10 Tips for Eating Out With Your Dog

Posted by Clare Bristow

dog-at-cafe Taking your dog with you when you go to the cafe for lunch can be a bit of a challenge. However, with adequate pre-planning and practice you can turn it into an enjoyable experience.

You want to make the excursion as relaxing as possible for all concerned - you, your dog, your dining companions, other diners and the cafe owners!

Please remember that whilst most cafe owners will do their best to be accommodating, they have to keep their dog-less diners happy too. If you know your dog can't manage a reliable down and stay, and has the potential to cause a disturbance, do everyone a favor and leave him at home until he is better mannered.

Here are my tips for making your trip to the cafe an enjoyable one:

Take your dog out for a good walk before going to the cafe - not only will this give him the opportunity to empty his bladder, the exercise get rid of any excess energy and he'll be more likely to snooze his way through the entire meal;
Unless your dog is an old hand at going to cafes, expect him to get bored relatively quickly - book in for a quick lunch or a coffee and a snack rather than a meal that could last a couple of hours;
If you are going to a cafe you haven't been to before, phone ahead and make sure they are happy to have your dog dining with you;
Ask for a table that's at the edge of the dining area - this will be quieter for your dog and he's less likely to be in the way of waiting staff and /or get his tail or paw trodden on by accident;
When you arrive at the cafe walk directly to your table, without stopping to let your dog sniff and greet the other diners, and get him to sit under the table. If you've brought your dog in a carrier, place the carrier under the table;
Bring some supplies with you for your dog - a water bowl, water, favorite toy (one that doesn't squeak) and/or a tasty treat. Give these to him before you start eating your meal;
Do not let your dog sit on a chair, sit on your lap during the meal, or feed your dog from your plate - other diners won't appreciate this behavior and it puts the cafe owner in an awkward position if they start to complain;
Discourage people from coming up and making a fuss of your dog - not only does this cause a disturbance to other diners, but if your dog is in a confined space under the table he may feel threatened by people bending under the table to pat him and could easily nip someone's hand;
If your dog gets unsettled and starts to be a nuisance, pay your bill and leave immediately; and
If you make it to the end of the meal, be generous with your tipping!

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