For many, a table at Sydney’s Opera Bar overlooking the blue water of its world-famous harbour is prime real estate in summer.

But seagulls swooping in to pick at meals forced the bar’s administrators to enlist trained dogs to ensure patrons enjoy themselves at a venue trying to recover after Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

Sammy McPherson, general manager of the Opera Kitchen adjoining the bar, said they have noticed an 80 to 85% reduction in the aerial attacks since the dog patrols were trialled in 2018...