How to ensure people ask for an encore

Living in the city with a dog has its own unique set of challenges. Having a dog that can accompany you on your many city adventures, bringing smiles to everyone it encounters, verses having a dog that annoys you and/or others throughout, is HUGE! What do you and your K9 city slicker need to know so that your BFF doesn’t need to be locked up at home? Nothing irritates me (and most people I know) like a begging dog. If you want to be able to take your fur baby to the cafe, bar, or restaurant, you need to make sure that there isn’t going to be big eyes, pawing, or even the putting of noses into other people’s food areas. Not only for other patrons, but for your friends and yourself. Make sure the experience is pleasant, and everyone will want your dog to join again!

1. Table begging

Nothing irritates me (and most people I know) like a begging dog. If you want to be able to take your fur baby to the cafe, bar, or restaurant, you need to make sure that there isn’t going to be big eyes, pawing, or even the putting of noses into other people’s food areas. Not only for other patrons, but for your friends and yourself. Make sure the experience is pleasant, and everyone will want your dog to join again!

2. No barking

We’ve all been there. Enjoying your down time somewhere, loving the dog friendly ambiance of a place, when suddenly your “all dogs are good dogs” mindset gets chipped away. Someone’s untrained dog gets excited by the arrival of another four legged friend, and the barking starts, and doesn’t stop. This is a one way ticket to pissing everyone off. Everyone will be wishing you would leave, and rightfully so.

3. Ready, set, poop.

I know it’s only natural, but boy oh boy can it be embarrassing if your doggo holds in its prize for that grand reveal outside (hopefully) your favorite drinks spot. It felt like my old dog used to wield this like a weapon. It is totally possible to train your dog to do its business as soon as you’re readying to leave, or as you leave your property.

4. Sitting still

The difference between taking your furry compadre to a venue, calmly sitting by your side or under the table, versus bumping into people, getting in the way, and slobbering on the pants of passers-by, is a biggie. In the one situation, people are jostling admire your proud pup, and the other gets whispers and ugly looks. A calm dog begets great vibes.

5. Getting along with others

We’ve covered a few ‘how to’ guides on this topic. Nothing makes dog owners shy away from including their pets into their daily activities like a good chance of drama. If your dog tries to fight other dogs, it (and you) will be asked to leave reeeeeeeal quick.

6. Does your dog bite?

Look, it isn’t great having people touch your dog, whether they ask or not (especially if they don’t ask). That being said it’s GOING TO HAPPEN. Dogs bite for a number of reasons, and almost all of them can be fixed with some consistent training and socialisation. Be the ‘friendly dog person’. Its a good look. Did you like this?