Top Tips for Taking Your Dog to a Café

There are so many places which are now dog friendly so it can be nice for us to take our dog with us to a café, pub or restaurant.

But there are some key things we should consider first to make it enjoyable for both us and our dog.

Things to consider before you go:

• Will your dog enjoy this experience? Or will they find it stressful?
• Will you enjoy it? Or will you spend the time worrying about how your dog is feeling and behaving?
• Does your dog have any issues with other dogs? Or being approached by strangers?
• Does your dog mind noisy environments?

If you’re not sure, just leave your dog at home and work on these other behaviours first in calmer environments.

Things to take with you:

• Water and water bowl
• Treats
• A calm activity for your dog to do- e.g. lickimat, snuffle mat, natural chew
• A mat for your dog to settle on

Top Tips:

• Consider the time and location of the place you’re going to
• Choose a quiet table where your dog can relax
• Get your coffee in a takeaway cup so you can leave at any time
• Ask people to give you and your dog space if your dog needs it- your dog can’t speak so we need to advocate for them. There is nothing wrong with saying ‘no’ to someone who tries to pat your dog if you know they won’t like it.

References

Dogs Trust, Settle Training: Train your dog to settle | Training | Dogs School | Dogs Trust

Kennel Club: Visiting dog friendly places to eat | The Kennel Club