Dog Friendly Dining

Tips for Taking Your Canine Best Friend to Restaurants

If you are like me, you probably consider your dog to be an important furry member of your family. That means that anywhere you go, you want your dog to come. This includes many family events, such as birthday parties, holidays, beach days,  and vacations! Depending on the dog, this list of group excursions might include taking your dog to eat at your favorite restaurant.

However, before you and Fido head to your favorite happy hour or cup of coffee, there are some things to consider. In this article, we will help you find the best restaurant to dine out with your dog, how to prepare your dog, and what to bring for them!

Can You Even Bring Your Dog?

The first thing to do before walking out the door to hit up your favorite brunch spot is to make sure your furry best friend is welcome! While pet-friendly dining is becoming increasingly more popular, not every place is dog-inclusive. Case in point, where I live, there are city ordinances prohibiting dogs at restaurants, cafes, and breweries. That means my pups have to stay home when I go out to eat.

For those lucky enough to live in an area that allows well-behaved dogs at restaurants, verify that your dog is welcome to join you. Just check a restaurant’s website, social media, reviews, or simply give them a call! If you’re in the United States, keep in mind that most dog-friendly restaurants will seat you outside rather than indoors.

How To Prepare Your Dog

To prepare your dog for dining out, work on behavior and bring key essentials. Here’s what to do.

Training

Socialization should be one of the most important parts of your training curriculum. By socializing your pup, or positively exposing them to new sounds, people, animals, and places, you are not only preparing them to hang out at your favorite cafe patio, but also helping them become a well-rounded and behaved pooch. Socialization is the key to helping dogs grow up happy, stable, and emotionally confident.

A well-socialized dog will sit or lie quietly at your table, not bothering other diners, dogs, or staff. They do not beg, explore the restaurant, or bark. To help get your pooch socialized and ready to dine out, consider enrolling in a local training class!

​

Timing

The time of day you and your pup go out to eat depends on a few things. Firstly, your dog and their personality! If they are new to restaurants and being around strangers, smells, and food, it would be wise to go during the slow times of day. Or opt for a quieter cafe and not a bar known for live music.

​

As your canine companion acclimates to being out, you can see if they can handle busier times. Nevertheless, not all dogs enjoy going out to restaurants during busy times. For example, my older border collie is nervous in crowds, so I would leave her at home. But my younger dog loves a party and a good happy hour!

​

Furthermore, since most dog-friendly seating is outdoors, you will have to consider the weather. You and your dog will probably be miserable sitting outside in the afternoon sun in July. Instead, plan to go out when you can relax in the shade.

What to Bring

Don’t get caught unprepared! Here is a list of doggy essentials to pack before heading out:

​

• Bowl and water (many dog-friendly restaurants offer this, but always better to be safe than sorry).
• Something to keep them occupied, like a stuffed Kong or bully stick.
• A collar, harness, leash (You don’t want your pup wandering off and bothering other patrons).
• A mat or blanket to lie down on and stay comfortable.
• Treats so you can reward your dog for their good behavior.  

Don’t Panic

Finally, remember that not everything will be within your control when you take your dog to a pet-friendly restaurant. Other patrons may have dogs that bark or rush up to yours, a stranger might accidentally step on their tail, or a server could drop a tray and startle them. There are all sorts of things that might stress even the most easy-going dog. If something unexpected happens, don’t panic! Instead, stay calm, reassure your dog, and help them work through the moment.

That is why it is important to always have treats to not only reward good behavior, but to use as an  impromptu training aid. A fun training game to play with your dog if they are stressed while dining out is “look at that.” Reward your dog when they look at a stimulus (like a strange dog at a different table), causing them to lose interest in the trigger and bring their focus back to you.

​

Final Thoughts: Making Mealtime Memories with Your Pup

Going out to eat with your canine best friend is a wonderful way to make memories and strengthen your bond. For the right dog with a good social temperament, it is incredibly rewarding to see them in their element, calmly enjoying time out with their family.

However, it is crucial to always be prepared before heading out to your favorite restaurant. Does the establishment allow dogs? Is your dog trained enough? Can they be respectful of other patrons and the staff? Finally, don’t forget to bring doggy essentials so they stay hydrated, safe, and focused on you!

Taking a few moments to think through these questions not only sets your dog up for success but also helps create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone around you. A little preparation goes a long way, and it reduces stress so you can both focus on having a pleasant outing together.

Now that you’re prepared, get out there and enjoy the adventure. Choose a welcoming restaurant, bring your essentials, and trust in the training you’ve done. A well-planned outing can turn an ordinary meal into a meaningful shared experience for you and your pup.

​