Dining Out with Your Dog – A Complete Etiquette Guide

Going out to eat while owning a dog can be a hard thing to maneuver. It’s almost like having a young child. Do you leave them at home or do you take them with you? 

However, there’s one big difference. While kids are allowed (almost) anywhere you go, dogs are not welcome in certain restaurants, bars, and cafes. So how do you dine out with your dog — when they’re allowed in an establishment?  

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Whether you give them healthy dog treats so they have something of their own to chew on or train out bad behaviors beforehand, here’s how you can dine out with your dog, without bothering anyone else around you. 

Know the restaurant

First and foremost, do your research. Call ahead and ask whether a restaurant is okay with having dogs in attendance. Some restaurants will be okay with you dining inside with your dog, while others will require you to sit outside on their patio. We recommend sitting outside with your dog whenever it’s feasible. 

Eat off-busy hours

While calling ahead, make sure to ask the restaurant when they’re most busy. While you might want to eat during the midday or evening rush, it’s best to eat during off-hours. Your dog will be less likely to act up since there will be fewer people around. 

Bring your own water bowl

Some restaurants are kind enough to provide water bowls at their front door, which dogs can go out and sip a drink from while on a walk. However, it’s not that nice to ask a restaurant for a dog bowl while sitting down to eat. 

The restaurant will be happy to provide a bowl of water, but it’s generally frowned upon. Reason being? Other guests might be grossed out by seeing your dog slurp water out of a kitchen bowl. The first thought through their head will likely be, “Am I eating out of a bowl a dog drank from?” 

Make sure you bring your own to avoid the issue altogether. 

Keep your dog preoccupied

It’s unsurprising that your dog might get wound up while at a restaurant. There’s so many smells and so much fresh food. They’re tempted to go and investigate. 

Nip this in the bud by giving them some food of their own. Bully sticks for dogs are a great option, as they’re not only long-lasting, but incredibly healthy. You can enjoy your dinner without disruption from your dog, as they’ll be busy gnawing on some food of their own. 

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Get their energy out beforehand

Make sure you exercise your dog before heading out to a restaurant, cafe, or a brewery. You’re trying to get your dog to be calm when out in a public place filled with food and drinks. You can make sure they’re relaxed by tuckering them out a bit. Whether it’s going for a long walk, playing some serious catch, or going for a slight jog together, you can help your dog expend any extra energy before they’ll have to sit still for an hour or two. 

Train out begging

Begging is an important thing to train out of your dog from when they are a puppy, but it’s especially important if you ever hope to bring them out to dinner with you. If you give into their begging at home, nothing will stop them from expecting the same at a restaurant. Suddenly, you’re not feeding them, they beg and whine more, and then they’re barking at you. It’s bad behavior that should be avoided altogether. 

Don’t tie their leash to the table 

We can’t tell you how many people we see tie their dog’s leash to one of the legs of their table — or, in other instances, to one of the legs of their chair. And then what happens? Your dog gets startled or becomes overly interested in something, goes to bolt for said item, and suddenly you or your table are flying through the air. 

We recommend using a dog leash that connects to your body, whether it be to a connected belt or to one of the loops on your pants. Also, keep the leash at a fixed length to ensure that your dog knows they are meant to stay where they are. 

Don’t give your dog your food

Have some food left on your plate? Hmm, it could go into a doggy bag, but why not give it straight to the dog? 

Bad move. Not only can it gross out fellow restaurant goers, but it might be a health-code violation — which, if caught, would spell bad news for the restaurant itself. Pets are often prohibited from eating and drinking from restaurant drinkware and dishes, as it could lead to potential contamination. 

Instead, consider feeding your dog beforehand, or bring some treats along that they can enjoy alongside you. 

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React as needed 

Things might not go according to plan. If your dog begins barking or acting anxious, it might be time to ask for a check and a doggy bag. It’s unfortunate, but you don’t want to upset your dog or fellow guests. 

However, if you’re truly not ready to leave, consider taking a brief leave of absence. If you’re with friends or a significant other, tell them you’ll be back and take your dog for a brief stroll. This can get any extra energy out of your dog. It can also help reset their behavior, showing them that you intend to stay, but will leave if they continue acting improperly. 

Dining out with your dog can be a wonderful thing, but you need to keep their manners in mind. If your dog begins acting up, cut your losses and try again some other time. In other cases, keep them occupied with healthy dog treats and any other goodies they love.