Socialize - Dog-Friendly Restaurants

It has become more common that restaurants and pubs allow dogs on the patio or even inside a bar. This is cool, but I think some strict rules apply for you and your dog to follow:

Firstly, be sure that the establishment does indeed allow dogs. Don’t think that your dog is just so damn cute they are going to make an exception. Bring Fido is a good resource.

Two, you need to be very certain that your dog can behave in this situation. There is a lot of stimulation going on for the dog with people and food in constant motion. You should honestly believe that your dog can handle this. Of course you have to start sometime, so what I did was begin taking Misa to my local Irish Pub when she was seven months. We would go for a late lunch, on weekdays when it wasn’t so busy. I also knew the staff and they were inviting and willing to be patient.

Don’t expect to have a relaxing dining experience in the beginning either. You probably should just order a pint before you have a table of food introduced. You want to be able to just leave a cash on the table and walk away if necessary.

When you do order food I suggest something that can be eaten with one had. Have a hold of the leash and be ready to restrain. I would order a BLT and fries. Misa quickly learned that if she could behave for thirty minutes she would get a strip of bacon at the end.

A restaurant is where your dog needs to be on their best behavior: no barking, restlessness or especially growling. Even at the most dog-friendly establishments your dog may be the only dog there; so all eyes are on you and your dog. And if there are a dozen patrons I guarantee there is someone who doesn’t like the policy. It’s your job to prove them wrong. Barking or taking a pee under the table and you have just reinforced their objection.

Your goal should be to have that person who was apprehensive of a dog being there leave having forgotten there was a dog there the whole time.