Franco Fassola, a veterinary doctor from Asti, is an expert in animal behaviour. He has written several books on behavioral pathologies of dogs and cats.
Fassola but is the dog happy to go to the restaurant?
“Certainly. It is part of the activities with which he interacts with his owner: playing, going for a walk, running in the countryside, enjoying cuddles. The dog likes to collaborate and feel part of the family. In a scale of values, however, the quality of the things we do together over time also counts. As you can imagine, running is more pleasant for him than sitting for hours in a dining room. Habit can make the difference.”
The dog has a very fine sense of smell, how does he react to a world of scents like that of a kitchen?
«We must be aware that the dog uses smell to explore the world, like we use sight. It is the most developed sense organ. If he has been educated, he doesn’t get upset because they are the same smells he smells in the house. Before taking him to a place I recommend satiating him with some food. Thus he does not feel the stimulus of hunger and accepts smells more willingly. The dog tastes food even just by smell. The motivation to eat is not eliminated but attenuated.
What should be done if there are other dogs?
«To enter the restaurant you must be “socialized” capable of interacting with people and animals. The owner must make sure that it is “safe” to be close to him, he feels protected and safe. The restaurateur should assign two distant tables. If lunch or dinner is prolonged, dogs get bored and may want to play.”
Is there an etiquette?
“Certainly. The first rule is to inform the restaurateur that you will be arriving with a dog, specifying its characteristics. The restaurateur in turn should make sure that there are no allergic people in the same room. Then we need to ask for a secluded place, perhaps in a corner so that our “friend” feels protected. Bring a blanket or bunk to make him lie down, there are modern travel ones that can be rolled up, some wipes to clean him if he drools (especially for certain breeds), a bowl for water and possibly another smaller one for a few “tastes” . When entering he must be kept on a leash, once he reaches the table he can be left on a “soft” leash. The dog could be frightened by a sudden noise, a lid falling, the volume of the voice being too high, the lights going out: the owner must always be able to control it.”
How do you behave with those who want to caress you?
«Whoever wishes to do so must ask if it is possible. If the dog is lying on his bed in a corner, I recommend taking him to an open place, making him sit and pet him from the side. Never near the mouth or on the head. And be careful with children, because a sudden movement, a scream, is enough to cause unwanted reactions.”
Can you give him what you have on your plate?
«We must maintain the habits of home, a few tastes in his bowl are allowed. Never on the ground.”
Are working dogs always allowed in the restaurant?
«Seeing eye dogs are permitted and are able to behave appropriately in all locations.
Advice?
«Dogs are special creatures, they love being with us. Raised as puppies, they have no problem accompanying us. The life they share together is short, let’s live it every moment.”
