Top tips for coffee dates with your dog

Owning a dog has become much more social over the years, even since I have owned one. I’m sure when I had my first Golden Retriever, we didn’t think to take her out for a coffee but now dog specific and dog friendly cafes are common place. 

There can be nothing nicer than a coffee out with our dogs; a nice walk ending in a coffee or a colder beverage, but for some this dream feels some way off. 

Here are my top tips for working towards coffee dates with your dog.

I think the most important thing we need to remember about taking our dogs out and about is that it probably isn’t as much fun for them as it is for us. And for some dogs it is just too stressful, so the most important element is to make sure your dog is happy in the environment.

Because coffee shops can be busy or quite boring places for dogs, we need to teach them that there are rewards for good behaviour in these situations. 

I normally suggest to clients that they teach their dog to settle on a small mat that they can then fold up and take with them to the coffee shop. By teaching the dog to settle on this mat in an easy environment (such as their lounge) we can then transfer that behaviour to the coffee shop. Use a pillow case or a small blanket, you don’t want to be carrying your dog’s throne around with you!

Give your dog something to do when they are in the coffee shop. Many cafes have pup cakes or similar but don’t rely on this and instead take some stuffed food toys or just chews for your dog to enjoy while you are out and about. 

I would also suggest when you start this – get your coffee to go (this doesn’t work so well with wine, you might get a funny look!) in a reusable cup so you don’t have to stay in the café while you wait for it to cool. Just sit for a little while, let your dog settle and then leave before they are bored or restless. You can then build up the time you spend in the cafe without leaving half-drunk cups of coffee everywhere you go!

Start simple and easy, pick a quieter time and be prepared. If your dog can’t cope at this point set up a little café at home and practice there before you venture out and about.