Is my dog ready for the Beer Garden?

Your dog might have learnt to settle at home in the safety of his bed or crate, but has he learnt to relax whilst you sit down outside?

What is going to happen when you take your dog and sit down in a beer garden with friends, or have a picnic on a blanket? Is your dog likely to settle? Or, instead bark, “hey, I thought we came out for a walk and play,” jump on you and chew the lead.

Before attempting the beer garden or picnic, start preparing your dog by teaching him how to settle outside the home.

When you are out on a walk, take time to sit down at a park bench, get him to settle by your side and watch the world go by. Don’t let him go off and play with other dogs, not only is that not teaching him to settle, it is potentially putting him at risk if he is out of control.

If other dogs run up to you and your dog, and the intrusion is disruptive, politely ask the owners to call their dog back. Whilst the park is a public place, you are still entitled to peace.

Relax and enjoy your dog’s company.