Tips for Coffee Shopping with Your Dog
Craving Caffeine with Your Canine?
Do you love to take your dog with you when you go out? If you’re someone who thinks every activity is better with your four-legged friend tagging along, you may want to share your next coffee shop experience with them, too. And who doesn’t love seeing a tail wagging on the cafe patio? But it’s important that you and your dog are prepared for the social excitement and the responsibilities that come with a cafe visit. So, read further to learn some tips to get you and your furry friend ready for your caffeinated outing to your favorite Village restaurant.
Lay Some Groundwork
Dogs aren’t born knowing how to sit politely at their owner’s feet. It takes training. The good news is that it’s never too late to start. There are a few simple ways you can lay the groundwork for a well-behaved and social pup.
● One of the hardest things to teach your dog is not to jump up when greeting people, and this is a great place to start your training. Jumping up at home can be an inconvenience, but jumping up on a stranger carrying two piping hot lattes is a whole other story.
● There are some foundational training behaviors that are easy to teach at home. Start with these basics - especially getting your dog’s attention - and you’ll be on the road to caffeine heaven in no time.
● If you are pressed for time in your daily life (and really, who isn’t) consider hiring a dog walker. You may think that’s an unnecessary step, but dog walkers can help to socialize your pup with other dogs and people. And it is easy to walk to the many Village shops instead of driving, then your dog will likely get exposed to many different people and pups along the way.
Light on Stress, Heavy on Latte
Now that you’ve established some ground rules with your pup, it’s time to focus on the cafe experience of your animal-loving dreams. But if you’re feeling anxious about this step, know that your dog can pick up on your stress. If you see them scratching a lot or notice a dramatic attitude change, your dog may be feeling your anxiety, which means it’s a good time to get your drink to go… this time.
● First, find the right leash for your dog. It’s not just about looking fetch; it’s about following rules and keeping your pup under control and nearby.
● If you feel like you may need a little more than average control over your dog, consider a harness or Gentle Leader. Each option has different pros and cons, but both will help you manage your dog’s walking behavior safely and humanely as they train.
● There are a few essentials that will make your cafe experience more enjoyable for you both. Consider bringing a travel water bowl and a bone or toy for starters. It’s all about keeping your pup busy and happy so you can sip your espresso.
● Finally, you’re ready to scope out the dog-friendly coffee shops in your area. There are websites to guide you, or you can check the cafe’s website or Yelp review. And if all else fails, give them a quick call. It’s better to know where you can go before you get your heart set on a location that may not welcome your furry guest.
● Last but not least, be a good citizen by cleaning up after your pup. Whether they accidentally knock over a drink or do their business in the nearby grass, be a responsible pet owner and pick up after your dog, especially if you want to be allowed back in the future.
Now that you’re prepared, you can enjoy a trip to your local barista with your four-legged family. You can both soak in the delicious smells and the positive attention that comes along with a cute dog behaving well. And don’t forget to treat your dog to their very own puppuccino!
If you’re in the Fair Oaks area and are looking for something fun to do with your pup, check out our community calendar. You can find plenty of activities that are dog friendly, which means more socialization practice and fun outings with your furry best friend.
Story courtesy of Cherie Mclaughlin Photo Credit: Los Muertos Crew via Pexels