10 Tips for a Stress-free Dining Experience with Your Dog

Living in LA has its perks, and one of them is the year-round outdoor seating at many restaurants. We absolutely love taking advantage of this. If you're following me on Instagram @sweetlifeofcalvin, you've probably seen how much I enjoy brunch dates with my human, and how thrilled I am to order something from the doggy menu. 

Of course, I didn't always get invited because I could sometimes be very disruptive, but with some preparation and exposure, it can be a fun activity to enjoy with your dog. Here are my top 10 tips for a stress-free and smooth dining experience with your dog.

1. Verify Dog-Friendly Policies

It's crucial to always verify if the restaurant is genuinely dog-friendly. A simple call or a quick look at their website can provide you with essential information about their pet policies and any potential restrictions on dog seating like what my friend @nalatheschnoodle's parents did when they took me out for brunch while on vacation here in LA. Utilizing platforms like Yelp can also be a helpful tool in this regard. 

2. Evaluate Your Dog's Readiness

Assess how your dog behaves in public. If your dog is still learning the ropes, don't worry, with some pre-visit training, they can handle the environment calmly. Before I could join the human dining in restaurants, we frequented local dog-friendly shops and sat on chairs outside cafes and coffee shops. It was overwhelming at first, with all the smells, sounds, and the urge to say hi to everyone. But with patience and practice, I learned to sit calmly and enjoy the outing. 

3. Pack Smart

Yes, many dog-friendly restaurants will offer a dog bowl, but just in case, always carry a portable water bowl, your dog's favorite treats, and a quiet toy to keep them entertained. A carrier bag is always a great idea for smaller dogs so you can place them on chairs, and for medium and bigger dogs, a portable mat is a great option. You can also bring some wipes to wipe off the crumbs and puppuccino from your dog's face.

4. Keep Them on a Short Leash

Keeping your dog close is essential to avoid unexpected leaps onto neighboring tables, even in dog-friendly spots. I have a habit of begging for food from other people, so that's very important. 

5. Choose Off-Peak Hours

Visit during quieter times like late mornings or mid-afternoons. It's generally less crowded, which can help keep your dog relaxed. As I said, the sound and the smell can all be overwhelming, so let's ensure it's a beautiful experience for you and your dog. 

6. Opt for Strategic Seating

Ask for a secluded spot, preferably with some space around it, to help your dog feel less overwhelmed and more comfortable. With all the foot traffic and dishes being brought out, we want to ensure we do not have grumpy dogs barking at the waiter waiting for their order. I also resource guard so when I'm out with friends, we sit at the end of the table and the human makes sure she serves as a barrier between me and another dog.

7. Pre-Meal Feeding

Feed your dog a light meal beforehand to curb hunger and prevent food-grubbing behavior at the table. Treats can be used sparingly to reinforce good tableside manners. Of course, this does not apply to me as I am always hungry, but it does prevent me from pawing the human and giving her puppy eyes while she eats. 

8.Monitor Their Behavior

Watch for signs of stress or discomfort. Ensure your dog isn't being a nuisance by keeping barking to a minimum and ensuring they stay settled. I tend to resource guard, so when I'm around food with other dogs, even friends, I tend to be aggressive. We keep working on that, so if I start giving death stares, my human knows I need some distraction or, better yet, space. There was also a time when I was panting so hard and was laser-focused on a tree, that's when the human realized I might have seen a squirrel, so of course, she dangled a bacon strip on my face to divert my attention. 

9. Plan for Quick Exits

Know the nearest exit, just in case you need to step out for a break or if your dog isn't adjusting well to the environment. Sometimes, we need to take a walk for a bit and maybe mark some posts outside to keep us relaxed a bit.

10. Be Prepared to Leave If Needed

If your dog gets too stressed or isn't enjoying the outing, remember, it's perfectly okay to leave early. We all have our off days, and sometimes, the environment just isn't right for us. Trust me, we love to join you and get something off the doggy menu, but sometimes we get overwhelmed or can't get over at the other dog giving us a side eye from the other table. So, be ready to leave, and try another time when your dog might feel more up to the challenge. 

Going out for brunch, getting a treat from the menu, and seeing lots of smiles from other guests make me happy. I know you'll enjoy it too, so I hope these tips will help you and your human have a wonderful dining experience. 

I want to see your brunch dates with the human, so tag me on Instagram @sweetlifeofcalvin, and hopefully, we will bump into each other and share a side of bacon on a sunny Sunday morning. If you find these tips helpful, sign up for my newsletter for more paw-fessional advice. 

'Til next time!