Sharing the experience of eating at a restaurant or staying in a dog-friendly hotel with your furry friend can be enjoyable for both of you. However, for dogs not used to public spaces, being away from home, or those with nervous energy, these outings can also be stressful and the opposite of fun!
Try using a mix of techniques to help keep your dog calm and well-behaved and to resist reaching for treats and food-based distractions every time. While treats can be an effective way to occasionally reward calm behavior, they shouldn't always be relied on to soothe your dog. Overusing treats can lead to unwanted weight gain or even reinforce certain behaviors that you may want to discourage. Fortunately, there are many ways to help your dog stay relaxed and comfortable in these environments without always giving them food-based rewards.
Here are some practical, treat-free techniques to help your dog stay calm when dining out or when staying at a hotel.
Exercise Beforehand
One of the best ways to ensure your dog stays calm during a meal is to tire them out first. A long walk or play session before heading to the restaurant or hotel can help your dog expend excess energy, making them more likely to relax during the experience. Taking time for some exercise will also help them feel more comfortable with their surroundings and less prone to anxiety or restlessness. Also making sure they have had a pee and poop will help them settle.
For hotel stays, try to give them a run in a park nearby or a fun game outside so they can burn off physical and mental energy before settling into the new space.
Create a Familiar Space
Dogs thrive on familiarity, and this is especially important in new environments. When at a restaurant, bring along a small blanket, mat, or something that smells like home, such as your dog's favourite bed or a piece of your clothing. This small comfort can make all the difference in helping your dog feel secure in unfamiliar surroundings.
At hotels, ensure your dog has a designated space where they can retreat to relax. Bringing their bed, a toy, and familiar scents will create a "home away from home" and give your dog a place to relax when they need a break from the hustle and bustle.
Use Calming Aids
Pheromone products can be a lifesaver when you're out and about with your dog. These calming aids, such as collars, sprays, or diffusers, release synthetic pheromones that mimic those a dog naturally produces to signal safety and calm. You can spray the product in your dog's bed, crate, or on their mat when at a restaurant or hotel to help create a sense of relaxation.
If you're traveling with your dog and staying at a hotel, you can also use a portable pheromone diffuser to create a calming environment in your room.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Just like physical exercise, mental stimulation can help calm your dog. Instead of rewarding them with lots of treats, bring along a puzzle toy or a Kong, to keep your dog occupied while you're dining or relaxing at a hotel. These toys engage their mind, distracting them from the external environment and reducing stress. With Caboodle you can utilise our convenient pre-portioned dry food for this ensuring you are not adding to your dog’s daily amount.
For restaurants, you can also practice obedience cues to help your dog focus on you, providing mental stimulation while helping them stay calm. Basic tricks like "sit," "stay," or "down" can keep your dog busy and focused, without the need for food rewards.
Practice Good Manners and Training
Proper training is essential when bringing your dog to restaurants or hotels. A well-trained dog will be more likely to remain calm and well-behaved in public spaces, which means fewer stressful moments for you both. Training your dog to stay in a "place" (a designated spot like a mat or bed) can be an excellent way to keep them calm and under control in social environments.
Additionally, teaching your dog to "leave it" or "settle" when they get distracted by new sights or smells is key. Regularly practicing these commands in public spaces can build your dog's confidence and reduce anxiety when you're out and about.
Bring Familiar Items from Home
When staying in a hotel, bringing your dog's favorite items from home, such as their blanket, bed, or chew toys, will help them feel more secure. The familiar scents and textures can offer comfort and prevent anxiety in an unfamiliar hotel environment. You can even use calming sprays with familiar scents on their bed or mat to make them feel more at ease.
Stay Calm and Confident
Dogs are highly attuned to their owner's emotions, and if you're anxious or stressed about the situation, your dog may mirror those feelings. The calmer and more confident you are, the more your dog will follow suit. If your dog starts to get anxious or distracted, take a deep breath, stay calm, and speak to your dog in a soothing tone. By staying composed, you're showing your dog that everything is fine, which will help them feel more relaxed.
Designate "Chill Time"
Dogs sometimes need a break from the excitement, especially in busy public spaces like restaurants or hotel lobbies. Designating specific "chill time" throughout your outing can help them stay balanced. For example, if you're at a restaurant, take a moment to sit quietly with your dog, giving them a chance to rest. You can offer them calm, gentle strokes or just let them lie down and relax. If you're at a hotel, spend a little time with your dog in the room, ensuring they have time to unwind before continuing your activities.
Start Slowly with Short Outings
If your dog is not used to being out in public, start with short trips to less crowded or stressful environments. Gradually introduce your dog to more social situations, increasing their time at restaurants or hotels. Taking baby steps allows your dog to learn how to behave calmly in different environments. It also helps them build confidence in unfamiliar settings.
Practice "Wait" and "Settle" Commands
Before heading to a restaurant or hotel, practice the "wait" or "settle" commands when eating at home. These commands are handy when your dog needs to be still and calm. For instance, when you're at a restaurant, using "wait" before sitting down can teach your dog to be patient and calm as they wait for your meal. Likewise, a "settle" command helps your dog relax in one spot and stay quiet, even in busy environments.
Final Thoughts
Going to restaurants and staying at hotels with your dog doesn't have to be stressful. With the right preparation and strategies, you can help your dog stay calm and comfortable without relying on food-based rewards. Exercise, training, familiar items, and calming techniques can make all the difference in ensuring you and your dog have a positive experience when out and about.
By setting your dog up for success with these calming techniques and simple exercises, you can enjoy a stress-free time together, whether it's a meal at a dog-friendly restaurant or a stay at a dog-friendly hotel without inadvertently overfeeding or expanding their waistline.
