There’s no doubt about it, enjoying a pint at a local watering hole is a British tradition that’s here to stay. The only thing more enjoyable is sharing this pastime with our four-legged friends by our side. They’re part of the family, after all, so why wouldn’t we pick up their lead and take them along?
It can feel a little daunting taking your pooch to new places for the first time, and a trip to your local is no exception. Pubs are busy environments which could introduce your dog to a number of new experiences: lots of humans, new furry pals and a noisy atmosphere, which could quickly turn your relaxing Sunday pub visit into a nightmare! We’ve put together some top tips to help both you and your pooch have a pleasant pub visit with the collaboration of Adem Fehmi, behavioural and training expert (BSc MCFBA) who’s also a Dog-Friendly Pub Awards judge, and Lisa Hens, Senior Scientific Officer at the RSPCA.
You may be in a rush to head to your regular for a perfectly poured pint or some social time with friends, but the first thing to think about is whether your pooch is going to benefit by coming with you.
Dogs are naturally social animals in need of stimulation and exercise (plus their fair share of fuss!), so taking our dogs with us when we head out for a pint could be the perfect opportunity to spend that precious time with our furry-pals. “If your dog is confident visiting new places and meeting new people”, says Lisa, “then visiting the pub gives dogs some much needed human interaction and companionship which is really important for them.”
What to Ask Yourself Before Taking Your Dog to the Pub
We know that dogs, in general, benefit from positive interactions with other dogs, people and places, but every dog has their own kinks, and pubs can often be noisy, bustling places, particularly if you’re visiting a city-centre establishment at peak times. It’s important as dog owners to treat our dogs as individuals and respond accordingly to their needs. Lisa says: “Whilst a lot of dogs will enjoy a visit to the pub with their owner, not all of them are confident in places that can be busy and noisy. So it’s important for owners to think about it from their dog’s perspective and consider whether their dog will enjoy it or not.”
As well as considering your dog’s confidence, Lisa suggests you should be asking yourself the following questions:
- How well does my dog get on with other dogs? Will they be happy in the same room as other dogs in the pub?
- Has my dog had enough exercise today? Making sure your dog has had their walk before heading to the pub will mean they’re less likely to have bundles of energy to use as soon as you arrive!
- Is my dog toilet trained? It’ll be unpleasant for both you and the other pub-goers if an accident happens. Always make sure your dog gets a toilet break before going into the pub.
- Will my dog be a good pub-guest? They’ll need to be under control (as in all public areas), so think about whether they’ll be happy sitting quietly with you.
Unfortunately, not everyone is keen on dogs (shocking, we know) so it’s polite to also think about the other pub-goers.
How to Make Sure the Pub You Are Visiting Is Suitable For Your Dog
Lisa helped creating an essential list of the dog-friendly basics, plus a few bonus dog-friendly features for those who go the extra mile.
The Basics:
- Are water bowls always available—inside and outside?
- Is there clear signage saying that dogs are welcome?
- Does the website make it clear that dogs are allowed?
- Are owners and their dogs generally being made to feel welcome?
- Is there somewhere shaded during warm weather for dogs to lay?
- Is there somewhere owners can eat inside with dogs?
Going the Extra Mile:
- Does the pub offer dog treats behind the bar?
- Does the pub offer a quiet area for the dogs away from the main noise of the pub?
- Is there a separate area where people can go if they’re not comfortable around dogs?
- Are there any ‘pet etiquette’ rules e.g. dogs should be under control whilst at the pub?
- Is there a place for muddy boots and wet paws to be left/dried (especially if the pub is near a walking route)?
Essentials to Carry with You
Along with the a lead, poo bags and toys, Adem suggests to take a portable bed, settle pad or mat with you to the pub: in order to be able to relax, in fact, your dog needs to be comfortable. Many beds can be folded or rolled up for easy transportation, although Adem recommends to introduce them at home first, so that your dog is accustomed to relaxing on it: you will make it a familiar place to reside and create positive associations. The bed will also smell familiar—of them, you, and home!
Related to this, “It helps to teach your dog the “Go to Bed” command”, says Adem. “Start teaching this exercise at home, using both your dog’s ‘at home’ bed and their travel bed, before expecting your dog to practise and understand this when you are out and about.”
You might also want to consider taking a long lasting chew with you instead of small treats—something that will both interest your dog and take a while for them to get through. Make sure the pub can provide water bowls and water—if not, you’ll need to take your own.
Last but not least, before entering the pub, allow time for your dog to observe and take in their environment at distance, rewarding their accepting and calm behaviour at each step with a tasty treat or favourite toy and praise. The goal is to make the experience positive and fun. In order to do this, work at your dog’s pace and take your time to help them feel confident and secure in these types of locations. Adem adds: “It is important to initially keep your sessions short and sweet so as not to overwhelm your dog. Over time and several visits, you’ll be able to move further into the establishment where it might be busier and louder, and stay longer.”
Taking your dog to the pub should be a positive experience for both you and your dog, as long as you do your research and go prepared. Here you’ll find some situations you could face once at the pub with your dog: planning ahead is key so that if they do occur, you’ll be ready to face them stress-free.
What to do if your dog is barking indoors
Adem explains that a dog can bark for many reasons, from excitement, to stress, to anxiety, or perhaps even due to fear of a person, object or other dog they may have come into contact with, if even from a distance. “If your dog does not typically bark for attention or with excitement and starts to bark, it is most likely they are not feeling comfortable in the situation.”.
He continues: “If you don’t want to leave, you can try to create space and a calmer environment by moving into a quieter and more secluded spot, away from whatever is worrying them. Praise your dog when quiet with your voice and a tasty treat. However, if this does not help your dog to settle, it is best to take them home or arrange for them to be collected and taken home by another family member.”
How to advocate for people (and their dogs) to leave your dog alone
Adem advises that if your dog is able to settle, but perhaps does not enjoy being disturbed by other people or dogs, high visibility jackets with clear signs on them such as ‘nervous’ can help, as can finding a space in a venue where your dog can rest without being disturbed. This could be a corner of the pub or close to a wall in the beer garden so that they are shielded on at least one side.
How to know if your dog is feeling anxious (and what to do)
Dog friendly pubs tend to be family–friendly, calm environments. However, if the venue does not have this vibe and seems unpredictable, it may make your dog feel unsafe. Carefully consider the venue you are taking them to beforehand.
Once at the venue, Adem suggests to be on the lookout for signs of stress and anxiety:
- A tucked up body and/or tail
- Cowering
- Ears pulled back
- Whale eye – where the whites of their eyes can be seen
- Panting or hyperventilating
- Shaking or trembling
- Actively trying to avoid something/a place
- Generally being agitated
- Becoming reactive to people, dogs or the environment in general
If you observe any of these signs it is best to stay calm and positive, and, if after a while they’re not settling, leave the pub. Remember to always think about things from your dog’s perspective, and to listen to what they are telling you through their body language.
How to train your dog for a pub environment
Start at home! If the pub is where you would like to eventually take your dog then try setting up a table, chairs, drinks and a travel style bed for your dog in the garden. “Keep them on the lead and offer them a long lasting chew or food dispensing toy to encourage them to settle. Keep your training sessions short, sweet and positive and build on this over time”, explains Adem.
Once your dog gets used to this activity and is responding well—always remember to reward them with your voice and tasty treats—you can then venture out at quieter times of the day to town centres, cafes and local events such as local markets. The more places, people, objects and types of environment your dog can feel comfortable in, the more likely they will be able to confidently accompany you to the pub!
