Some evenings it's not so bad to have your dog as your companion. To help you know where to go in Broad Ripple, I checked with restaurants again this year to find which ones have dog-friendly patios, allowing dogs to lie at your feet rather than tied up on the other side of railing.

Before the list, however, let's talk about manners. These are reminders of pointers I wrote last year. Always check that a patio is dog-friendly before heading out. Don't ever leave a dog in a hot car.

Do

• Always keep your dog on a leash.

• Keep hold of the leash or tie it to a table or chair leg.

• If you have to leave the table, do not leave the dog alone. Give the leash to another person at the table.

• Tuck your dog under the table, giving it the down and stay commands.

• If other dogs are present, service dogs always have the right-of-way.

• Bring along a plastic bag and paper towels in case there's an accident. Clean up after your dog if the unforeseen happens.

• If you want to bring your dog but it is not trained yet, enroll in a local obedience school. Tell the trainers your goal. They will help you and your dog become ready to navigate such a evening out successfully.

Don't

• Don't let your dog sniff other dogs. That's a no-no, and if dogs make locked eye contact, escalation of attitudes can happen. (A dog fight can ruin everyone's evening and access.)

• If your dog can't do a 1 hour down/stay while you dine, don't bring it along.

• Never feed the dog from the table. If you have scraps to give the dog, save them for the car or food bowl at home.

• Don't let your dog bark while on the patio.

• Caution: Young puppies are susceptible to disease. They should not be exposed to lots of dogs until their vaccinations are complete.

Dog Friendly Patios in Broad Ripple and on 54th Street*

* If the place you are going is not on the list, call ahead. You don't want to leave the dog in a hot car.

I did find that restaurants do welcome service dogs and understand the difference between a pet and a service dog. Beyond Broad Ripple, you'll find dog-friendly dining at Oh Yum Bistro, the 56th Street Emporium, Barking Dog Cafe, Alibi's on Shadeland, and downtown at Palomino's (they always offer a water bowl) and Creation Café at Bugg's Temple.

In conclusion, a dog reflects the care and training the owner has given him/her. Remember dogs are like children. They have to be taught how to behave, and they have to practice the social skill of dining out.