Rover and my Mocha Latte

9th May 2016

Many of us would love to take our "best friends" with us to a cafe for a coffee, but it just doesn't work. It doesn't have to be that way...

Many times, we make assumptions regarding our dog's "happy place". Just like our mothers did with us when we were young, we must socialize our dogs to situations in which they will normally be placed. Today, I want to talk about having a coffee, tea, or whatever at a public cafe. Here is what you do:

1.First, take your dog to the cafe when it is closed. Just sit outside and drink a coffee that you might have brought from home. Be sure to have something to entertain your dog.

2.After doing this several times, now come back when the cafe is open, but during a slow time. Your dog will now experience a few people. Be sure to watch your dog's body language and to keep his focus on you.

3.When your dog is comfortable in this situation, come back when there is a normal amount of people in the establishment. Never sit in the main entrance, but always off to the side. Continue to watch your dog's body language and to keep his focus on you.

The most important item to remember with this exercise is to keep it slow and to keep your actions consistent. If, for any reason, your dog becomes too agitated on any visit, get up and walk down the block.

Your Bark Busters trainer can provide you with more details regarding this process and can even lend assistance, if necessary.

Subscribe to our news feed View all news items