Should Dogs Get Served in Beijing’s Restaurants? A Debate Worth Barking Over

Yesterday’s kerfuffle about a dog dining at the table at a pet-friendly restaurant has set off a debate as to whether Beijing’s barkers should be allowed in restaurants at all. We talked to a few Beijing residents for their side of the story:

YES: Xuling, owner of a Shiba Inu named Luna:

“As a ‘dog mom’, I definitely support allowing dogs in restaurants because I know Luna is well trained and will behave in such place, and I am sure we will cause no problems or chaos for the dining owner. But even though she’s well-trained, I always have her sit in her ‘outing’ bag when we are in a restaurant. I’ve taken her to KFC and other restaurants before, and she always drinks from her own water dish. So far, no one has said anything to me or showed reluctance.”

NO: Richard Baker, U.K., father of three

“I appreciate that dogs are very dear to people, but they don’t belong in a restaurant. Outdoors is fine, as other patrons can choose not to sit there (like I do to avoid smokers). But indoors should be a clean space. Babies aren’t too clean either, but they're humans, so that's a little different."

IT DEPENDS: PJ, founder of Chateau Canine & an Australian National Dog Trainers Federation certified trainer:

“I can completely understand both sides of this argument. Beijing is a city with a rapidly expanding pet population and an evolving pet culture. To be honest it hasn’t been a particularly smooth road that we have travelled thus far in Beijing for pets. 

“From an animal trainers perspective, I believe that an owner who has invested the time, effort and in some cases significant amounts of money to raise a well-behaved animal, the whole family, including the ‘fur-baby’, should be allowed to experience society and all it has to offer together, as long as it is in an easy, mutually respectful way. 

“However on the flip side, if you as an owner haven’t yet invested adequate time and effort into developing your pets skills and experience so that it can manage the complexity and intensity of some common situations (like being calm and well behaved in a restaurant), then it would be better to not put the animal into a situation where you are going to set it up to fail. That is just a recipe for disaster for everyone, and definitely not in the best interest of your pet!”

THE ETIQUETTE OF DOG DINING: Alistair Warwick-Nelson, principal of China’s only British Etiquette School & China’s only British Butler:

"Dog friendly is fine as long as its publicized in advance, and that gives diners the option to go elsewhere. But if the restaurant has upholstered seating or sofas, having your pooch roaming all over the place is a definite no-no in my book. That having been said, some pooches have better manners than some owners…"

TAKING THE POOCH? Keep These Pointers in Mind:

Etiquette master Warwick-Nelson offers these tips for those thinking about taking Fido out for dinner:

1. Know your dog: if they are not good around people then leave them at home. 

2. Know the restaurant: many restaurants are dog-friendly but do not expect them to be.

3.Call ahead: let the restaurant know so they can select an appropriate table.

4. Use a harness and a short leash so your pet can’t go far. 

5. Don’t tie their leash to furniture (in case other dogs appear). 

6. Never feed your dog off your plate – and keep their paws off the table.

7. Avoid sitting by children, in case the kids are not used to approaching dogs.

8. Feed your dog beforehand and bring treats – it’s not the restaurant's responsibility!

9. Make sure your dog can obey simple commands.

10. Time it right - best to avoid peak times.

Images: courtesy of the interview subjects; Chateau Canine; Annie and Cafe