SacPaws.com

Okay, having tried this "take a dog to lunch" idea a few times…

We’ve seen some of the mistakes businesses make when dealing with the dog-accompanied customer, and let's face it, the faux paws made by well-intentioned but distracted, or plain clueless, pup partners. Most of this probably holds true of the cat-accompanied, as well.

First a word to the restaurant owner. If you're smart, and lucky enough, to have cafe seating, consider allowing those with dogs to bring them. Most dog partners share common traits with our dogs. We're interested in the world around us. We like to be comfortable, value good relationships, and are grateful for good treatment, so treat us well and we'll be loyal. We make, in other words, good customers.

You have concerns, and I can't say they're groundless, but remember -- it's okay to set limits and enforce them. We're used to the concept of territory. The restaurant is yours. We can respect that, so long as the rules are reasonable and consistently enforced.  Make it possible for us to comply and we will. After all, if you make us feel welcomed, we'll want to please you. A few tips:

Don't want dogs to interfere with people coming and going through the doors? Designate a section of seating away from the doors as "for people with pets" and ask that we use it. Put it under an awning or other overhead, and we'll scamper for it.

Cafe Bernardo, and other savvy pet-friendly restaurants, bring a pet bowl of water. Smart, because it allows the humans to relax. Watching your dog pant in the heat makes you feel like you really can't stay for dessert. Ditto with a patch of shade.

A nice, heavy railing, or a table with heavy legs, gives us somewhere to loop the leash so we can eat. 

Now for those of us holding the leash. Come on, y'all, seriously. Do you expect restaurants (or hotels, or...) to accept people with pets if they've had a series of unpleasant experiences?

All the rules boil down to: Thou Shalt Not Be A Nuisance. First, remember to walk your dog before going to the restaurant. Even if you love dogs, watching Fluffy dump a load will put you off your feed, and it's unhygenic. Take a baggie walk. You do carry poo baggies, yes? If nothing else, it'll walk off your dog's fidgets before you sit down.

Be honest with yourself. You know your dog. Some dogs, like some people, value personal space, especially when surrounded with strangers. Abby likes a little personal space, and too little makes her nervous, so we sit apart. If we push her to crowd in past her comfort level, it won't go well. Accept your pet's limits and you can both have a good experience.

By the same token, if your dog is a Party Animal, respect the fact that not everyone is boisterous, and that's okay. If you let your Bouncing Bounder harrass the quiet dog at the next table and trouble ensues, guess whose fault it is? Right – yours.

Ditto for two-legged patrons. Just because your dog likes to jump on everyone doesn't mean everyone likes being jumped on. Plus, what's cute from your own can be annoying from another. Ever had someone else's uncontrolled toddler smear you with a sticky hand? Cute, wasn’t it? That nice older lady in the linen pantsuit might find your dog's dripping muzzle adorable, but she doesn't want it in her lap. Keep Bounder to yourself unless invited.

This goes for patrons entering and exiting the restaurant, and restaurant staff, too. No waiter wants to defend a tray full of dirty dishes from a Labrador Retriever who just smelled leftover hamburger.

If you haven't broached the subject of obedience training with your pooch prior to going out, now, friend, is the time to address it. Witness the tantrums of unsocialized toddlers who have received little, or no, training in manners and you get an idea what you're inflicting on those around you. Plus, your toddler has sharp teeth. Little dogs, too.

Stuff that helps: a bag packed with a “regular” leash (Flexi leashes are great for walks, but the normal, non-extending leash is easier to control in tight spaces), a baggie of tiny treats (little treats often for good behavior beat big treats. If you’ve found a treat your pup loves, just carefully cut it into tiny bits with kitchen shears), poo baggies, a collapsible water bowl (just in case the restaurant isn’t enlightened yet), and a “no” can (a small can with a lid holding several pennies or washers and nuts) to shake (gently) when telling your pup “no,” as in “no, it’s not okay to bark your head off right now.”

I have a dream, as someone smarter than me once said. My dream includes many beautiful things, but one of the nicest is dogs and humans, being able to go places together, and being made welcome, because everyone knows a person with a dog is a considerate, responsible person – because we all behave that way.  If we all do our parts, this dream could come true, now.