How to Take Your Dog Into Public | Dog Training

The RIGHT way

Put Yourself in their Paws

Are you struggling with how to take your dog into public the right way? Imagine having a small child that has never been in public before, and then taking them to Disney World on their first ever outing.

Unknowingly, this is what many people are doing with their dogs. When a dog is in their own home, they know it forward and backward. They know the traffic of who is in their home, they can predict what events will be happening, and the environment itself is very controlled.

Now imagine you are at the park and just getting your dog out of the car. Someone is grilling for a picnic and the smells are wafting around. Some kids are in the field playing soccer, screaming and laughing as they kick the ball around. A couple is jogging. There are bikes, scooters, skateboards etc. On top of all of that, there are other dogs! Can you imagine the stimulation your dog must feel? Maybe even afraid or overwhelmed. 

Start Slow and Easy

As simple as it may seem, this is the best formula for success for how to take your dog into public. For not only you, but them too!

Do NOT go straight for the dog park, festivals, markets, parades, etc. Try something a little more controlled such as your local hardware store.

Many hardware stores (like Lowes, Home Depot, Do It Best) welcome leashed and well behaved dogs. Environments like these will be a little more controlled and predictable than parks and events. Perhaps for a more anxious dog, ask a friend or family member if you can bring your dog into their home.

This will allow your pup to explore life outside of the house but in a very low key, easy setting. Some other great start locations would be an empty park or nature. Hiking trails. A restaurant with a dog friendly patio.

Be Brief

For your first adventures out of the home, try not to be gone for prolonged periods. Build up to being out for any duration. Even driving to the store, getting out of the car and walking inside the store and leaving within 5-10 minutes.

Try a quick walk around the aisles. No purchases or actively engaging with any other shoppers. 5-10 minutes may not seem like a lot, but your dog’s brain is taking in so much and working on processing it.

Having an outing that ends on good terms is key to a successful next trip.

If you overstay and your dog becomes startled or gets way too excited and can’t listen any longer, you are now ending on a negative note. This makes the next adventure out start on shaky ground. Start with quick, easy trips. 

Advocate For Your Dog

Believe it or not, not everyone needs to touch your dog. When people ask if they can pet your dog, it’s ok to say no! “Not today”, “No thank you”, ”Sorry, we are working”. Any reason you give is reason enough.

This will actually help your dog learn to not fixate and focus on every person/dog that passes, knowing you have their back and are acting as guard. For friendly affectionate dogs, this can help with leash pulling and whining, realizing that not everyone left their house for the purpose of petting them.

As with above and not wanting to end on bad terms, an improper meeting with a person or dog could spoil the progress you’ve made while being out. Take special note to read what your dog is telling you. Body language, panting, etc. Leaving before you planned to is WAY better than pushing your dog to stay in an uncomfortable situation for too long. 

Dress for Success

Start small. Start easy. Be brief. And for the love of all things, bring a leash and poop bags! Always leash your dog in public, for your safety and theirs. An everyday old fashioned leash is your best bet, anything over 6 foot begins to be excessive for an outing.

Not only do you want your dog at your side in public, but also you want to be able to remain in control. Additionally, most cities/counties have some form of leash ordinances requiring that your pooch remain leashed while out and about.

Lastly, bags. Poop happens, bags help. And it will make the store (or friend’s house) be more happy to see you again for your next visit!

Still need help? – Post a comment 

Leave a comment below if you need clarification on anything or if you have any other questions about your puppy. 

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