Going to the pub with your dog – isn’t that the best thing EVER?
Maybe you’ve been walking your dog and fancied popping into the pub for a lunchtime drink. Or perhaps you wanted to combine a dog walk with a pub supper. Either way, it’s so nice when you and your furry friend can hang out together.
At this time of year, you can picture it, can’t you? The two of you relaxed and cosy in front of a roaring fire, you sipping a drink, your dog lying quietly by your side.
Of course, the reality might be very different, especially if you have a reactive dog or one with lots of energy who doesn't know how to settle down and switch off.
What happens if your dog won’t stop barking? Or they growl at customers? Or they see another dog? You might be worried that they'll bark or pester other customers, and the whole thing could be horribly stressful for both of you.
No wonder you might be feeling nervous about taking your dog to the pub. Perhaps it won’t be so lovely after all.
Well, don’t give up on your dream! Firstly, there are some great dog-friendly pubs in Northumberland – which you’ll find listed later in this article. Secondly, there are a lot of things you can do to enjoy a positive pub experience.
IS YOUR DOG READY?
You know your dog best. If they’re great around people and other dogs, and are confident in new places, there’s no reason why you can’t go to a dog-friendly pub when you’re walking in Northumberland. If your dog is sociable, they may love all the fuss and attention from the staff and customers.
If that doesn’t sound like your situation, though, it might be really helpful to get some dog training at Dogwood Adventure Play. We love working with reactive and easily distracted dogs to help them overcome behavioural issues. We offer 1-2-1 and small group training creating a customised training plan that works best for you and your dog. Our mission is to give you and your dog new-found freedom. Freedom to enjoy walks together without worrying about meeting other dogs and people. Freedom to go out and enjoy new places. And yes, freedom to go to the pub together!
PREPARING TO VISIT A DOG-FRIENDLY PUB
If you’ve never been to a pub on your dog walk before, you’re bound to feel anxious. A good start is to check out dog-friendly pubs in Northumberland (see my list below). Look at their websites and social media platforms, and don’t forget to read the reviews, as these will give you a feel for the place.
You can always give the pub a ring, too. You might want to find out in advance if they have designated areas for dogs, or if you can reserve a particular table out of the way where your dog will be less likely to be tripped over or have people want to stroke them all the time. A quiet corner can help dogs settle down easier too. You could also find out the best time to visit with your dog, so it’s not too busy or noisy.
Alternatively, if you’re passing on your dog walk, you could pop in to do a little recce. It could be a good opportunity to have a ‘dummy run’ – though obviously, don’t go in if your dog seems anxious or nervous.
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE?
It’s great when a dog-friendly pub provides water bowls but don’t just assume they’ll have them. If you’re not sure, you might want to take a travel water bowl with you.
The same goes for treats. They’re handy for a little snack (well, it’s only fair if you’re tucking into a pub meal!), and they’ll help your dog to create a positive association with the pub (like when humans have great food and they can’t wait to go back!).
If you’re planning on lingering over a three-course meal – and why not? – you might want to swap out small treats for a chew to keep your dog occupied for a while.
You might also want to consider taking a favourite toy or pre-prepared lickimat. Having something to play with will keep your dog entertained, and a familiar object will help them to feel settled.
And talking of feeling settled, you could even pack a comfort mat or portable dog bed (though I’d suggest you check with the pub that it’s OK to bring it). It’s best to take a mat or bed that your dog has already been using at home so the smell is familiar and they know it’s for relaxation.
TAKING IT SLOWLY
It can be a big deal going to the pub with your dog. You’re bound to be nervous if you’re not sure whether your dog will be able to relax. Through training, you might have built up your confidence taking your dog for walks in Northumberland – but visiting a pub together probably feels like a major challenge!
It’s completely understandable you’re worried about introducing a new experience. The best advice I can give is to take things slowly. You could start with a quick drink during a quiet lunchtime so your dog can get used to the new environment, starting off in the beer garden if there is one. And if things go well, you can head inside next time or stay a little longer and build up to staying for a meal (yes, I know that means going to the pub regularly!)
GETTING SETTLED
So you’ve had a lovely dog walk in Northumberland, and now you’re in the pub together. Hurrah! The next step is to find a good place to sit. If you’ve already done a recce, you might have spotted the perfect position tucked away in a quiet corner and booked a table in advance.
If not, try to find a spot where your dog won’t be blocking a door or getting in the way of staff or customers. You don’t want to be constantly worrying about people getting annoyed. And, of course, you don’t want your dog feeling anxious or someone stepping on their tail.
TABLE MANNERS
Being in a pub can be a whole new experience for you and your dog – and you might find that eating etiquette is a bit different from at home.
For one thing, it might not be the done thing to have your dog on your lap or jumping up at the table. And now is not a good time to let them feed off your plate – we might think it’s cute, but other diners probably won’t.
Of course, you can’t blame your dog for trying their luck and attempting to snaffle a tempting morsel, so don’t make it easy for them. Move your plates to make them harder to reach, and have a treat or chew ready to distract them.
Even if you’re dog has been trained not to ask for food at your dining table at home, this new content is unfamiliar, so they may not understand straight away that the same rules apply. Giving your dog the treats, chew, and lickimat will help you enjoy your meal in peace.
Are you feeling hungry?
DISCOVER THE BEST DOG-FRIENDLY PUBS IN NORTHUMBERLAND
Location: West Thirston, Northumberland
Overview: Dogs are allowed in the bar at this pooch-friendly pub and hotel.
Food on offer: Light bites, sandwiches and a main menu with pub classics.
Google rating: 4.5
Location: Otterburn, Northumberland
Overview: Four-legged customers get water on tap – and treats if they’re lucky!
Food on offer: Specialises in sweet and savoury crepes, and also serves up locally baked stotties.
Google rating: 4.4
Location: Warkworth, Northumberland
Overview: So friendly they allow dogs on the seats (bring a dog blanket!)
Food on offer: Everything from sandwiches to steak and ale pie, plus dog biscuits and ice cream!
Google rating: 4.6
Location: Morpeth, Northumberland
Overview: A dog-friendly pub and hotel with a shop and newsagents on the side.
Food on offer: Pizza and pasta dishes are a speciality from the authentic Italian chef.
Google rating: 4.7
Location: Greenhaugh, Near Kielder, Northumberland
Overview: A dog-friendly pub and hotel set in Northumberland National Park.
Food on offer: Traditional pub food like scampi and burgers, plus daily specials.
Google rating: 4.6
IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED…
You might be lucky. You might be walking your dog in Northumberland, spontaneously decide to pop into a pub and end up having a lovely time. But don’t feel disheartened if that doesn’t happen.
Maybe the pub was too busy, and there were just too many people and too much noise. Perhaps you couldn’t find the right table for your dog to feel settled. Maybe they were bothered by another dog or an inquisitive child.
There could be so many reasons why it didn’t work the first time. Or perhaps your dog would benefit from behavioural training to help them feel more comfortable. That’s OK. At Dogwood, we’re used to working with reactive dogs and easily distracted dogs – and their owners! – who need some judgement-free help. We’ve even got a special membership club where you can get personalised advice that’s relevant to your dog and your challenges, plus step-by-step video guides and access to experts – all snuggled into the most amazingly fun and friendly community of dog lovers.
You never know – you may meet some new pub friends there!
Want to join the Club?