I see it all over Europe. Of course if the dog, and owner is well trained. I've been to some restaurants where children scream and run all over.

If the dogs stay outside and are well-behaved, I don't see the problem. I can guarantee you that my dog would be better behaved on a patio than 90% of the kids I've seen at restaurants.

I don't think it should be allowed.

No, it shouldn't be allowed, it's the same reason you can't bring them in Supermarkets, its a health hazard and unsanitary. ( Queue all the dog owners claiming how clean/obedient the dogs are.)

I have dogs and I love them more than anything, but I would never bring them to a restaurant, maybe a dairy queen kind of place but never a real sit down patio restaurant. It's just plain rude to others, ESPECIALLY others who have allergies.

I'm with Charlie and Chris above! I eat out fairly often and have been annoyed w/the PARENTS of children who never taught them how to eat out in public!!!!!!!
If the children are having a little melt-down ( this is normal)....then take them outside of the eating area for a "time-out" instead of ignoring them hoping they'll be quiet.
The harried mom is so happy not to be home cooking, I think she is oblivious to just how annoying her screamiung children are to other diners!!!!!! On the other hand, a well-behaved quiet pooch can be more enjoyable!!!!!!! Same rules apply: if poochie gets out of hand, they need to take him out for a time-out as well.
P. Druss

The scene from "Marley and Me" is coming into my head on this one....

I'm all for it.
Dogs a great as long as they behave.
Jim@ccfiile.com

right on bloggers Charlie, Chris L....it's commonplace all over Europe but of course we live in a strange country where people take children to see violence saturated movies and raise kids who can't behave anywhere in public -let alone in a restaurant...my money's on the canine dinning outdoors- my dog Oreo has been to several establishments and she's well behaved

I am a HUGE dog person, but for me personally, esp knowing my 2 labs, I wouldnt be able to enjoy myself--I'd be constantly worried they would steal food! Maybe if they were older...

I think it would be nice, as dog people and well socialized and mannered dogs are a great combination and probably relaxed and pleasant clientele. You would need specific rules, like no dogs on the seats, no feeding the dogs, clean up after (which is obvious but...). I would imagine that some establishments would be known for being dog friendly and others not. Everyone values their pets differently. Those who want them along at a restaurant are probably the ones who take the extra time to socialize.

I own CJ's NorthSide Grill in Nobscot. I have one guest that dines with us about once a week and always brings his "service" dog... and what a pleasure it is to see them, he's a well behaved little gentlemen! I would welcome a guest with a dog if it was allowed... I know my Greyhound would love go out to dinner once in a while, as I think he's tired of drive-thru!

Wait a sec- your justification for one bad thing in public is that we already tolerate another bad thing already, and shouldn't mind one more thing we SHOULD mind?

Wow. Just wow. No bow wow except for service animals like seeing eye dogs.

The paying customers have the right to a clean and vermin free environment, and cannot guarantee that all the problems that come with pets won't become MY problem from YOUR pet. If I smell dog poop while I try to eat my steak, you ought to be banned from the establishment and have to pay for the meals of all the patrons your selfish nonsense caused.

Why would I even want to take my dog to a sit down patio restaurant?

I have two toy poodles who go everywhere with me. They are very well behaved and don't pose an allergy issue to anyone. I think the restaurant should have an area for people who chose to bring dogs and could keep it separate from others. I know I would go!

I am a dog owner but would not bring my dog to eat at an outdoor restaurant with me. I love seeing other dogs though, and absolutely think dogs should be able to sit outside while their person eats even if I would not do so

It really makes sense for a tourist destination like Salem. Dog friendly travel is a huge market now. Dogs are changing their place in the family, and to many people they are like their children. While some folks may find eating with dogs uncomfortable, others really enjoy them and would be attracted to a place that lets Fido in. I would say it depends on who the restaurant wants to attract. Each restaurant should each have their own policy, but if they want to, I say sure!

I woud love to bring my dog to an outdoor patio restaurant. He is well behaved, but I am quite sure that the same annoyances would occur with dogs as do with unruly children. Some people/parents do not have a clue how to control their dogs or teach their children good manners. in public.

I grew up in europe where it was acceptable to bring pets into restaurants. They would lie under the table, very well behaved. If the dog misbehaves, or can't sit still this dog would not be a good candidate for visiting restaurants. In Europe they didn't allow pets in Grocery stores, you'd see them tied up outside the grocery store waiting for their person. I'm all for it!!!

As there are people that avoid restaurants that cater to families, there will be people that avoid restaurants that welcome four legged family members.
The choice is theirs to make.

I have allergies and wouldn't want to see this happen unless there was a designated area for diners with pets or just keep it to outdoor seating.

I don't agree with allowing dogs. My father was a health inspector who loved to bring his dog Sam everywhere. But he would have flipped out if there was a dog in a dining establishment. Too many health issues. Not to mention allergies. I shouldn't have to avoid a restaurant because it's dog friendly. After all, I'M paying, the dog wouldn't be. It would just be driving away customers like me. Is that what restaurant owners want to happen? I know plenty of people who feel the same way.

I wouldn't mind it at all. Burlington VT is full of restaurants with outdoor patios where you can bring your dog - and I did! I'd much prefer dogs to screaming kids!

More and more people are traveling with their dogs so it makes perfect sense for them to be allowed at an outdoor restaurant. Obviously I'm talking about a well-behaved dog. Lighten up people. Live and let live. I take my dog everywhere that I can. She is my best friend!

Bring on the dogs! Not mine, though - they're VERY badly behaved :)

I can tell a lot of you folks complaining about children do not have any there are plenty of well behaved children including mine out there . Pick a pup over a human being real nice loosers !!!! Furthermore it is a health hazard and that's all there is to it some people have allergies never heard of someone being allergic yo a child!!!!!!

Just don't bring the breastfeeding ones.
Jim@ccfiile.com

Well then can I bring my cat or pet ferret?

This conversation right here is exactly why America is losing its edge. If a business wants to cater to a certain demographic(in this case, dog owners), while adhering to health code standards(ie, by keeping the animals outside, and away from food prep), then they should absolutely be allowed to. Part of a FREE ENTERPRISE economy is allowing the business owner to choose who he sells to. It also allows for the customer to choose where he purchases his goods and services.

If you don't want to/can't be at an establishment that caters to dog owners....DON'T. It's a very simple concept really. Everyone in America is whining these days about inclusion and tolerance, etc etc. By forcing businesses to follow practices that YOU feel are correct or proper, you are not being very tolerant of the opinions of others/

To clarify one point in my last post: obviously EXCLUDING someone from a business by a "protected status" in anyway would be wrong and illegal. I'm not endorsing a place to say people can't eat there, I am however, advocating the choice of the proprietor.

Government over-regulation is killing the American economy, slowly but surely. All the way down to the Mom and Pop level of your local eatery.

I don't think KIDS or DOGS or any other ANIMAL should be at a restaurant/outdoors or not. Why do people have to stick there animals and kids in my face everywhere I go?? I actually saw someone driving with a ferret on their shoulder...come on!

Just keep in mind that if there WAS a restaurant with an outdoor area that allowed dogs, then you could choose NOT to eat in that area of the restaurant. For those who choose to eat with their pets, well, they know what to expect. We have no such choice when comes to being seated near children. Most children are well-behaved. It is the FEW mis-guided parents with mis-behaving children that ruin it for other children.