Part of the pleasure of attending an outdoor event is the opportunity for our dogs to join in the fun! But the reality is that it’s hard for a dog, especially a young dog, to relax outside. After all, that’s where the most exciting things in life happen – walks, fetch, car rides, and encountering new humans and canines.
So, how can you help your dog be more relaxed at sidewalk cafes or outdoor events? By applying two simple rules: 1) set your dog up for success by preparing ahead of time, and 2) prove that relaxing can be just as pleasant as active fun.
If you want your dog to accompany you to a human place and behave by human rules, then he should first have the chance to go to a doggy space and behave like a dog. It’s not just reciprocity, it’s common sense. The more energy your dog blows off before you get to your destination, the more willing he will be to relax with you when you get there.
Once you get to the restaurant or event, think strategically. Consider sitting out of the path of passersby and make sure your dog is on leash. The average leash is 6 to 8 feet long. That’s 6 to 8 feet of space for your dog to pace, play, and greet others – quite a distance in a crowded situation. Shortening your leash to only 2 to 3 feet keeps your dog close, makes sitting or lying down the most comfortable positions by default, and prevents tangled disasters.
It’s tempting to interact with your dog when he’s active, but talking to him or petting him when he’s exploring actually tells your dog that you like it when he is up and moving about. Instead, you want to interact with your dog when he is calmly sitting or lying down. This emphasizes how great relaxing can be!
If treats are abundant every time your dog lies down, lying down is going to start to look pretty wonderful. Keep those treats coming every minute or two if your dog stays in position. If he gets up, calmly bring him back and ask him to sit or lie down again, then reward him for taking that position by giving a treat. Once your dog gets used to this concept, you can gradually decrease the rewards.
If your dog is relaxed, it’s important to address the inevitability of boredom. You would never expect a toddler to quietly sit with you while you chatted with friends at a cafe or enjoyed a picnic without giving her something to focus on, right? Well, your dog is like a toddler in a fur suit – if you don’t want him to annoy you or get into trouble, bring him something to occupy his time. Just remember: being outside is exciting for him. A regular old toy might not keep his interest, but something special like a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or a bully stick probably will.
Remember that even with these training tips, not every dog is going to be a good companion in outdoor spaces meant for humans, and not every outdoor event is going to be a good fit for your dog. If your furry friend is anxious, reactive to other dogs, or very high energy, he may be more comfortable hanging out at home while you are away. If your plans include listening to live music, keep in mind that many dogs have trouble at outdoor music events because of the volume. Be sure to sit far away from the speakers to protect your pup’s hearing.
Now you’re really ready to enjoy some outdoor fun with your best furry friends!
Shoshi Parks, Ph.D., is a dog trainer and owner of Modern Hound in San Francisco. She donates her dog training skills to the San Francisco SPCA and teaches the Senior Stars! class at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. For more info email modernhound@gmail.com or visit modernhoundsf.com.
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Main article photo by: M Rocket
