Patio Etiquette for You and your Dogs

Dear HDOC members, class students, and guests:

We welcome your participation and attendance at our classes, events, and social gatherings to learn, share our love of dogs, and enjoy each other’s company!

Occasionally we must take the opportunity to reaffirm our purpose and set some ground rules for our activities. 

As you know, Saturday mornings following the novice obedience class we enjoy reconvening at the Los Feliz Starbucks for some ‘human’ social time.  HDOC is so grateful for the long standing support of this Starbucks in both their generous donations to our annual fund raising raffle and for extending to us the privilege of having our dogs accompany us on their patio – and what a privilege it is!    Our ability to have our dogs by our side in this environment provides a wonderful opportunity to reinforce our training and appropriate social behavior on the part of our dogs.   Our well behaved dogs also portray a positive image for our club.  Toward that end, here are some canine etiquette tips to keep in mind for Starbucks.  These tips also apply to patio dining with your dog as more and more establishments are beginning to allow us to dine with our canine companions.

• Dogs should remain by you on a short leash.  This is the ‘real life’ application of our sit stays and down stays.   Ensure your dog stays close by you and remains calm.  At a restaurant, the dog should be under the table if possible.  Be sure to maintain a constant awareness of where your dog is at all times.

• Respect the establishment - ensure your dog is not obstructing or crowding access and egress to Starbucks or passage through the patio.   Remembering not everyone shares our love and acceptance of dogs; provide plenty of room for patrons of Starbucks to pass by.    We have seen some patrons of Starbucks and passers by who are terrified of dogs.  Imagine their anxiety at having to maneuver past a group of 20+ dogs!   Please be sensitive to their apprehension and allow them plenty of room.

• Be discrete with treats.  Don’t throw treats or feed other people’s dogs.  Begging is not appropriate canine behavior in public.  Don’t allow your dog to beg or lunge for treats.  Several of our dogs are therapy dogs and treats being tossed about is contrary to their training to not take treats from the floor, or the air for that matter.  Some dogs have food allergies or other digestive issues and upsets may result from treats distributed on the patio.  You may host a ‘dog party’ at your home if you wish.  Starbucks is a human establishment.

• Keep dog to dog visits on the patio to a minimum.  Dogs can visit each other in the park.  Don’t allow your dog to go down the line sniffing every dog on the patio.  Some dog/handler teams in attendance are dealing with behavior or aggression issues and we encourage them to come for that purpose. Some of the dogs present have physical conditions and they don’t welcome being bumped, sat upon, or climbed over.

• The preemptive potty break: to ensure the comfort of your dog and to mitigate the risk of accidents, make sure your dog has had the opportunity to relieve itself prior to coming to Starbucks.  If an accident does occur, clean it up promptly, completely, and “leave no trace”.  

• “All four feet on the ground” was a slogan used in coed dorms in the ‘old days’.   Make sure your dog keeps all four feet on the ground at all times.  Our dogs should never get on the furniture (this includes stepping up with the front feet). 

• Dog vs. Table: 
• Table surfing:  never allow your dog to sniff, lick, eat, or take anything, food or otherwise from the tables.  If your dog has a tendency toward this kind of behavior, be ready to prevent him/her from doing it before the behavior occurs. 
• Table bumping: having your dog in a sit or down stay also prevents table bumping and the loss of someone’s food, drink or other items.   If your dog causes spills or damage, it is appropriate to reimburse the victim(s). 

• When dogs misbehave:  discipline your dog appropriately, quietly, and calmly.  Refrain from making a scene.  

• When you leave:  dispose of all trash and redistribute the tables, chairs and umbrellas on the patio.   Starbucks appreciates this and we want to keep our privileges intact.

Remember – we are all ambassadors for responsible dog ownership and for the Hollywood Dog Obedience Club!