Do You Want To Take Your Dog To The Pub?
There’s nothing more that I love than going for a nice dog walk and stopping at the pub or a café for a drink or bite to eat on the way. But for some dogs, settling down in a busy atmosphere can be a challenge and this makes being able to do these things with your dog really difficult. If your dog struggles to relax, constantly fidgets, whines or gets overstimulated, don't worry. With a little training and patience, you can help your dog learn to settle calmly at the pub.
**Secret Top Pro Tip Before You Take Them To Pubs**
Let’s just consider what an average dog walk looks like to your dog. You go out with them, you walk from A to B without stopping and then you go home. You’re both constantly on the move. Your dog expects that being outside means that you will be moving the entire time because that’s what you usually do. It’s a precedent that gets set, probably from early on. But every now and then, you want to call in to the pub and all of a sudden your dog is expected to stop and do nothing and this isn’t part of the ‘normal’ picture of a walk for your dog. Stopping and doing nothing, especially in a busy environment, isn’t something that your dog expects from a walk and this makes it really hard for them to do.
One of the first things I get my clients who want to take their dogs to the pub to do is to start getting their dogs used to stopping on walks as a general rule. This then changes the picture for them so that constantly moving isn’t always part and parcel of being outside. This is usually best started mid-way through your walk, or even toward the end once they have burnt off a little energy and will find it easier, as well as in a quiet place to begin with. On as many walks as you want (the more the better), simply stop, sit down, do nothing and then move on after five minutes or so, although some dogs might need less time at first if they find stopping particularly frustrating. Build up the length of time you stop for gradually, depending on how your dog copes. It’s a really simple and incredibly brilliant secret tip in working towards your beautifully behaved pub dog. As your dog gets more used to stopping and doing nothing on walks, start to get them used to stopping in more distracting environments gradually. I find that putting my foot on the lead each time becomes a nice cue for dogs to stop, reminding them that this is the time we don’t move and do nothing. Just make sure you give them enough length on the lead before you put your foot on it to be comfortable.
Second Tip
Always ask, is this the right environment for my dog and does my dog need to accompany me?
Not all dogs are suited to a pub/café environment. Before taking your dog along, consider their temperament, personality and preferences. Is your dog calm, social and comfortable in new places? Or do they get anxious or overly excited in busy environments? Is a busy space somewhere where your dog would choose to be or needs help to adjust to over time?
If your dog is nervous, easily overstimulated or often overwhelmed in high sensory spaces or by crowds and loud noises, pub visits might not be the right thing for them. It’s important to take your dog’s personality into account when you’re thinking about your own wishes and decide whether it is something they need to do. Not all dogs want to visit the pub! If you think your dog is suited to a pub environment, it’s usually best to start by visiting quieter pubs during off-peak hours to help your dog get used to the experience. But always consider your dog first, if you were easily overwhelmed by certain places, you’d likely choose to not go there that often.
Third Tip
Well-behaved dogs are more likely to be welcomed back to the pub and you’ll be more inclined and less embarrassed to do so if they are. Useful behaviours your dog should know before heading to the pub include:
Sit
Down
Stay
Loose lead walking
Leave it
Train your dog to be able to do these skills in more distracting environments over time.
Fourth Tip
Teaching your dog a “settle” or “relax” cue and skill can be a game-changer when you want them to calm down in public places like the pub. Start by teaching this in quiet environments and gradually work your way up to using it in busier spaces. Training your dog to settle in familiar environments such as your home is the first step. Here’s the basic foundations of teaching your dog to settle on cue:
Use a bed or mat as a designated space where your dog knows they should relax.
Encourage your dog to lie down on the mat and reward them with treats whenever they settle calmly. Gradually increase the amount of time they remain settled before rewarding them again.
Once they’re comfortable, start adding mild distractions (like background music or someone walking around) and practice getting them to settle. Slowly increase the level of distractions as they improve.
take your settle mat outside with you and practice their skills in different environments, gradually building up the level of distraction around them.
Now, I prefer my dog to learn to settle without the use of treats as I find that preferable when I’m out and about. But I do start to teach the settle cue with treats. The key here is to phase out the amount of treats and the time between feeding treats when they settle over time.
Thing to always consider!
Is the pub dog friendly?
Before you head out, make sure the pub you want to visit allows dogs. Many pubs are dog-friendly these days, but it’s not a given. Some places welcome dogs with open arms, even offering water bowls, dog treats or special areas for your dog to relax in, while others may have restrictions or designated dog-free zones. Check websites, call ahead or have a look for websites dedicated to listing dog friendly places for your dog to visit.
Monitor Your Dog’s Behaviour
Keep an eye on your dog’s body language throughout the visit. Signs of stress such as panting, pacing, whining or barking may indicate that your dog is uncomfortable. If this happens, consider taking a break outside or even cutting the visit short. Remember, your dog’s experience is just as important as yours, so be mindful of their needs.
Pack Essentials
Just as you’d bring your wallet and phone to the pub, you should also bring a few essentials for your dog:
Water: Many dog-friendly pubs provide water, but it's always a good idea to bring your own collapsible bowl and a bottle of water just in case.
Chew toy, long-lasting chew or frozen Kong: A toy, chew or Kong can help your dog stay entertained while you enjoy a meal. Just be sure to bring something quiet that won’t disturb other pub users! Sometimes a familiar item from home can help your dog feel more at ease in a new environment. Bringing along a favourite toy or blanket can make the pub feel like a more familiar and comforting place.
Choose the Right Spot
When you arrive at the pub, choose a spot that will be comfortable for your dog. A quieter corner away from the busiest areas is often best. Look for a spot with enough space for your dog to sit or lie down comfortably without being in the way of servers or other customers. If you’re with a group, try to situate your dog where they can feel included but won’t be overwhelmed by too many people at once.
Know When It’s Time to Go or Take a Break
Even if your dog is usually well-behaved, they may reach a point where they’ve had enough stimulation for the day. Pubs can be tiring for dogs, especially with the noise, people, dogs and smells. Keep your visit short, especially at first and pop outside to give them a break, or even leave completely, before your dog becomes restless or uncomfortable. Sometimes all you need to do is take a short walk and give them a few minutes to reset in a quieter area to help them decompress.
Gradually Increase Pub Time
When you first take your dog to the pub, don’t expect them to sit calmly for hours on end. Gradually build up the amount of time they spend there. Start with short visits and make sure to leave while they’re still calm. Slowly increase the length of your visits as they become more comfortable.
Be Realistic About Expectations
Not every dog will be comfortable in a pub setting, and that’s okay. Some dogs may never fully relax in busy, noisy environments. It’s important to respect their limits. Always prioritise your dog’s well-being and comfort over the desire to bring them along.
Enjoy Yourself
Finally, remember that taking your dog to the pub should be a fun and relaxing experience for both of you. By preparing ahead of time and being considerate of your dog’s needs, you will hopefully enjoy lots of trips out together.
Some dogs were made for pub life and some dogs not so much. Helping your dog settle at the pub takes a bit of effort, training and patience on your part and by following this guide it is completely achievable. Remember to start with small, manageable steps and build up to the pub.
If your dog suffers from anxiety or reactivity then please, please consider the spaces you take them to carefully. Get in touch below if you want help to train your dog.
