It can often seem like there are more dogs out and about than ever before. This, of course, is because an increasing number of pet owners are taking their pups with them wherever they go. So, is this an option for you as well – of course!
As you can imagine, taking your pooch to public places isn’t always as easy as you might imagine. Thus, to make sure that the outing goes as smoothly as possible, you should consider the tips below.
Do Your Homework
Since pet ownership has increased over the past few years, more and more public spots are opening their doors to pups. At the same time, not all locations are equally as welcoming. Therefore, you always need to do your due diligence before heading out to any place.
With a little bit of research, you will discover that there are a number of stores, cafes, and even sports stadiums that you can take your dog to! To avoid any confusion, however, always call ahead and make sure that you can take your pooch with you. If you’re travelling in the UK or Ireland, you can check out Dog Friendly Retreats.
The good news for you is that there are now more dog-specific spots than ever before. So, if you head to a dog park or eatery that is welcoming to all pets, you shouldn’t have any trouble at all.
Contemplate Special Considerations
Can your pooch be considered a service animal? Or perhaps they function as an emotional support dog? If so, you may have some wiggle room here. According to the law, service animals are allowed into most public spaces. This rule doesn’t extend nearly as much to emotional support pups, but most places will make an exception.
To cut down on the level of resistance from business owners or public management, make sure to register your dog on a site such as https://usserviceanimals.org/. This way, you can prove to the people in charge that your pup’s certification is the real deal.
Ease Your Pup Into New Situations
You can’t simply take your dog to a public place and expect them to behave perfectly. If you take your pup from the calm conditions of your home to a noisy public area, you can expect some issues. An unexpected situation or unfamiliar territory may cause your pup to be fearful or even aggressive.
This is why it is important to slowly introduce your dog to a new situation. Don’t take them to an overcrowded, noisy place immediately. Instead, first, take them to a public area that is relatively calm and quiet. Let them get used to this type of situation. Then, once they have adapted to it, you can gradually take them to more populated destinations.
It is also a good idea to socialize your pooch so that he or she is used to other people and animals. They will then be able to stay calm, even when they are approached by people or animals that they are not used to.
Prep for the Trip
Think of your dog as a baby – they are going to need plenty of stuff regardless of where you are going. So, make sure that you prep for the trip properly. This way, you will have exactly what you need at all times. As a result, you and your dog will enjoy your outing a great deal more.
First and foremost, make sure that you have your pup’s harness, leash, and everything else that you might need to keep them under control. Then, focus on the essentials that your pup may require. This includes water, a water bowl, treats, food, etc. And, of course, you are going to need cleanup bags, disinfectant, and other tools to help deal with any accidents.
Planning on staying in one spot for a while? Then you may want to pack your pup’s favorite toy. In fact, this is a good tip if your pooch tends to be nervous when they are outside. Having something comforting and familiar can help him or her to relax quite a bit.
Be Aware of Other People and Pets
You may have the friendliest, most loving pup in the world. However, this doesn’t mean that everyone you meet is going to like your dog. There is also a chance that some of the dogs you come across on your outing may not appreciate the attention from you or your pup either.
Thus, always be aware of your surroundings. Is a stranger warily eyeing up your dog as you get closer? If so, make sure to steer clear of them. The same thing can be said for any pooch that appears nervous, overly excited, or aggressive. Since it can be difficult to predict what other dogs will do, it is best to keep your distance.
Know When to Call It Quits
Even with all of your planning and prep work, your pooch may not be cut out for a long outing. There is no need to fret, though. Some dogs can take a longer time to adjust to newer surroundings. Or, maybe, your dog just isn’t into crowds and noise.
Nonetheless, it is important to take notice of your pup’s behavior. If they are having trouble calming down or just can’t seem to get comfortable, this is a signal to pay attention to. At times like this, it is best to pack your things up and head home. After all, it is much better to leave before your dog gets too agitated.
On a similar note, avoid staying out for too long. When your pup gets hungry or tired, they may be less inclined to behave well or listen to you. So, to prevent any problems from arising always set a time limit on any of your outings. This leaves you with plenty of time to get home before any issues arise.
These are the top guidelines to pay attention to if you want to take your dog to public places. Keep in mind, it can be slow going if this is an entirely new experience for your pooch. However, as long as you follow the above tips, you will find that your outings are much easier to tackle.