By Arden Moore
Lacking thumbs makes it tricky for dogs to use utensils, but that shouldn’t stop them from displaying good manners when dining out with their people. In fact, inviting dogs to eateries is proving to be a smart strategy in these lean economic times. Case in point: the Saba Sushi Bar and Lounge in Boca Raton. Every night from 4 to 7 p.m., well-mannered dogs (on leashes) are welcome to participate in “yappy hour.” Canine guests lap up bowls of water while their two-legged pals dine on sushi or Thai food. “In Boca Raton, it seems there are a lot of toy dogs and their owners want to take them when they are out and about,” says Zack Gardner, Saba owner/manager. “I have two Labrador retrievers and can understand people wanting their dogs to be with them.”
Gardner says has hosted this weeknight yappy hour for more than two years without any feisty Fido fracases.
More than two dozen eateries with outdoor patios welcome well-mannered mutts and pedigrees from Lake Worth to Boca Raton. You may find yourself sidestepping dog water bowls along restaurant row on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.
And staging yappy hours as a way to benefit worthy causes is also on the rise. Just ask Cheryl Lee Gorman, owner of Club Bow Wow, whose yappy hour earlier this year at Mizner Park aided the Veterans Helping Today’s Returning Heroes group.
“This group helps raise funds to provide service or guide dogs for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,” says Gorman, who operates a cage-free pet resort with her brother, Sean. “We hope to sponsor another yappy hour event early next year.”
Ensuring that the number of pet-welcoming eateries and pet-attended events stays steady — or increases — depends on those at the other end of the leash: the owners. Let me share 10 “petiquette” pointers for you and your pooch to master the next time you head for a pet-accepting eatery:
* Test your dog’s obedience-heeding commands at home and on walks. Your dog should be able to ace the “sit,” “stay” and “leave it” commands.
* Exercise your dog before dining out. A tired dog is less apt to be rambunctious and more apt to want to snooze under your table while you enjoy your meal.
* Give your dog ample time to take care of his bathroom needs before you head to a restaurant. Just in case: Bring extra poop disposable bags so your dog doesn’t create a “stink” at the restaurant.
* Come prepared. Bring a portable water bowl and perhaps a bag of doggy treats.
* Play it low key. Don’t make a big fuss about your dog joining you at an eatery. Tether your dog’s leash to your chair.
* Reel in that leash. Keep your dog on a short rein, about 4 feet. Do not let your dog, even those itty-bitty cute ones, wander into tables occupied by other patrons. Here’s a shocker: Not everyone adores dogs.
* Be prepared to request a doggy bag to go if your dog acts up by barking, lunging at other dogs or insisting on sniffing other patrons.
Set your dog up for success by selecting times to test his dining manners at non-peak serving times.
Be candid with yourself. If you know your dog cannot bring his A-level manners to the restaurant (remember Marley?), then keep him at home.
Refrain from letting your dog sit in your lap or, worse, eat from your fork. Keep those habits inside the privacy of your own home so other patrons can enjoy their meals.
Finally, dish out a big tip — 20 percent or more — to show your appreciation to the restaurant staff for allowing four-leggers in their outdoor areas.
Bone appétit!
Arden Moore, an animal behavior consultant, editor, author and professional speaker, happily shares her home with two cats, two dogs and one overworked vacuum cleaner. Tune in to her Oh Behave! show on Pet Life Radio.com and contact her at arden@ardenmoore.com.
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