We did it again - volunteered to be puppy raisers for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). Our assistance dog in training, Seth III, is now nine months old and ready to dine with us on the patios of Broad Ripple. Although he has access to indoor restaurants with his service-dog-in-training identification, the outdoor summer experience is the most fun.

If you haven't met one of our previous 11 service dogs, I'll catch you up. We have raised eight golden retrievers; two labs (one black, one yellow); and one lab/golden mix. Our number 12, a golden retriever, got to be part of a recent fundraiser for CCI at Milano Inn. The festive event brought together a group of puppies-in-training, service dogs, and friends for an evening of good food, music, and a silent auction. Proceeds were donated to CCI.

As volunteers, we tend to the puppy's every need for 14-16 months: food, toys, grooming, training, and veterinary bills including neutering. We are then notified of a turn-in date at which time we return the dogs to CCI for continued training by professional trainers, first as a novice and then as an advanced service dog. If a dog makes the grade and matches with a person with a disability, it will go on to serve. The person may have any disability other than blindness, which requires a differently trained dog.

So now that Seth will be out and about, it's a good time to share thoughts about dining outdoors with dogs in Broad Ripple. Check out the business and restaurant sections in the Gazette. A paw print next to a restaurant's name indicates a dog-friendly patio. Before setting out to dine out with your dog, always check that the patio welcomes dogs. I also encourage you to practice with your dog before you go to a local patio. Don't ever leave a dog in a hot car if your plans have to change.

Some suggestions when dining out with your dog:

• Always keep the 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 the dog under the table, and give it the down and stay commands.
• If other dogs are present, service dogs ALWAYS have the right of way.
• Don't let your dog sniff other dogs, especially service dogs. If they make locked eye contact, escalation of attitudes can happen. (A dog fight can ruin everyone's evening and threaten future access.)
• Bring along a plastic bag and paper towels in case the dog has an accident. Clean up after it.
• If your dog cannot maintain a long down/stay command (1 hour while you dine), don't bring it with you.
• Never feed a dog from a restaurant table. If you have scraps to give the dog, save them for the car or food bowl at home.
• If you want to dine out with your dog, but it is not yet accomplished enough, enroll in a local obedience school. Tell the school your goal so trainers can help you and your dog become ready for this experience.
• Caution: Young puppies are susceptible to disease and should not be exposed to lots of dogs until their vaccinations are complete.

Finally, remember that a dog reflects the care and training an owner has given to it. Dogs are like children - they have to be taught how to behave, and they have to practice the social skills involved with dining out. See you out and about!