Dining Out with Your Dog: Don’t Be That Table
Eating Out, Pup Edition
We love a dog-friendly patio moment. But just because your dog is invited doesn’t mean chaos is on the menu. Whether you’re grabbing brunch or cocktails, here’s how to make sure your pup is the guest everyone wants to see again.
1. Don’t Forget the Essentials
Your dog isn’t ordering a cocktail, so bring the things they do need:
- Water bowl: Hydration is non-negotiable. Many patios don’t provide dog bowls.
- Poop bags: Obvious but worth repeating. Accidents happen—be ready.
- Leash: Always on, always under control. A 4–6 ft leash is ideal (skip the retractables).
2. Respect the Space
You and your dog are guests—act like it.
- Keep your pup at your side or under the table, not blocking aisles.
- No barking symphonies. If your dog can’t settle, take a walk break.
- Skip the table scraps—seasoned human food can upset stomachs.
3. Practice Patio Etiquette Beforehand
If your dog’s never dined al fresco, ease them into it.
- Try short visits first—coffee shop pit stops before full dinners.
- Reward calm behavior with treats.
- Tired dogs are good patio dogs. A walk before dining out goes a long way.
4. Safety First
- Hot pavement? Protect their paws on the walk over.
- Crowded patios can be overwhelming—watch for stress signals like whining, pacing, or lip licking.
- Make sure your dog’s ID tags and microchip info are up to date, just in case.
Dog-friendly patios aren’t just about cute Instagram pics—they’re about creating safe, enjoyable moments with your pup. With a little prep and a lot of leash etiquette, your dog can go from “that disruptive diner” to “the patio regular everyone loves.”
Final Tip: Brunch tastes better when your dog’s chilling under the table, not causing a scene. Keep it simple: water, leash, bags—and a little common courtesy.
For more no-BS pet wellness tips → Bark Times
