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When I go to a restaurant, I like to relax in an environment where I do not have to worry about anything except enjoying my meal and good company. A restaurant should be a place of hygienic processes and comfort. They are places for civilized people to go to enjoy fine dining and the company of friends. But does that mean man's best friend, the dog, should be allowed to go along also? I think not.

I am as much of an animal lover as the next person. Possibly even more so than many, as I love animals very much and am a firm believer of animal rights. I am against animal cruelty and treat my own pets like members of the family. However even I have my limitations.

Dogs are known for their spontaneous behaviour. No matter how well behaved a dog may be, they are prone to the unexpected. You may have a dog known for good manners and extremely good behaviour, but every so often something happens to cause the unexpected. This situation is highly undesirable in a restaurant. Restaurants run on good order and organization. They do not do well with spontaneous, unexpected disruptions. This only makes the restaurant environment chaotic and somewhat dangerous.

By allowing a dog into a restaurant, even if they are restrained by their owners chair and normally sit quietly without distraction, this creates difficulty in the restaurant environment. Surrounded by food, dogs are certainly prone to unexpected behaviour. Out comes your meal and suddenly the dog is on your lap, eating off your plate. Surely that was not what you wanted to happen. Then there is the fact that even the most kind-natured dog can become aggressive in the presence of food. This is hardly safe for small children or restaurant staff alike.

Dogs need to go to the toilet. Most dogs are trained quite well to know when and where they should not go. However, the average person likes to enjoy their restaurant meal over a period of an hour or two. This may be a little longer than possible for your dog to hold his business in. The dog may not intend to make a little mess, but accidents do happen and suddenly everyone around you has been put off their food. No one wants to eat in a place where dogs have been toileting. That is simply repulsive.

Dogs in restaurants is simply unhygienic. There is nothing clean or sanitary about this process. Sure we love our furry friends and they are like members of the family, but out of respect for other patrons, if you wish to have a meal with your dog, do so at home. Not in the company of others. A restaurant should be a place for humans only, without the added mess, rowdiness and risk of having your furry friends come along.

Of course there is one exception to the dogs in restaurants rule. If it is a seeing eye dog for someone who is vision impaired, then of course the dog should be allowed in. These dogs undergo rigorous training to do the right thing in all types of environments and whilst it is not ideal, these dogs are unlikely to react spontaneously, become dangerous or make a mess on the floor. However, unless your dog is a service dog, leave it at home.

Learn more about this author, Holly Rogers.
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