Eating Out With Isaac

Isaac and I have been to several restaurants in the past few days: Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, McDonald's inside Walmart, and Penn Station (a sub shop).

Here's what I've learned so far:

• Get a booth if possible.  In a restaurant, a service dog is supposed to go under the table if possible and if you get a table instead of a booth, the table legs sometimes get in his way and make it hard for him to go under the table.  Booths are usually easier.
• If you have to sit at a table, try to get one in a corner.  Move one chair out of the way and let him go under the table there.  He should be closer to the wall, if the table is against a wall, so that my chair/body blocks him from getting out from under the table (which he should not try to do anyway, but just in case).
• Give the dog an opportunity to potty BEFORE going into the restaurant, even if it's only be a short time since he last peed.
• Isaac seems a little less comfortable in very crowded, noisy restaurants (like Cracker Barrel at lunch hour).  I am less comfortable in very crowded, noisy restaurants, too!
• Tell him to lie down but if he really doesn't want to lie down on the floor for some reason (maybe there is something about the floor of a particular restaurant he finds uncomfortable?), just tell him to sit and stay.  He will get bored/tired and lie down on his own soon enough.
• Isaac tries to be sneaky.  He will be lying calmly under the table, then slowly, an inch or two at a time, start to slither toward the edge of the table, as if hoping I won't notice.  Next thing you know, his head is poking out.
• If a service dog is behaving properly (quiet, under the table, etc.), other diners will not even realize there is a dog in the restaurant.  When you are leaving the restaurant, however, they will be surprised and excited to see him, especially kids.  Be prepared for squeals and cries of, "Oh!  There's a doggie!"