The first glimpses of sunshine are here, making us think of pub gardens and long evenings. Even better if you can bring your dog along to join in the fun. We’ve gathered up the tips and tricks we found most useful for helping your dog to enjoy the pub with you.
Picking a Pub
Many pubs are dog-friendly, but it’s always worth double-checking before you go. It can be a good idea to read reviews to see if other dog owners have had good experiences there.
If your dog is sensitive to loud noises, though, it’s best to avoid busy times like when there’s a big game or live music, so both you and your dog can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Later this month, we’re going to be rounding up our community’s top pub gardens to visit with dogs across the UK. Stay tuned for their favourites.
A Calm Dog is a Good Dog
Taking your dog to the park for a run or a scent walk helps burn off excess energy, making it easier for them to relax when you head to the pub. Beyond physical exercise, training your dog helps teach them to manage their energy and stay calm in unfamiliar places.
Training your dog outside the calm environment of your home presents a bigger challenge, so even basic commands like “sit” and “down” may be harder for them to focus on in a new, overstimulating setting. As your dog becomes more comfortable, gradually introduce more advanced exercises, focusing on neutrality and rewarding calm behaviour around things like other dogs or loud noises. This type of training not only builds their confidence but also helps them feel more secure in unfamiliar environments, like the pub.
Most dogs naturally enjoy having a designated spot to settle. Bringing along a settle mat, blanket or bag from home can help make them feel more comfortable. You can also teach your dog the “place” command, which signals when it’s time for them to head to their spot and encourages them to relax on cue.
Keep an eye on their body language. If they appear to be stressed or anxious, it’s a good idea to take them for a bit of a walk to do some sniffing and relax—or head home and try again another day. It will take some dogs time to feel comfortable at the pub, and practice makes perfect.
Snacks and Treats
The pub is a very good place for your dog to eat something they shouldn’t, so keep an eye out for stray crisps, chips, and spilt beer, all of which could be harmful if your dog eats them.
However, taking your dog’s favourite toys and chews can be a good way to keep them busy. Pick a quiet corner, lay your settle mat down, and give them a chew to keep them entertained for a while. If you forget to bring them, and your dog likes licking ice cubes, this is a good way to encourage relaxation, as licking releases endorphins and will help them calm down.
Taking your dog to the pub can be a wonderful way to spend time together and socialise with other dog lovers. With a bit of planning and consideration, you can ensure the experience is enjoyable for everyone involved. So next time you’re heading out for a pint, why not bring your furry friend along? After all, good company makes everything better.
From the MUTTS Community
Sami & Cherub: Miniature Schnauzer, 2 years old
We started taking Cherub to the pub as soon as we brought her home. We started with sitting outside at quieter times of day so it was less overwhelming — we’d bring her favourite travel bag, and she would take a nap in there for a bit of time out. Nowadays, she likes to fall asleep on my lap or have a chew in a quiet corner.
Ena & Rua: Mixed, 4 years old
When we rescued Rua, we didn’t know what he might be scared of or used to. We brought him to a few pubs and cafes. Quickly, it became clear that he can cope well in almost any situation as long as we or someone else is petting him. He then needs to walk around to say hello to everyone in the pub before he can relax and sit down on a soft surface. He will absolutely never sit down on a cold, hard floor, which I very much agree with!
Louise & Chicken: Toy Poodle, 2 years old
One of my main ambitions when training Chicken was that she would be a good pub dog, so we did a lot of training around this, taking her often and building up positive associations. She now absolutely loves the pub and tries to pull me in every time we walk past the one at the end of our road. For her, it’s a big playground; she loves getting attention from others at the pub and struggles to fully turn off, always looking for the next person to play with her. I find that a settle mat or bag works really well to give her her own space to relax, paired with a chew.
