Would you bring your dog to a restaurant?
True/Slant's Graham Kates rants against owners who subject their dogs to sitting through al fresco meals.
I'm in agreement. Why do you have to bring your dog, just because your outside?
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57 Comments:
i would absolutely not bring my dog to a restaurant.
gastronomeg at 10:21AM on 07/28/09
My dog has been to Dairy Queen but he waited in the car, I would never take him to a restaurant. I do take home a doggy bag for him.
goodcooker at 10:26AM on 07/28/09
Sure...if I was BLIND.
arm1970 at 10:37AM on 07/28/09
@am1970 - exactly.
OW - it's not too sanitary I think.
hungrychristel at 10:57AM on 07/28/09
I was eating in D.C. on Sunday morning, and I noticed A LOT of people eating outside at restaurants with their dogs parked next to them. It's mean!
hamkracker at 11:00AM on 07/28/09
Because dogs are not longer pets. They are fashion accessories.
SqueezeBottle at 11:00AM on 07/28/09
It's pretty popular in NY to see small dogs parked under the chairs of outside diners during the warm weather. The waiters usually get them a bowl of water and a treat to snack on while the humans dine. I am a cat owner, so I guess this whole concept is a little foreign.
meem21 at 11:13AM on 07/28/09
My dog likes to come with me everywhere, if restaurants allowed it, I would totally do it, but I would get her something to eat to occupy her while I ate.
My only fear would not be the food, but if other dogs brought by other owners that were not that friendly decided to challenge her to a 'dust up.' However, unlike the times I have been attacked walking in the neighborhood, at least someone (the management/waiters) would be there to break up the fight!
You're actually more apt to catch a disease from another human than a dog, because cross-species infections are more rare (while still possible).
HeartofGlass at 11:23AM on 07/28/09
i eat al fresco with my dog occasionally. i could care less what anyone else thinks as long as the other diners are not bothered. and my dog loves it. and yes ill even sneak her stuff from my plate.
bobbob at 11:37AM on 07/28/09
There's a few restaurants where I live that let dogs on closed patios. And if I feel like eating there and I'm out with my dog, of course I'll bring him. Leaving a dog in the car in summer can kill your animals, btw, even with the windows down. It's also a HUGE matter of culture - I live in a hippy mountain town where most shops and even some of my favorite bars are very dog friendly. Many of them have water bowls out by default and keep dog treats behind the counter.
Now I wouldn't try to bring my dog into a place unless I knew that was allowed, ever. That's just rude. But I've actually had store and bar employees INVITE me to bring my dog inside.
Also, it's bad pet ownership to just leave a dog alone at home for long periods of time. Pets need socialization and exercise. Actually, there's really not much reason to NOT take your dog somewhere unless your destination is a place where dogs are not ok (most restaurants, work, etc). That said, you could make a pretty similar argument against bringing children to a lot of restaurants, but no one wants to do that.
The real question is, why do you care? Are the dogs you usually enounter annoying, or making a fuss? Are the owners feeding them weird food they shouldn't be feeding the dog? Are the owners snooty princesses with designer purse dogs and the whole thing just turns your stomach? Why would you care? It's not affecting you.
joyyy at 11:52AM on 07/28/09
When I was in Paris, plenty of people were bringing dogs into restaurants--indoor ones--and no one raised an eyebrow.
salpico at 11:58AM on 07/28/09
There are some dog friendly restaurants out there. There are a few here in Philly and I know of some in Richmond. You're encouraged to bring your dog and eat outdoors. I think it's the restaurant's call as to whether or not it's is acceptable. I couldn't care less about dogs. I'd like to ban screaming babies and overly loud toddlers from restaurants/public places.
gingercookiewithlime at 12:03PM on 07/28/09
My dog is a healthy dog and I absolutely love him. I love to bring him everywhere, he even has his own car seat. Yet, not in a million years, would I even think to bring him to a restaurant. Let's face it, dogs think the world is their toilet.
lexophile at 12:13PM on 07/28/09
We don't bring our dogs just because we're dining outside. We have to dine outside because our dogs happen to be with us.
Also, my reading of Graham's piece seemed he was being a little tongue in cheek. Besides, do you think that just because I'm eating at home, I let my 78 pound black Lab sit in the chair next to me?
wookie at 12:23PM on 07/28/09
My neighborhood is community wifi connected and dog friendly, so it's common to see people with their dogs and/or laptops sitting at restaurants with outdoor patios, boutiques, galleries, etc. I have yet to take my dog to a restaurant, mainly because she is only a year old and gets bored very easily. My cat doesn't beg when we eat. I'd take my cat to a restaurant if he wasn't so scared of going outdoor.
I've sat at a restaurant where parents changed their diaper at the table. As long as a cat/dog/monkey/child/adult isn't unruly, I don't care.
Cassaendra at 12:29PM on 07/28/09
There are a handful of restaurants that except the dogs inside as well as out, a sign at the door says dog friendly. I have been to these places and the owners and dogs seem to love it. If I had a dog you bet I would take it to these dog friendly places ONLY. Other places i would leave it at home.
pjracz10 at 12:40PM on 07/28/09
@salpico, in Paris dogs are also permitted to poop on the sidewalk and owners are not expected to pick up the mess. I wouldn't be citing the Parisians for dog etiquette tips.
I don't care for dogs. I'm also a bit scared of them, mostly when it comes to jumping, biting and chasing. They seem unpredictable. I don't like the way they smell, either. I wouldn't make a big deal about it if there was one at an outdoor patio, but I might choose to go to another restaurant if there were several dogs present. I'd prefer to dine without anxiety.
Kerosena at 1:00PM on 07/28/09
@joyyy, I don't think dogs at restaurants are annoying. I do think he's right in that the dogs probably don't like it even if they behave like they don't mind.
hamkracker at 1:19PM on 07/28/09
@hamkracker - you can read dog minds? sweet!
joyyy at 1:20PM on 07/28/09
Yes, I would bring my well-socialized 55-lb. pit-lab mix with me to restaurants if it was permitted and if people weren't scared of my sweet animal simply because she is a pit bull (a whole 'nother issue but I will stay on-topic). And to answer the question, yes, if I eat outside, I would like my beast to accompany me since there's no other place she'd rather be than with me, and also, so she can enjoy some of my meal with me. She loves meat and the occasional fry.
JustNancy at 1:21PM on 07/28/09
I think that if a restaurant is touting itself as being dog-friendly, that's one thing. Those who don't want to dine around dogs can simply avoid those places. But for a regular restaurant, it's not cool. Personally, I'm allergic to dogs to the point that if a dog is at the table next to me, it can trigger my allergies. But once I'm seated, I don't have any control over who is sitting next to me (human or animal).
NYCEater at 1:37PM on 07/28/09
@NYCEater and Kerosena - You both voiced my concerns exactly. Quite a few people are allergic to dogs, quite a few are afraid of dogs. Dog lovers shouldn't impose their preferences on other people, especially when there are health issues involved. Even theatre programmes ask patrons to tone down on perfume out of respect for those with allergies!
lexophile at 1:49PM on 07/28/09
@lexophile - I don't think anyone would want to cause people who are afraid of or allergic to dogs suffer by their pet's presence ... but, that said ... restaurants are public places. Assuming we're still on the topic of pets on a patio and not inside a restaurant, someone who is afraid of or allergic to dogs should probably not eat on the patio at a place where they know what will be the scene.
I'm really not trying to be super insensitive, but if it's that big of a deal, check with the restaurant about their patio/pet policy. If a pet owner brings a pet to an establishment that allows or even encourages that, it's not really a case of "dog lovers imposing their preferences on other people."
joyyy at 2:07PM on 07/28/09
Dogs and outdoor dining are such a common combination in NYC that if I were dog-phobic or dog-allergic I just wouldn't eat outside. I'm not a dog person but I really don't see it as a problem.
producestories at 2:27PM on 07/28/09
yes... oh yes if kids are allowed so should pets.....
rabbitriddle at 4:56PM on 07/28/09
Methinks in the State of Washington, dogs are legally not allowed in restaurants unless they are working (seeing eye) dogs. I've left eating establishments that allowed dogs to enter and I'd never share bread with anyone who allowed their dog to eat off of "human" dishes. It doesn't get much more disgusting; IMHO...
czken at 5:14PM on 07/28/09
I have 2 dogs...one who is a therapy dog and very well behaved. I bring him many places to continue his socialization. If a restaurant allowed dogs, I would bring him as he has wonderful manners. I do realize that not all people enjoy the company of dogs and I respect that and don't allow him to greet anyone without their consent.
Pawsinhand at 5:36PM on 07/28/09
I will say that though I'm not a fan of dogs at restaurants (as I previously said), bringing in therapy dogs or seeing eye dogs in training to restaurants is obviously important, since they need to learn how to act in different situations.
NYCEater at 6:26PM on 07/28/09
The only dogs that are appropriate in a sit-down restaurant setting are assistant dogs. I can see bringing a dog on your daily shopping to the farmers market or a deli (if you ask ahead of time). A restaurant, though, has people sitting who could be allergic or very afraid of dogs. (Unless the restaurant is "pro-dog", like, we love dogs, and would love to see yours. Then I guess I might...)
And in no way do I recommend leaving your dog in the car when you go to the restaurant... animal abuse is not cool. just plan ahead.... or do take out.
blizcheetah at 7:23PM on 07/28/09
Regardless of our opinions on this subject we should come up with some guidelines. For instance don't pet a dog without asking permission first. I have seen a dog climb beneath a table cowering at an outdoor cafe because someone insisted on petting it. I think "dining with dogs" can be allowable but we should figure out what is and isn't okay if we do.
inkandsausages at 9:51PM on 07/28/09
I once took my Goldendoodle to a dog bar in Charlotte.
Poultrygeist at 9:57PM on 07/28/09
why submit the dog to the general public?
pooch at 10:22PM on 07/28/09
@pooch - because sometimes they're dumb enough to love it. I know mine does. Ah sweet, stupid lab mix of mine.
joyyy at 12:32AM on 07/29/09
Nope. I see no reason to.
dbcurrie at 1:33AM on 07/29/09
@ bobbob - You "couldn't" care less.
@ wookie - HI!!!!
carolrsfMISSESTEXAS at 1:41AM on 07/29/09
Well, the combination of dogs and restaurants works for the French - al fresco or inside. What's our problem? especially when we're talking about a trained dog.
Ruffles1 at 6:36AM on 07/29/09
My guys LOVE to sit outside at the coffee shop in the cool of the morning with me. They are very well-behaved, and the nice folks at the coffee shop bring them a big bowl of ice water, which the dogs consider to be high luxury. The dogs get petted, and they are a great conversation starter.
I wouldn't take them to a regular indoor restaurant, though.
FoodieSearching at 11:08AM on 07/29/09
Sorry, I am not a dog lover. I don't like them and I am afraid of them. I would hate to dine beside one. There is a place on Folly Beach that is "doggy friendly" which is great for dog lovers, but I will pass - even though the food is supposed to be great. I give all dogs a wide berth even when people tell me their pet "wouldn't hurt a fly." Dog lovers think I am crazy but, unfortunately, my position is to keep away from them.
bareneed at 11:53AM on 07/29/09
how lame- comparing dogs to children.
ridiculous
joylissa at 1:13PM on 07/29/09
We would never bring ours to a restaurant only because he is a table height greyhound. While he is happy to interact with people and other dogs, he is VERY happy to interact with the food in front of them even more. Do not have a problem with well behaved dogs in restaurants as the doggie areas are outside in Florida. I have a major problem with leaving dogs alone in cars.
finsbigfan at 2:25PM on 07/29/09
We used to bring our beloved and much-missed dog to the pub from time to time, but never indoors and always on a lead the whole time. She was pretty content to curl up in the sun, or under the table outside.
We used to go to a breakfast place when on holiday, and they'd cook up an extra batch of bacon and sausage just for her. She loved it.
NotAmerican at 10:25PM on 07/29/09
@bareneed, I understand your situation. I was terrified of dogs for a long time, myself. I always try to keep that in mind with my own critters. People who think everyone should tolerate their pets in public don't understand that fear...
If I'm out for dinner with another person, I want to concentrate on that person and on my meal. I don't want to have to keep an eye out for strangers who want to feed my dog, and I don't want to spend the whole meal watching where tails and feet are, so they don't get in the way of waitresses or other diners. If I was at an outdoor dog-friendly coffeeshop with plenty of room and we could sit in an out-of-the-way area, that might be different.
dbcurrie at 10:31PM on 07/30/09
I would definitly bring my dog to a restaurant if it was allowed. But I would bring proper food for my dog in case she got hungry.
My question would be, why bring your screaming kids to a restaurant when they don't appreciate the food? Leave your kids at home with their Playstations and let us enjoy our dinner.
beefhart at 6:43PM on 08/02/09
I can understand that someone might want to take the dog to an outdoor cafe after a nice morning walk. But why risk making others uncomfortable when some pugnacious Beagle starts WW III with your over-sized Great Dane?
This very scenario occurred last month when I was performing an al fresco gig at a local bakery/cafe with a mandolin quartet. God. I know Great Danes are docile, but this woman sat down right across from me and the thing was staring me DOWN. *Twitches* I was so scared when that Beagle freaked out.
Susquehanna at 7:00PM on 08/02/09
Only if I was blind.
dmcavanagh at 7:25PM on 08/02/09
If dogs are allowed at a particular restaurant and I didn't want to dine with the dogs, I wouldn't go to that restaurant.
@Beefhart: on crying children versus a "well mannered" dog in a restaurant... I have yet to see a crying child lick his/her ass in public. I can stand a little crying.
Pavlov at 2:37PM on 08/03/09
@Pavlov - yes, and my bf's nephew pulled poop out of his diaper and smeared it all over a wall inside a store, whereas my dog has yet to do anything nearly as disgusting.
If it's appropriate to bring a child to a certain restaurant, do so. If it's appropriate (and acceptable under restaurant policy) to bring a dog onto a patio, there's nothing wrong with that either. If other people don't like it, that's their problem and they can make choices about which restaurants to patronize accordingly.
joyyy at 8:45PM on 08/03/09
I believe I had made that point already joyyy. If you don't want to dine with dogs, don't go to a restaurant that caters to them.
As far as your bf's nephew smearing crap on a wall, sounds like perhaps a pair of pants are in order. I'll bet more folks have seen my example than yours. As for your dog not licking it's own ass?! I think you should celebrate by letting it give you little doggie kisses on the mouth... don't mind the ass breath!
A little off subject, but I find people who "seem" to value animals over people a wee bit F'd up.
Pavlov at 7:04AM on 08/04/09
I would, will and have brought my dog to restaurants - where I know dogs are welcome. I've been to several in Clearwater, Key West and other cities. If a person does not want to be subjected to dogs, he or she should not frequent a restaurant that welcomes them. If one is so annoyed and has the wherewithal to do it, write the restaurant a letter and complain. I'm sure it will be filed with the dozens of other letters praising the restaurant for allowing dogs.
I've experienced doggie-dining that was quiet and uneventful. I have had the misfortune to experience toddler-dining experiences where mommy and daddy have LOOOONG since taught themselves how to tune out their little bundle of joy while diners in every direction must suffer through tantrums and screaming.
I would hope the owner of an unruly dog would do exactly as a responsible adult should do in a case where a child is carrying on - remove the noisemaker from the area long enough to calm down before returning to his or her seat. If it's one of those "tantrums of no return," pay the check and leave. This goes for a dog owner as well as a parent.
therealchiffonade at 7:27AM on 08/04/09
Amen Chiff...AAAAAAAAAAAAF*&$ingmen!
Pavlov at 7:42AM on 08/04/09
@Pavlov - it's not about valuing animals over people, it's about not having other people sit around and lecture others about how their values are superior. Just because one thing is more tolerable to you doesn't mean whatever you happen to prefer is objectively right. Saying children=dogs *is* stupid, but there's enough shared elements (unpredictable; potentially loud, smelly, disruptive, etc) that the comparison is reasonable in some situations.
You may not mind "a little crying" ... but the sound indoors is actually like nails on a chalkboard to me. Therefore, I don't typically go to 'family restaurants' - why put myself in a situation I won't like? Likewise, you may not prefer to be around dogs because of their grooming habits, so don't.
I never said my dog didn't have those typical canine grooming habits, I just pointed out that children can be as potentially inappropriate as dogs (and I don't let my dog lick my face). And if toddlers were able to lick their own butts, I bet they would :P Also, the nephew *was* wearing pants, the episode involved him digging around with his little digits.
joyyy at 11:27AM on 08/04/09
I, too, agree with chiff! To reiterate, people just need to be reasonable and responsible.
One last thing. In my experience, cafe/restaurant owners rarely put patrons on notice that dogs are allowed or disallowed at their establishment. So it's hard to fault someone who decides -- on a whim -- that they'd like to have lunch at an outdoor cafe that has an uncommunicated "Dogs Welcome" policy. Especially if no dogs have arrived yet. If that person gets bitten by another patron's unprovoked dog during their lunch, well, I can't say I have any sympathy for the dog-owner or the cafe-owner when they find themselves defendants in a personal injury lawsuit.
Susquehanna at 12:02PM on 08/04/09
I'd be far more worried that the chef didn't wash his hands before preparing my food than a dog in a restaurant licking one of his orifices. What do people think this thread is suggesting--that dogs become chefs a la Disney and prepare food with their mouths?
@chiff--I agree 100%, and most restaurants that I go to have always posted their policy (usually 'no animals allowed,' which is fine, and which of course I respect).
HeartofGlass at 12:26PM on 08/04/09
Most restaurants with outdoor seating in Philly are dog-friendly, and will even bring your pampered pooch a water bowl. I'm personally a "huge fan" of the waiter carrying that AND a plate of food at the same time. Mmm-mmm sanitary!
GreenBee at 3:58PM on 08/04/09
My toy poodle goes to the office with me every day. He has a pillow bed and is quiet
when he wants go outside, he growls quietly and scratces the door. If weather permits, he also goes "out" for lunch. At one place, they always bring water and a"bittie burger", at no charge.
Another Night-tme eatery has several bowls of water out and people are encouraged to bring "friends" if out walking and stop for a libation. I'm more than thankful that the only comments I've ever gotten were friendly
I must say - my little guy is well-trained, cute and easy-going.
suegsf at 5:37PM on 08/04/09
@Joyyy... if I could lick my nether regions, I'd never come to serious eats! That being said, I made the point and seconded one (chiff's) that if people don't like eating with dogs.... they shouldn't, and the same point can be made with children...equally annoying (IMHO). We are on the same page here. Why however, wouldn't you let your dog lick your face? Afraid of a little doggie pudding?! ; )
Sorry @Suegsf, I'd never have a dog I didn't need to walk... I'd hold it out the window and squeeze it if it needed to go wee wee. But that's another story...
Pavlov at 8:23PM on 08/04/09
I don't eat outside often, but if I were doing so at a restaurant and somebody near me had a dog under their chair, I wouldn't like that very much. I'm not a huge dog fan myself, but I understand that many people are very attached to their pets. I think that, if a restaurant decides to allow dogs, they should be clear about that (perhaps by a sign) from the moment a customer enters the patio area. Then, any customer can choose to dine inside instead if that policy bothers them.
I'm not anti-dog, I just feel that allowing dogs at a restaurant is unusual enough to the point where people should be notified about it.
sandn8r9 at 9:59PM on 08/04/09