Dogs in restaurants (Houston: home, law, bars)

[Oildog]

Group urges city to allow dogs at eateries | Life | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

What are the forums thoughts on this.

I don't mind dog friendly pubs, I'm at them often. But there are too many inconsiderate owners. Everybody thinks there pup is well behaved and a good dog. Then they start interacting with other dogs and its unpredictable. All you need is one puppy or territorial dog and things go south quickly.

But more often its some d-bag owner, who ties his dog to a picnic table or a post, then goes around the pub socializing. Only coming back when when he wants to impress some girl with his dog. I've seen dogs panting, unable to get out of the summer sun. I mentioned this to one owner as he tied the dog near me, and he responded that 'she'd be ok, shes a tough dog.' and walked away. Others that came near me scowled or called me out for being cruel to a dog. I just said 'its not mine its that guys...'.

Along the same lines is 'Small girl with big dog'. Whom she has a hard time physically controlling. Seen these dart away and knock stuff over when 'finding a date' happens.

Not sure I'm sold on bringing them into establishments that serve food though. Dogs are not small people, who understand politeness and manners.

Thoughts...

[Ellen Pitts]

Actually, I like the idea of improving walkability. I wouldn't think you'd have the same problems with people leaving dogs unattended on a restaurant patio that you've noticed in the bars. But, making a 'no unattended dogs' law would probably be prudent.

[latetotheparty]

I absolutely know what you mean about inconsiderate and ignorant dog owners.... they make life so much tougher for the rest of us....

that said, my dogs are better behaved and less messy and destructive than most people's children.... the children are allowed nearly everywhere.... my dogs, not so much.....

and THAT said.... i see no problem at all with dogs being allowed in outdoor dining areas.... and would personally not mind if they were allowed in to the indoor dining areas... but given American's attitudes towards that, i don't see it happening in my lifetime.....

[ethanw]

I love dogs don't get me wrong. One thing comes to mind, dogs hygiene, particularly when they stink. Well crap, let's bring all kind of pets with us now and I would love to have a beer with my horse. Actually after few or several beers I can have a very good date / conversation with my horse.

[modster]

I am a pet lover, however, leave your pet at home when you go out to eat.

[rb4browns]

Originally Posted by ethanw

I love dogs don't get me wrong. One thing comes to mind, dogs hygiene, particularly when they stink. Well crap, let's bring all kind of pets with us now and I would love to have a beer with my horse. Actually after few or several beers I can have a very good date / conversation with my horse.

[elnina]

Hmmmmmm.... no! Not my kind of an eatery.

[14Bricks]

Any eating place that allows people to bring their dogs won't be getting my money.

[EasilyAmused]

Eh, depends on the place. Same with kids, depends on the hour of the night and the level of the restaurant. But unlike little kids, it's illegal to bring dogs into a nicer place to eat. :/

There's one near the Tanglewood dog park that has a patio. Plenty of people bring their yappie little dogs and hold them up near the food above the table. yeah,no. But everyone knows it's a place to take dogs...so you just don't go if you don't want to. Kinda like Chuckie Cheese.

As a bigger dog owner, I would never take mine. They'd get bored, or annoyed with little dog yapping, and find a yorkie to chew on. Frankly as a diner, I'd rather enjoy the company and food than worry about Sparky.

[Lost_In_Translation]

Originally Posted by modster

I am a pet lover, however, leave your pet at home when you go out to eat.

As much as I'd like to take my dog out to the patio of a restaurant, I think the rule as it stands is fair. OK at bars without a full menu. No chance at full restaurants. There are too many inconsiderate people who bring their ill trained dogs around to allow any more exceptions.

And anyone who puts their dog on a table, with or without a menu, should be immediately thrown out. That's disgusting.