You may be looking for fun things to do with your dog instead of staying at home all the time. Taking your puppy on adventures is a great way to increase your bond while having fun at the same time. Your puppy can practice their manners, meet new people, sniff and romp around with other dogs, and get plenty of pats and back scratches.
19 Tips For a Great Outing with Your Puppy
Before you embark on adventures with your puppy, you may just start with a day trip to dip one paw in and test the waters. Here are some tips for planning a successful outing with your puppy so you can focus on making memories.
1. Pick the right place
Seek out establishments that are dog-friendly when planning your day out. These places are familiar with dogs in a business environment and will oftentimes have special perks to accommodate your pooch, such as special play areas and delicious treats. Don’t ever try to sneak in your dog somewhere they are not welcome or lie about their service status. If you are not sure, speak up and ask. A responsible puppy owner needs to follow the rules of the business.
2. Vaccinate your puppy on a recommended schedule
Contributing to public health quality means vaccinating your puppy. By vaccinating your puppy, you can prevent devastating, life-threatening illnesses that could otherwise result in suffering and even death. Up-to-date immunizations prevent the transfer of illnesses from pets to humans and other pets, showcasing your active role as a responsible pet owner. Work with your veterinarian to determine a schedule for receiving core vaccinations needed to keep a puppy healthy to make sure they are protected enough to go out in public.
3. Microchip your puppy
Microchipping your puppy is essential in unfortunate cases where you are separated from your puppy for whatever reason. The microchipping process is relatively painless and includes your updated contact information and can be scanned at any vet’s office or shelter. Your puppy should be wearing clearly labeled contact information on a collar.
4. Begin training your puppy as soon as possible
Providing basic puppy training and teaching your puppy commands can put your puppy toward becoming a model canine citizen. When you’re out with your puppy, you will want them to have the basics down like responding to their name, sit, stay, come, how to walk on a leash, and how to focus its attention back on you. The morning of your outing is not the time to start! And when you’re at your location, you’ll have so many small training opportunities to help them practice their manners.
5. Socialize your puppy
Instead of plunging right into a visit to a popular, dog-friendly brewery at peak times, set up a low-stakes event to ease your puppy into social settings. Invite a few friends with dogs over for a meet-and-greet play date, or supervise interactions with older kids and strangers to expose your puppy to a variety of situations. You may also want to expose them to busy street sounds or noises they may not hear at home.
6. Be aware of the environment
Even if an event or business is dog-friendly, that doesn’t always mean it’s right for your particular dog. One example is during town or event celebrations with fireworks. Another situation may involve a thunderstorm. Parades will have loud marching bands and honking horns. A family-friendly location may have shrieking, boisterous children at the next table. Dogs with sensitivities to these noises may act completely out of character and bolt, cower, or lash out. Because they are puppies, this might be the first time they’ve ever encountered these scary noises, so be extra sensitive to your puppy’s needs at your chosen gathering or establishment.
7. Pay attention to the time of day
Puppies often follow a daily routine for dogs, and you as their owner will know the times they are most active. Plan for your outing to be during the times when they are most engaged with the world so they have a great experience and aren’t overstimulated or too hungry. You can also aim for a time when businesses or trails are less busy if you think your puppy may struggle with too much hustle and bustle going on during popular times.
8. Safety and security
When you plan a day out with your dog, safety might not be the first thing on your mind, but it’s important to stay aware by being present. Make sure your cell phone doesn’t distract you. Don’t leave your puppy with someone you don’t know or trust, even if it’s just to go to the bathroom or pay a tab. Everyone loves a puppy, but there are unfortunately dishonest puppy-nappers out there looking to make a quick buck. Always keep a hold on the leash instead of people carrying or walking around with your puppy. Your puppy can dart away, or the person can have an accident where a squirmy puppy gets loose.
9. Have an emergency vet’s contact handy
You should have your preferred emergency vet contact programmed into your phone. If you don’t have one, now is the time to choose an emergency vet, know how to contact them in an emergency, and have an idea of how to get there. If you are traveling away from a drivable distance, locate an emergency vet near your destination. It’s always better to be overly prepared just in case!
10. Be prepared to clean up
With pets, especially puppies, come messes that will need to be cleaned up. As a responsible pet owner, you have no excuses when it comes to leaving waste – always clean up after your puppy. Have a cleaning kit in your car. Always dispose of your waste and keep plenty of bags on hand. If you don’t have a bag, you can find one, but you are ultimately responsible for cleaning up any messes your dog makes even if you are not prepared.
11. Carry a collapsible fresh water bowl
Some dog-friendly businesses keep fresh water for visiting puppies, but you should always be prepared to provide your own hydration for your puppy. You can buy a collapsible, portable water bottle to give your puppy some refreshing water no matter where you go. Offer water more frequently the hotter it is outside, and watch for excessive panting.
12. Bring some toys and treats
Taking a puppy on an outing may seem akin to taking a toddler out of the house, and there are definite similarities. Packing a little bag to hold everything is ideal so you’ve got everything in one handy place. In addition to bringing fresh water and cleaning supplies, be prepared to distract your puppy with some treats and special toys that will hold their attention. Giving your puppy something to do while you visit will help them choose calm, focused behavior. The treats will come in handy with the on-the-spot training opportunities you’ll have.
13. Be prepared for the weather
Some dog breeds have lush, thick waterproof double coats designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, other dog breeds have a short single coat that doesn’t provide much protection from the elements. These dogs can become cold rather quickly, so you’ll need to go shopping and pick out cute yet functional clothes during frigid temperatures. There are even adorable rain slickers, hats, and booties for puppies caught in a downpour.
In addition, some breeds will have problems breathing and overheating during extremely hot temperatures. Make sure to be prepared for whatever weather conditions may occur during your outing to keep your puppy as comfortable as possible.
14. Select the right dog leash
Each puppy is different, so that’s why we can’t recommend a leash that works for all puppies. It’s important to select the right leash for your puppy instead of going for the cheapest one you find. Consider the size and strength of your puppy. Be prepared to change out leashes as your puppy grows bigger and stronger. Don’t forget to factor in the level of training your puppy has achieved as well. For example, a retractable leash might not be the best choice for strong, stubborn puppies in an urban setting or using a collar-based leash for a heavy puller. If you’re walking around at night, consider a leash with reflective parts for visibility.
15. Pair the right leash with the right dog harness
Choosing the right dog harness for your puppy is a crucial component of a successful day out with your puppy. You don’t want to lose control of your puppy due to pulling or darting away if they catch something more interesting or have a high prey drive. You can choose harnesses with pockets if you need your puppy to carry lightweight objects safely. The right harness that fits your dog well and helps you control your puppy is the right one for you.
16. Pay attention to cues and canine body language
Dogs communicate their emotional state through canine body language, offering insights into their minds. They use facial expressions, sounds, and positions of the body, tail, ears, and eyes to demonstrate how they are responding to their environment. You’ll learn how to understand your puppy’s body language as you bond with your puppy.
17. Know when to take a break or go home
Do what’s right by your puppy and always follow its cues on your outing. Now that you know how to read your puppy’s canine behavior, pay attention to signs that your puppy is afraid, stressed, anxious, or overstimulated. If you notice your puppy about to have a little furry meltdown, remove them and find a secure, quiet spot for your puppy to be regulated again. If that isn’t working, be prepared to go home. It may not be ideal, but it’s a learning curve for both of you.
18. Be a good person
Puppies can be frustrating sometimes, but you will need to keep a patient attitude when out and about with your puppy. Sometimes it’s not just your day, and that’s okay. Keep in mind altercations with other dogs may happen. Pay attention to your surroundings and the actions of your dog and stay present when with your puppy (no getting lost in your phone or caught up in conversations). Own up if your dog is the one causing problems, and don’t blame others.
19. Make memories and document
If a puppy eats a puppachino and it’s not documented online, did it even happen? We love sharing our adorable puppies with the world! Find popular accounts and hashtags to share your puppy doing what it does best – being cute! Your puppy may even go viral!
Pawrade Offers Puppies Ready For Adventures
If you can’t wait to go on an adventure but are lacking a companion, you should browse our puppies for sale!
Whether you’re looking for the best family-friendly dogs, emotional support dogs, or active dog breeds that like to hike, you can find a puppy to cater to your preferences and lifestyle. Our friendly staff will help you every step of the way, from falling in love to holding your new furry pup in your arms. We look forward to hearing about your outings and adventures with your Pawrade puppy!
