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It’s great news that there are more and more locations across the UK that are becoming dog friendly. If you’re getting ready to start bringing your pup along with you on some dog friendly days out, it’s important to be prepared. Even if you’re an avid dog friendly explorer, we’ve got some tail-wagging tips to refresh your memory on how best to plan your adventure! Planning ahead ensures that you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable day out with your pooch, so, without further ado, here’s a list of things to note when preparing to take your dog to a dog friendly place.
Is your dog comfortable around people and animals?
First, you’ll want to make sure that your dog is well socialised and comfortable around other people and animals. If you’re not sure how your dog will react in a new environment, it’s best to start with a short visit to a quiet place. If your pup is particularly nervous, visit the location without your dog first if you can to get a feel for the layout and what to expect.
To start building up your dog’s confidence, we recommend visiting a local park with wide open space where you can keep an eye on other people and can move away if your dog feels uncomfortable or nervous. Do keep an eye out for any “threatening” objects that your dog may react to as well, whether it’s trees, cars or other dogs. Once you’ve built up your dog’s confidence, you can begin exploring more dog friendly places!
Make sure the place you’re visiting is truly dog friendly!
Although many places may be marketed as dog friendly, some may only have designated areas for dogs. This is particularly true for many dog friendly beaches across the UK. During the summer months, beaches can be partly closed, or closed entirely to visiting pooches. There are however many beaches that continue to have dog friendly parts that you can visit all year round, so make sure to double check before you pack your bags for the day!
The same goes for lots of dog friendly accommodation. Many are extremely well suited for dog owners and their pets, but others may not be entirely convenient. Double check whether your furry friend is allowed in areas such as breakfast rooms or if there are convenient locations to nip out for a late night toilet break! If you’re looking for help on finding some dog friendly places near you, head on over to our partner Dog Furiendly’s website where you’ll find their free platform chock full pawfect places to explore!
Vaccinations? Check. First Aid Kit? Check!
Our next top tip is to make sure that your dog is up to date with all their vaccinations. This will help protect them from any diseases they may encounter while away from home. Every pet owner should have a doggy first aid kit with them too just in case your pooch has an injury, and make sure their microchip details are up to date if they happen to run off or get lost.
Of course we always hope that our dog will be safe when out and about – but being prepared for an unexpected situation could save your dog’s life. Your first aid kit should include at a minimum; bandages, dressings, surgical sticky tape, cotton wool, gauze and blunt ended scissors. It’s always good to have a plan if your dog gets injured, especially if you’re visiting a more rural location or you’re on a dog friendly holiday. If in doubt, keep your dog on a lead if an area looks like it may be unsafe and keep your vet’s (or a local vet’s if visiting elsewhere) number saved in your phone.
Pack some snacks and lots of water
Next up on your packing list should be snacks and plenty of water to ensure your dog stays hydrated. Whether you bring a water bowl or a doggy drinking bottle, make sure you start off with enough water to get you from A to B. Planning ahead for where you can stop for more water is a good idea too, as you don’t want to be stuck trying to find it when your pooch is thirsty!
Toys to keep the boredom at bay
If you’re visiting an indoor dog friendly location, it can be a good idea to bring a small toy to keep your dog occupied. Sitting down for a long period of time can be boring for your pooch, so a favourite toy or chew toy can keep them busy and entertained. If you plan to stop off for a long lunch or prolonged sit down catch up with friend, make sure to take your dog for a nice long walk first so they’re less likely to beg for your attention.
Don’t forget to pack the essentials!
You’ll also need to bring waste bags, a leash and collar/or harness and of course some treats for good behaviour. It’s also a good idea to bring a blanket and even a towel as we all know how pups can find the most unexpected places to roll around and get mucky!
Final reminders
When you’re ready to take your four-legged friend to a dog friendly place, start with small, short visits and work your way up. Do some research for some dog friendly places nearby, and once you’ve found the perfect spot, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and have a plan in case your dog gets lost or injured. With a little preparation, you and your pup will be ready to enjoy all that the great outdoors (and indoors!) has to offer.
Special thanks to our partners at Dog Furiendly for this wonderful blog piece.
