Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Train Your Dog to Behave at Restaurants: 4 Easy Steps

a dog sitting outside the restaurant with the pet owner

Dog-friendly restaurants are all the rage among dog owners, and they are quickly multiplying. However, taking advantage of these restaurants can be challenging (if not impossible) if your dog doesn’t behave in one.

We get it—mixing an untrained dog with plenty of food is a recipe for disaster. Plus, training dogs to behave in a restaurant can be challenging, as there are plenty of distractions.

However, it isn’t impossible. With the proper training, most dogs can learn to relax in restaurants and obey commands amidst all the distractions.

divider dog faces oct 2024

The 4 Steps to Teaching Your Dog to Behave at Restaurants

1. Teach Basic Obedience

Behaving at a restaurant is an advanced skill. Therefore, your dog needs to know the basics already before we begin. Your canine should know all the basic commands, including sitting, staying, and lying down. Walking on a leash may not be necessary while sitting at a table, but it will be necessary to get to the restaurant.

Even if your dog already knows these things, it can be helpful to review them. Older dogs that have had a break in training will especially need the review.

two dogs waiting outside the restaurant
Image Credit: Marion Giehoff, Pixabay

2. Teach the Quiet Command

One of the most common misbehaviors in a dog-friendly restaurant is barking. It’s troublesome to others eating there and can set other dogs off. Therefore, your dog must know the quiet command before you head to eat.

There are two ways to teach this command. You can first teach “speak” and then teach the “quiet” command after a bark. Alternatively, you can catch your dog barking in everyday life and then say, “quiet” when they stop, followed by a treat. Either way works. If your dog already knows “speak,” then training will be much easier.


3. Practice Attention

Another common issue is lack of attention. Your dog may follow commands at home but act completely untrained when surrounded by distractions. In this case, it helps to have a strong “attention” command. This command teaches the dog to look and listen for a command. It signals that they need to pay attention because you’re about to tell them something important.

You can have a specific command word like “look” for this or use the dog’s name. To teach this command, start with a treat in your closed fist. Make sure that the dog saw you put the treat in your hand. You want them excited. Then, hold your closed fist right next to your eyes. Say the command and wait for your dog to make eye contact. When they do, reward them with a different treat. Most dogs will stare at your hand for a few moments before looking away, so be patient.

Once your dog knows this command, you must practice it. Start out in your home. Then, move out to your yard. Practice at different times of the day and randomly on your walks. Once your dog pays attention in these familiar places, start taking them further from home. Once they listen in a crowded place, they’re prepared for the restaurant.

Woman training a white and black havanese dog in the garden
Image Credit: Peter Mayer 67, Shutterstock

4. Set Your Dog Up for Success

Now that your dog knows all the necessary commands, it’s time to take them to the restaurant. However, you must set your dog up for success, especially during the first visit.

Choose a less-crowded time to visit. Happy hour on a Friday probably isn’t the best time for your dog’s first visit. Instead, choose a time when your dog probably won’t have as many distractions.

Ensure your dog’s needs are met before you enter the restaurant. Get all your dog’s exercise finished for the day. Consider taking them walking before the restaurant visit to ensure they’re tired. You don’t want a hyper, energetic dog when you’re trying to control them in a restaurant. Of course, the amount of exercise your dog needs depends on their age and breed.

Bring high-value treats to the restaurant with you. These should be something that your dog really likes that they don’t get very often. These should help your dog pay attention when they become distracted. Of course, do not give these treats when your dog is begging for food. They should not become a distraction for a misbehaving dog, as that will only reward the bad behavior.

Consider bringing chew toys or puzzle toys for your canine. These can help keep your dog’s mind off distractions and give them something to do. The last thing you want is for your dog to be bored inside a restaurant. However, if your dog is often protective of these toys, skip them. You don’t want your dog to become aggressive.

Don’t forget to bring portable water for your canine. A thirsty dog can become restless. Place this bowl underneath the table to keep it away from the waiter’s feet.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Behaving in a restaurant is an advanced skill that requires training. Your dog will need to know all the basic commands, such as sitting and staying. Plus, walking on a leash well is another must. You can’t have your dog pulling inside a restaurant.

Your dog should also be able to ignore distractions and listen to commands. In a restaurant, there are plenty of distractions, and taking a distractable dog inside a restaurant is a recipe for disaster. Therefore, your dog should have plenty of practice listening inside pet-friendly stores and at parks.

Finally, even the best-trained dog must be set up for success. Taking an energetic or hungry dog into a restaurant is a bad idea. Therefore, we highly recommend taking your dog on a walk beforehand. Be sure to bring plenty of treats and toys, as well.


Featured Image Credit: Luis Angelo, Unsplash

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How Long Does a Portuguese Water Dog Live? Vet-Verified Average Lifespan, Data & Care Guide

Dogs’ expected lifespans can vary significantly depending on their breed. One key factor that can influence a dog’s lifespan is their weight, meaning...

How to Care for Your Dog’s Paws: 8 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks

Your dog’s paws are like your feet but go through even more wear and tear because dogs don’t wear shoes. The paws balance...

Abnormal Dog Behavior: 7 Vet-Reviewed Causes & Solutions

A staggering 72–85% of owners are estimated to have a dog that displays a form of unwanted or abnormal behavior.1 The causes can...

Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Tips

When it comes to Brussels sprouts, it seems that you either love ‘em or you hate them, there is no in-between. There are...

More related

What Do Pet Sitters Do For You & Your Dog? 12 Important Responsibilities

When you go away, you trust your dog sitter to take care of one of your most precious family members. To some people,...

How Is Inflation Impacting Pet Owners in 2025? 10 Interesting Statistics

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. The COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase...

What Can Trigger a Seizure in a Dog? Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Treatment

Seizures can be scary to witness in people and pets alike. Changes in brain activity can trigger a seizure in a dog, though...

Why Do Dogs Bark At Fireworks? 6 Reasons & How to Help (Vet Reviewed)

Many dog owners dread certain holidays throughout the year because of the use of fireworks during those times. Independence Day, Labor Day, and...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Brownies? Vet-Approved Facts, Risks & FAQ

Brownies have long been an American favorite for those who love sweets. They are gooey, sweet, and filled with chocolaty heaven. For dog owners, we’re sure there has been a time when your dog stared at you longingly because they...

Can Dogs Eat Brownies

Can Dogs Eat Meatballs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Info & Tips

Is your dog staring at you, waiting for a delicious meatball to fall onto the floor just for them? Most canines are interested in their owner’s dinner preparations whenever meat is involved. Luckily, you can offer your dog meatballs as...

Can Dogs Eat_meatballs

8 Best Dog Treats for Digestive Problems in 2025

You might not be worried about digestive issues being a problem when you first bring home your pup. But food sensitivities can develop, requiring you to change a few things up. With the help of a vet, you can get...

cream dog eating from the bowl

Are Bully Sticks Safe for Puppies? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition & Safety Facts

We all love to give our pets treats, and there are plenty of options out there. Some will be better than others, so we must be vigilant about watching ingredients and other factors to make sure the treats are healthy...

Dogster_Are Bully Sticks Safe for Dogs

10 Best Dog Foods for Pomeranians in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Pomeranians have vastly different nutritional needs than dogs of larger breeds. Small dogs have higher metabolic rates than larger dogs and need to take in a sufficient number of calories to stay healthy. You might be surprised to learn that...

Pomeranian eating dry food from green bowl

10 Best Raw Dog Food Delivery Services in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

It can be overwhelming to choose food for your dog, especially a raw diet. Raw diets have been becoming popular, so many companies are offering raw foods. However, that doesn’t mean all companies produce balanced, high-quality raw diets. We’ve compiled...

raw dog food

Can Dogs Have Cumin? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

When you think about giving your dog a bite of your food as a treat, you probably don’t think about what spices the food contains. You should, though, as some spices are toxic to our canine companions, so even a...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Have-Cumin

How Much Canned Food to Feed a Dog: Vet Approved Nutrition Advice

Learning how much to feed your dog and what type of food to offer at various life stages is crucial when deciding on a dog’s diet. It is vital to check out proper measurements based on activity level, age, and...

wet dog food