I like dogs.
In fact, I’ve had a dog and understand why so many people consider them part of the family. They’re loyal companions, they get us outside, and for many people, a vacation isn’t complete if they have to leave them behind.
We took our dog (Shepherd/Lab mix) on camping trips, to the cottage, and on hikes – but we were always careful to keep him leashed when others approached. He loved everyone but was also well-trained – never jumping on people, never barking unless it was that happy yelp when he knew he was going for a walk, and he never, ever, came even close to biting someone.
But I also think there are places where dogs simply don’t belong.
A recent incident at my local hangout reinforced that opinion.
The restaurant owners had what seemed like a reasonable compromise. Rather than allowing dogs throughout the patio, they designated a small corner – just a few tables – as dog-friendly. It gave pet owners a place to enjoy a meal with their dogs while allowing everyone else to sit elsewhere.
A lady with a dog moved to another table in the non-dog section to join a friend – something that was clearly not permitted, but she decided the rules don’t apply to her. Then her dog jumped up and bit another customer who was walking by. I saw the whole thing.
Thankfully, the person appeared to be okay, but the dog had reportedly been growling at others earlier. The restaurant staff and owners acted quickly, and the owner and dog were told to leave.
As I watched everything unfold, one thought kept coming back to me. This is exactly why I don’t think dogs belong on restaurant patios. Before anyone starts typing an angry comment, let me be clear: I’m not blaming all dogs or all dog owners. The overwhelming majority are perfectly well-behaved.
The problem is that restaurants aren’t controlled environments. Servers are rushing by carrying carefully balanced trays of beverages and armfuls of hot food. Children are walking around. Other dogs may be on the patio. Chairs scrape, dishes crash, people speak loudly, and strangers are constantly moving through the space. Even a calm dog can become anxious or overstimulated.
And if something does happen, who’s responsible? The restaurant.
It isn’t hard to imagine the legal consequences if someone suffers a serious bite or injury. The dog’s owner may be liable, but the restaurant could also face insurance claims or lawsuits simply for allowing the dog onto the premises.
That’s a lot of risk for what is ultimately a convenience.
I know the argument.
“Dogs are family.”
I understand that completely. But families also recognize that not every member goes everywhere. We don’t bring toddlers to late-night movies. We don’t bring parrots to grocery stores. We don’t bring dogs or cats to church services. Every place has boundaries because every place serves a different purpose.
Restaurants are places where people eat. Some diners have allergies. Others are afraid of dogs. Some simply don’t want an unfamiliar animal sitting a few feet away while they’re trying to enjoy lunch. That doesn’t make them anti-dog. It just means they have different expectations for a restaurant.
Sometimes I wonder where this trend ends. If restaurant patios become the norm, do we eventually argue that dogs should be inside the restaurant too? What about sports stadiums? Grocery and drug stores? Art galleries and museums? Church services? Libraries? The list could go on.
Service dogs are an entirely different discussion. They perform essential tasks for people with disabilities and deserve every accommodation the law provides.
Pets are different. Loving your dog doesn’t automatically mean every public place should be expected to welcome it. And let’s face it, no one but the owner knows whether it is aggressive. The person at the next table doesn’t.
I still like dogs. I just think a restaurant patio is one place where dogs shouldn’t be.
johnberkovich.com 