Going to the pub with your dog is a great experience for socialisation and adventure. However, if any part of you thinks your dog will feel uneasy or reactive in a busy environment, then the decision to take them along to a pub is one that deserves consideration. It can be a delight for both you and your dog with a proper approach and understanding. Let’s delve into a story that sheds light on this very question, offering insights and strategies for a positive experience.
It was one of those classically wet days in Monmouthshire—lively, mystical, full of magic. Just finished taking a stroll with our dear fellow Charlie when we came across ‘The Boat Inn’, which looked like a scene, storybook-like, in cottage style. We could see other dogs going in, and a couple sat cozily outside undercover. “Great!” we thought, “It’s dog-friendly!”
Not So Cosy For All
We went into probably the most homely pub, buzzing with people, that one could ever imagine: full of locals, hikers, and even a hen party—the type of atmosphere whereby everybody seemed like only a whisper away from making a new friend. There wasn’t an inch to sit on, so we warmed up at the log fire patiently, waiting for the crowd to thin.
Seated in one corner was a gentleman and his dog. The dog quickly became quite stressed and soon began to vocalise this. The owner, noting his dog’s threshold, quickly finished his drink to steer his canine companion outdoors and said that while his dog is ordinarily good in open spaces, closed areas are outside his comfort zone.
As they left, in the wake of eyes, space was freed up for us to blossom down and enjoy our meal. At that point, a question came to my thought: is it responsible to take a nervous dog into a dog friendly pub?
Dog-friendly pubs are absolutely great for letting your dog socialise with other dogs, people, and experience something new. But before doing so, consider how it would make your dog feel in the following scenarios.
Size of the venue
Micro pubs may not be the best place to bring a nervous dog. Selecting a venue with more room can make you and your dog much more comfortable and hopefully ensure a pleasant experience without the unexpected canine visitors.
Managing Vocal Dogs
If your dog tends to express themselves loudly, choosing a seat near the exit could be strategic, offering a quick retreat outdoors if needed. It’s also beneficial to understand the triggers behind your dog’s vocalisations in public spaces.
The Significance of Yellow
Yellow accessories with a ribbon or bandana attached to the dog’s lead or collar will do the most to indicate the need for extra space in case a dog has nervousness, health problems, or prefers to be left alone. Other pet owners should quite easily recognise the signal and give space. If he or she does not notice, a friendly explanation makes one aware for when they next encounter another dog.
Muzzle
Many misconceptions surround muzzles, linking them unnecessarily with aggression. Actually, they are absolutely very useful in training dogs or for safety reasons. Introduce the muzzle playfully to make use of the muzzle as a comfortable accessory to your dog, proving to be peace of mind in many situations.
You Know Your Dog Best
Ultimately, it means being attuned to the temperament of your dog and how they may react in different settings. Whether entering a small pub that is busy, or even an event that has too much noise; knowing what scenarios your dog does the best in will make all of the difference in your decisions.
“Should I take a nervous dog to the pub?” Loads of places are very dog friendly these days, but they do expect exactly the same amount of calm, pleasant interactions among pets as they do with people. A quick analysis of things like space and providing signals, be it yellow accessories or even a muzzle if called for, really sets the red carpet for each one of us to be able to have a great time when we’re out.
We believe in the idea—all dogs must have the chance to be taken to dog-friendly places—for a world full of peace and harmony between pets and people.
