A unique new class on the Monterey Peninsula teaches pets to be good doggie diners at pet-friendly restaurants.
Seeking to make a difference for dogs who beg for table scraps, bark at fellow patrons, whine anxiously until the check comes, or trip busy wait staff, the local, independent SPCA for Monterey County now offers Dining With Your Dog, a five-week training class that teaches dogs to be good canine patrons of our fabulous local restaurants.
This new class was inspired by Assembly Bill 1965, sponsored by Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) and recently signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown, which officially allows dogs on restaurant patios. The bill gives restaurants the option to allow pet dogs in their outdoor seating areas under specified conditions unless a local ordinance determines otherwise.
Each five-week session begins with basic training at the SPCA Training Center in Monterey before moving to local pet-friendly restaurants for a fun and delicious late lunch. The first class session started just before Thanksgiving and focused on restaurants in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Graduation was held at High Tea at the super dog-friendly Cypress Inn, owned by actress and animal advocate Doris Day.
“We are lucky to live in such a pet-friendly area,” says Amanda Mouisset, SPCA Pet Behavior Specialist. “This new, fun class helps dog guardians take advantage of all our community has to offer, helps restaurants ensure their culinary canine patrons are well behaved, and fosters a safe and relaxed dining experience for all.”
The second session of classes took place in January, focusing on Pacific Grove and Monterey. Restaurants included popular spots First Awakenings, Whole Foods, and Tarpy’s Roadhouse. In February, the class will visit Cafe Stravaganza and PortaBella in Carmel and California Pizza Kitchen in Monterey.
The SPCA selects different restaurants each session to keep the lunch menus and locations fun and diverse. Our community is so supportive of the SPCA and of pets in general. An anxious or unruly dog at a restaurant is frustrating and stressful for the business, other customers, the guardian, and the dog. Anything we can do to increase the number of happy, confident, relaxed dogs in our community will encourage more restaurants and businesses to open their doors to pets and enhance the powerful, loving relationship between dogs and their guardians.
The first class takes place at the SPCA without food to allow the dogs and guardians to focus on basic training refreshers. The second week offers a pizza party at the SPCA, where our skilled trainer can control the environment and offer each pet more personal, quiet space, if needed. From there, the class meets at three local restaurants, one for each of the remaining weeks. All involved enjoy good food and great company with fellow dogs and dog lovers.
Registration is $150 ($135 for adoptees and returning students) and includes all training and pizza at the SPCA. Participants are responsible for their own food and beverage costs at local restaurants during classes.
Join us and learn to be a welcome guest with your dog by your side at your favorite al fresco dining establishments. Every smooth and easy experience with dining-out dogs encourages restaurant guardians to offer this option.
Beth Brookhouser is Community Outreach Director at SPCA of Monterey County. For full details about Dining With Your Dog classes, visit SPCAmc.org/dwyd.
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