Patio season is here, and many breweries, restaurants, and cafes have welcoming decks and outdoor spaces where dogs can hang out with their guardians.
But bringing your dog along to these places is only a good idea if you know your dog will enjoy it as much as you would.
We asked AnimalKind accredited dog trainer Abbey Gregus of Modern Dog Training to share what to consider before taking your dog to a patio. Here is Abbey’s advice.
Things to consider before taking your dog to a patio
Enjoying a cold beverage on a patio is a classic summertime activity. But before you head to the brewpub with your dog, there are some key components to consider.
Are your dog’s needs met?
Ensuring your dog’s needs have been met is a must.
Water: As soon as you arrive, give your dog access to fresh drinking water. Bring along a collapsible water bowl and a water bottle. If possible, avoid using the shared patio dog bowl or ask a staff member for a clean one to protect your pup from contagious illnesses.
Food: Bring some of your dog’s food or treats to reward them for desirable behaviours, but don’t skip one of their meals so that they arrive hungry! You want your dog focused on you, not the person at the next table over who just ordered pizza.
Physical activity: Help your dog be ready to relax by providing them with time for physical exercise before heading to the patio. By having a dog whose physical, mental, and physiological needs have been met, we are addressing a key component of setting them up for success.
Are you setting them up for success?
When considering having your pup tag along, think about the level of distractions that will be present. If you haven’t worked on settling with your dog before, practice the behaviour at home first. Choosing an environment that is appropriate for your dog’s current ability will set you both up for success!
Use a resting place (such as a mat or towel) that is easy to bring along and can be used in training sessions at home and on the patio! Using a consistent resting place will help your dog understand what you would like them to do, with the resting place acting as a visual cue for the settling behaviour.
Always check the weather forecast to make sure that temperatures will be safe and comfortable for your dog depending on their age, coat, and breed. Seek shade and grassy areas; avoid sitting in the direct sun or on pavement (especially in the afternoon).
Are you ready to reinforce?
Bring along a treat pouch stocked with a mix of bite-sized pieces of your dog’s favourite foods! Work on capturing desirable behaviours for a patio environment, like focusing on you and/or staying quiet and stationary in their resting place when a distraction like a new person or dog passes by.
You may also find it helpful to bring a long-lasting chew or toy for them to enjoy in their resting place -unless, of course, your dog has resource guarding tendencies which could create tension or conflict in shared spaces.
Do what’s best for your dog
Take a moment to reflect on why you are bringing your dog with you. Is it for them? Or for you?
Consider how your dog would actually prefer to spend their time. For some dogs that means visiting somewhere with a little extra space between the tables, open sightlines, and multiple exit points for when the feelings get ‘too big’. For others, it’s being tucked in at home with a frozen stuffed food toy.
Keep in mind that nobody knows your dog and how to meet their individual needs better than you!
For more dog training and behaviour advice from professional dog trainers, check out BC SPCA’s AnimalKind Kind Corner articles.