Dining out w/ your pet!

[toomanypaws]

Do you think our Cairns would behave?

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=bizarre&id=4032561

[bradl]

Call me when they're allowed inside.

[kjwarnold]

Actually, Packy has nice manners while we're at the dinner table. Of course, that's when we're at home and there's no one else around... We lived in London for a year and it wasn't unusual to see dogs in pubs or even at the grocery store. It was kind of cool seeing the dogs laying in front of the fireplace at our corner pub, just "people watching."

[Scully'sMom]

Actually Scully eats very politely from a fork. She eats neater than most kids I've seen.

[Eliz222]

I can see a dog in a pub, but I don't think I want someone else's "Rover" sitting across the table from me! Can you imagine having a tail "swipe' across your plate while you eat??? Yikes!

Of course, my two would sit politely at my feet the entire time and would not make a peep.....lol!

[toomanypaws]

When I think about my own dogs, only Hannah would be fine dining out with. I can't imagine anyone trying to enjoy a meal w/ the eyes of my Lab eyeing their every bite. I think Kiara and Abbey might be too vocal, but then again, I've dined out where there were children acting worst than my Cairns ever could.

[tena]

It's the outside dining that would sink Sophie. She is very brave, curious and bossy when outside. Throw in other dogs.....man alive. Everywhere you looked she would be. Having a bite, claiming every morsel as her own, and either laughing up in every other dogs face, or....erm...dominating...the other end.

Inside she's more nervous and would sit either on my feet or under my chair, her typical place when I am at the table.

[Cairnmania]

Well, things have changed in the U.K. Dogs are definitely not allowed in grocery stores or most pubs. Years ago pubs only sold drinks and snack type foods, now most of them also run a restaurant type service, so dogs are not allowed. Many of them turn a blind eye to dogs when it's not meal times though, like my local pub.

In France dogs go everywhere, including the best restaurants. They usually sit quietly under the table, in fact, most of the time you don't even realize a dog is present until everyone gets up to leave - including the dog.

Stacey

[Milopup]

In Japan there are many indoor cafes where you can bring your pup.

[Cairns2]

That's a switch! A place that ALLOWs dogs! This past Sunday I tried to go into Home Depot with Emma in my arms. I was stopped at the door and told they have a no pet policy. I have brought both dogs into the store in the past and there wasn't a problem. They let me get what I needed but said next time no dog. I assume some idiot either let their dog loose or let them mess in an aisle. There had to be a problem for the company to change their policy.

There were a few cafes here in RI that allowed dogs and the paper did a story on them. Then the following week the board of health told them no dogs inside, only outside on the sidewalk.

Unfortunately not all dogs owners are responsible and that ruins it for the rest of us!

[Anna_525]

In Manhattan, there are some clothing stores that allow dogs. Urban Outfitters is one where my daughter shops. There was one pug who was sitting patiently outside its owner's fitting room (not sure Alfie would behave the same way, there are way too many distractions!).

[Guest posting as: Hagar]

A couple of years ago, I stopped in a local bar for a couple of beers. When I went to the restroom, I was "taking care of business" when I suddenly heard a loud "Shlup, shlup, shlup" sound coming from a stall. Then a miniature Schnauser walked behind me and returned to his owners' stool and layed down. Guess he needed a drink too.

Actually, since most places have done away with "Smoking Areas", it would be great to use these areas for pets. I'd like to be able to take my dog into a restaurant for a meal. Especially when traveling in warmer weather. I'd really like to be able to sit down for a meal and not have to worry about the car getting too hot for the dog. As it is, I usually make do with a fast food drive-up and find a shady spot to eat.

I know there would be health and sanitation regulation concerns, as well as behavior issues with the pets, but it sure would be great. Hagar..

[bradl]

I agree Hagar. I personally think the sanitation issues are exaggerated. The behavioral issues are cultural I fear. It ought to be as simple as ejecting someone whose pet is causing a distraction, but the idea of being responsible, accepting consequences, and putting (in public anyway) the good of the many over insistence on our own personal rights and preferences (I think this used to be called politeness) is practically a foreign one these days.

At least for those living in climates where outdoor dining is a frequent and genuine option, it's a start, I guess. So yay for that.

[ParNone]

If Murph sat in my lap the whole time, I could see him doing quite well, although that would probably be an uncomfortable way for me to eat. But on the ground, with the possibility of inattentive owners letting their dog get in his space, I can just see the fur flying.

Of my 3, the only one I could see realistically taking without worry, is my eldest Collie. He gets along with everybody and he's well behaved. I could count on him not barking at anybody, including other dogs, and just laying next to me while I ate.

Les...

[mrskti]

ellie and dori would be ok with the food part, they do sit there nicely giving us soulful eyes, but its the other dogs that they'd raise hell about at least for a while. It would be interesting though, for sure!

[TheScotts]

I've dined in Germany where dogs are allowed in restaraunts. The way it works is, well mannered dogs lie quietly and invisibly at the feet or under the table. There are no doggie tails or noses or anything unseemly near anybody's table.

My guys...well they would not be very welcome just yet

[Kathryn]

We're in the city (Minneapolis) and have several small cafes and pubs nearby with outdoor eating areas. They have always allowed us to buy food or a drink for the outside area with a dog along. Allie and I walk with a friend and her dog often in the summer to one of the cafes. One of us goes in for the food while the other waits at a table with the dogs. The cafe has water bowls for doggie visitors, so they do seem to expect us! It's a great way to enjoy a summer walk.

[mrskti]

we were at a coffee shop at Celebration Florida today, and there was a lady with a cat outside....sitting ON the table!!! They also had pet water bowls down for them. Of course they'd be all over running a muck!!!