Are you the sort of dog owner who takes your dog everywhere?

[RedRed9]

I am. 😂

Partly because my work/life mean that I can and partly because he gets anxious when left alone.

For example: if you were going for lunch and the place you were going to was dog friendly; would you be most likely to take your dog or most likely to leave them at home? Is this due to them (their size/behaviour) or due to your personal preference?

[itadakimas]

I would love to be that person - it's honestly what I imagined it would be like. However, I have a real reactive dog so I can't.

I get pretty upset by it too.

Enjoy your dogs company! you are very, very lucky.

[Toria70]

I did when I had one, but now there are two it's more difficult. And they're both quite big spaniels. The eldest is 7, and is so well behaved and easy going that I just took him everywhere.

The baby dog is only 14 months and still has some manners to learn though it's excitement as opposed to sheer naughtiness.

They do however come to work with me and are very rarely left.

[RedRed9]

The reason I’m asking by the way is because I’m currently sat in a cafe and overheard the conversation of two people next to me. One woman said, “Oh, it’s dog friendly! You should have brought Bertie.” And the other very vehemently replied, “Oh God no!”

Which made me wonder why she felt so strongly about Bertie definitely not setting foot in the cafe. 😂

[LimpidPools]

Yes. She gets anxious and barks if she's alone at home. Not great for the neighbours and not great for her. We live in a flat.

I don't have a car and she's allowed most places. She's quiet and well behaved. Also, if I'm out, I'm generally out for hours. Taking her along is more practical.

Would occasionally like not to have to though.

[HarrietBasset]

Both! My dog comes out to lunch etc and also often to work with me. But if we are going out in the evening and its not dog friendly or cinema for example I'd happily leave her at home. She's a 6 month old puppy and quite chilled (minature dachshund so easily transported!)

[finn1020]

I do if it’s dog friendly, we have a cavalier King Charles so she fits in anywhere (and usually gets fussed over). Previous dog many many years ago was a German Shepard and very difficult to take anywhere due to size and temperament, so not so much with it.

[itadakimas]

Mine is incredibly good with food - he isn't snatchy or a beggar or anything, so in that context he'd be no problem in coffee shops/pubs.

It's all the other stuff. He'd be spoilt rotten too, so he's really missing out unfortunately. I'd love to be able to do what you guys can!

[AliasGrape]

I can’t take my dog to work (though he’s been on visits to my class when he was younger and enjoyed meeting the children - these days he’d rather be left in peace). He isn’t left alone though, he stays with my in laws (was my mum till she passed away).

If visiting family/ friends I tend to take him unless i know they would prefer otherwise - most are doggy people who are keen to see him, but some aren’t and that’s fine.

Eating out cafes etc I tried when he was younger and he was a pain in the arse so that stopped for a few years, these days he’s far more chilled and so we do take him the odd time to the pub or for lunch. We take him on holiday where every pub/ cafe etc is dog friendly and he comes everywhere, we took him on honeymoon!

[RedRed9]

I’m sorry @itadakimis That’s great that he behaves so well around food though.

[MerryMarigold]

I think depending on your dog, it's a bit like having a child so you need to be aware of them/ consider them, making it harder for 'me' time. I also generally pop into a shop or two if I'm out to grab a few things I need and the dog would not be allowed in there. I don't want to leave her tired up outside.

[MangoHat]

Yes, if my dog is allowed to wherever I’m going, I bring her along. It enables me to keep her company and exercise her, then I also don’t feel guilty leaving her at home when I go out to places she isn’t welcome.

I have a friend who has an excitable young Labrador and she is very envious of my ability to bring the dog to lunch - hers isn’t called Bertie but sounds like he could be similar!

[Spidey66]

Bit of both, I do try and bring her places that are dog friendly but do sometimes leave her behind. I can't bring her to work but my husband is retired so that's OK.

I do have to be careful where there is food as she can be very greedy. I took her to a farmers market at the weekend but on a very short, tight leash, as otherwise she'd be jumping on counters. I also worry about toddlers in buggies eating food as being just her height. So far it hasn't happened and she normally likes children (she likes being made a fuss of and being played with) but I'm not taking any chances. I don't want her to scare children, I want them to like her!

[EastCoastDamsel]

I take mine almost everywhere. He's a total nightmare in restaurants etc unless he has a long walk though, so I often will leave him in the car (provided of course that it is safe to do so) while we eat and take him out for a stroll before and after to stretch his legs.

He loves the car and almost religiously comes on the school run (30min)

If he has to be left at home, I get the dog walker to come in and walk him while I am out

[Sarahlou63]

When I had one, yes. Now I have seven, no!

[EastCoastDamsel]

I will leave him at home in the evenings though as he just sleeps anyway

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

Yes, I do sometimes take him into a cafe with me if we’ve been out somewhere nice for a walk. He’s fine with food, he’s just quite big and tends to sprawl out across the floor making it awkward for everyone else.

[RedRed9]

@Sarahlou63 seven?! 😱😍

[FFSFFSFFS]

Take him everywhere.

I live in Brighton - when we go to a cafe or restaurant he normally gets served before me.

Having said that - I do still do other things that he can't go to. I leave him alone for max 4 hours otherwise have to get someone to look after him.

I feel really weird when I'm out without him now!

[Stellaris22]

Both. If it's a pub on a nice walk then it's lovely. However I have heard people complain they can't go shopping with their dog and gets angry they can't take their dog into shops (it's the type of dog that would wee on everything). I think it's a balance and understanding not everyone likes or wants to be around dogs.

[labazsisgoingmad]

yes my last dog used to come everywhere with us. our two dogs now they do our boot sales with us go to slimming world the auctions if we cant take them in they are in the car always loads of blankets etc so nice and snuggly obvious home more in hot weather but thats ok because i stay in too

[GeraltOfRivia]

I'd love to but he's a 10 month old teen and big so until we have more training and experience under our belt I can't.

Speaking of...best way to start training a nice settle down type move for when having to sit in an exciting space?

[Halfcharged]

Nope, our pup is 6 months old and the he most we’ve managed is my brothers house and a cafe in the forest (after a long walk). He’s just so excited by everything all the time that it’s impossible to relax. He’s happy left home along for a bit as long as he’s had a good walk so I’d rather do that.

We’ve got a week away with him in the summer and when we booked it I had visions of pub lunches and sunny beer gardens, I just don’t see how that can actually happen!

[OhLook]

No, my dog is a naughty, excitable nightmare. I enjoy a break!

[RedRed9]

@GeraltOfRivia I was going to suggest that to @Halfcharged (teaching settle). It can take them a long time to get the hang of it but it is a good thing to put the effort in to in the long run. There are loads of how to videos on you tube.

[Halfcharged]

I’ve started at home, when he’s settled in his chair or bed I’ll randomly drop him a treat but it just goes out the window when we’re out somewhere or if someone comes to the house. I’m hoping the excitement of life will wear off eventually!

How long do these things actually take to click with them?