Is your dog ready for dining out? Are you comfy having him join you at a restaurant?…
And if you did, would YOU enjoy your meal?
A 2015 survey from the American Pet Products Association found that more than 54 million households in the U.S. have a dog. To accommodate them, top restaurants across the country are opening up to pet owners and their furry dinner dates. Josh Weiss-Roessler
Many states across the country now offer you the option to dine out with your dog.
Since Charleston has over 40 pet friendly restaurants for us to choose from, Harley & Jax accompany us often #somanychoices
I wondered if there were tips to learn from when it comes to dining out with the Boys.
I wanted additional info on how to enjoy a meal w/o –
- whining
- barking
- or stealing food
5 TIPS FOR DINING OUT WITH YOUR DOG –
- Feed them first – makes sense! If it’s a time in-between meals, I always travel with a little sumpin-sumpin special that they love.
- Wear them out – Before we stop to eat anywhere – even if it’s just to grab a bite, I make sure Jax has had sufficient exercise.
- Head where it’s puppy-approved – of course! We try to do our research online first.
- Bring distractions – I tote my own stuff, disposable bowls, snacks, even a towel because the floors can sometimes be a little sticky or dirty #noticeourtowel
- Know your dog – I know what startles Jaxson, so when I see a group of waiters coming out to sing the birthday song to another guest, I start stroking his head while talking to him.
We haven’t made it to all 40 yet. But there’s one in particular I keep going back to, and that’s Fuel…
Once an old school gas station, Fuel now has an open air concept that serves caribbean influence cuisine of local fish tacos, burgers, and island- influenced entrees #sogood…
Trust me – not only do we (and most of Charleston) love it – but so does this guy #GuyFieri
THE FINAL FOUR
We’re in the Final Four round of the Go Pet Friendly “Best City for Pet Travelers” tournament and we’re running on pure adrenaline now. #doodlestoked
If you played a role (no matter the size) in last nights Elite 8 round – #weoweyou
The Final Four starts today, and voting ends on Saturday, April 2nd at 9:00pm
We’re up against St. Augustine, Fl. I’m sure it’s a lovely place, but my heart beats #charleston
Justine Broome and all our friends at Fuel are routing for us –
Will you join the #Charlestonfever?
HERE’S HOW TO VOTE –
Then click CHARLESTON
Share with your friends
This is when only the Big Dogs Doodles get to stay on the porch. #woof!
Let’s make every shot count – nothing but net! #alldaylong
March 31, 2016
We already voted earlier today. Going out to eat is fun. I started at 9 weeks old, as did Katie. Bailie doesn’t have much experience, but she did alright at BlogPaws last year for a novice. Good luck in the final four.
March 31, 2016
Starting early is key #Ithink Jaxson is improving each time we venture out. Thanks so much for your vote Emma.
March 31, 2016
Great post! My dogs love dining out with us! We worked with them about being polite at outdoor cafes from very early on!
March 31, 2016
Thanks Lauren – it’s a process for sure. Jax isn’t exactly where we want him to be, but he’s making progress.
March 31, 2016
We took Mr. N to the food cart pod yesterday. He was very good despite the presence of police horses and a service dog in training!
March 31, 2016
Horses are something new to Mr. Jaxson since we’ve been here in Chas. They can been seen often downtown pulling carriages for guided tours of the city. He’s somewhat frightened so there’s quite a bit of barking going on. I’m proud of your Mr. N.
April 1, 2016
I really love that you do try and take them everywhere with you. We do too but there are definitely not nearly enough pet friendly locales around us. Some cafes in downtown Toronto are fantastic in accommodating our four legged friends.
Actually, the dealer where we bought the Jett three days ago encouraged and welcomed us to bring our boys in to visit, anytime, whenever. It meant the world to us because the boys are our kids, you know? The dealership even organizes a pet day. The owner loves pets, clearly. 🙂
Have a great weekend Cathy.
Xo
April 4, 2016
We had a sprinkling of dog friendly places in VA. Most of them were wineries and with the winter months, that made it only seasonal. Here in Charleston the weather is so accommodating most of the year, almost every establishment has an outdoor seating area, and the boutiques / stores just go along with it so you can shop, eat and even go into your BANK with your dog. #loveCharleston
April 2, 2016
Before Ducky joined the family, dining out with the dogs was easy…both Callie & Shadow were always well-behaved. But Ducky is people reactive – always has been – so we had to stop. She couldn’t be trusted, and we couldn’t enjoy our meals worrying about her. Maybe one day but not now.
April 4, 2016
I used to (and sometimes still do) have that problem (sort of) with Harley. When he is on a leash and sees other dogs, he becomes very loud. He barks, and many people think it’s aggression but it’s not. He’s like that loud child who has no “inside voice” – if he was off leash, he wouldn’t make a sound and just play. So when we are in restaurants, he’s the one we think about when it comes to seating. I want to make sure he’s near me and close to the corner if possible. We’ve got it some what under control, but there’s always those “moments” LOL We just explain that he’s only saying hello, and the people relax.