table. Watch this video of a fine dining restaurant for dogs:
3) Don’t: Let Your Dog Roam Freely
No matter how well-behaved your dog is, never let them wander around on their own. They might approach diners who are scared or allergic to dogs, causing panic and disturbances, or even trip a staff member carrying food. Keeping your dog close to your table on a leash ensures their safety and prevents trouble for other people in the restaurant.
4) Don’t: Ignore Signs of Stress
Keep your eye out for any signs of stress from your dog, such as whining, pacing, excessive panting, or pulling away. It could be that your dog is starting to feel overwhelmed, in which case it’s best to pack up and leave. Ignoring these signs of stress and forcing your dog to stay can lead to behavioral issues as well as disrupt the experience for other diners.
5) Don’t: Overstay Your Welcome
Lastly, don’t prolong your visit more than necessary, especially if this is your dog’s first time dining out. Even a patient and well-behaved dog can grow agitated after sitting still for too long. Plan for a quick meal to prevent your dog from feeling restless. Slowly get them used to dining out, and they may be able to handle longer dining periods in the future.
Remember that when dining out with your dog, you should also consider the feelings of the diners and staff present in the restaurant. This mindfulness will allow you to create a great impression overall and help pet-friendly businesses stay that way.
Keep the do’s and don’ts above in mind, and you and your canine companion will likely be able to look forward to more delectable restaurant meals together!
