You lot really love going to the pub with your pooch, don’t you?
Our recent article about the best pub for pups in Northumberland was super-popular.
I can’t say I’m surprised. What can be nicer than enjoying a dog walk and then popping into a local pub for a drink and a bite to eat? And at this time of year, it can feel extra special to come in from the cold and find lots of festive cheer (and beer!)
We wanted to find more pubs where you and your pup would be made to feel welcome, so we asked our clients to tell us which pubs they visited around Darlington, Stockton and Middlesbrough.
We’ve put together a handy little list – but first, let’s recap on how you can get the best out of a pub visit with your furry friend.
DAWN & ROCKY: OUR WONDERFUL CLUB DOGWOOD MEMBER GIVES US HER ADVICE ABOUT GOING TO THE PUB WITH HER DOG
Pubs, walks on the Moors, pretty little towns and villages with their doggy and human pals; I love following Dawn and Rocky’s weekend adventures - they always look like they’re having the best time! They completely embody the Dogwood ethos of fun, freedom and adventure! I was delighted when Dawn offered to share her tips with us about how she enjoys stress free visits to the pub with Rocky.
Here’s what Dawn said when we interviewed her. . .
How do you prepare to take Rocky to public places like the pub?
‘When we first adopted Rocky, one of the first things we worked on with him settled mat training. We did this in the house to start using a bath mat which he knew was his safe place. We would use it when we were cooking tea, so he knew that this was where he could relax and just chill.
We would then take the bath mat with us when we would go to public places like a cafe/pub or a hotel when we went on holiday.
Rocky would settle on his mat as he knew the drill and that this was where he got treats if he was relaxed and calm. The focus games from Club Dogwood also help a lot, as it means Rocky will focus on us if another dog comes into the pub or if gets noisy.’
What do you take with you to the pub?
‘The bath mat has now been upgraded to a much easier-to-carry roll-up dog travel mat with a handle and press studs to keep it all neatly packaged up. We also take with us lots of high-value treats / chew to help him settle or play the focus games.’
Do you have any tips yourself?
‘We started off small with visits to places we know well that are local and that are dog friendly to build up Rocky’s exposure to a pub/cafe environment. He can be reactive to loud noises so we make sure to play focus games with him and to give him some time outside the pub if we notice he is becoming stressed.
Rocky became a regular at our local pub for quiz night and would get lots of fusses from the staff. This really helped as he soon associated the pub with positive things, so-much-so he will stop opposite and indicate that he wants to go in now!
It’s always a good idea to note an escape route to the door should it be needed. Being prepared to call it if the pub/cafe situation isn’t working due to factors outside your control is also a key thing.’
What's it like having Rocky at your feet while at the pub?
‘It’s nice to see when Rocky has his frog leg pose as you know, he is really relaxed and calm. Mind, if there are chips on the go, he won’t be at our feet there will be a head in my knee wanting one!
It is also lovely when Rocky makes friends with humans and dogs alike in pubs. He definitely now sees them as a positive place to go, as he gets lots of attention.’
Thanks Dawn and Rocky! Keep on living your best pub life!
To sum up: here’s how to take your dog into public places (like the pub) without any stress…
1. Get to know the pub
Before visiting a pub with your dog, it may be handy to pop in to get a feel for the place (I know, it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!). You can see how busy it is and look for any particular areas where your dog would be happiest – such as a quiet corner away from the door.
Noise is another thing you could check while you’re there. Some pubs show sports on TV, or host quiz nights and live entertainment. Also, take note of the time of year too, during summer, football matches or Christmas, the atmosphere in pubs in Darlington, Stockton and Middlesbrough is likely to be merrier than usual!
2. Phone ahead
Of course, it might not be convenient to do a recce first. I’d suggest giving the pub a ring to double-check they’re still dog-friendly and find out what areas of the pub your dog is allowed in. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a pub looking forward to a leisurely meal in the restaurant only to discover dogs are restricted to the bar area.
3. Pack for success
Car keys, phone, wallet. Brilliant – you’ve remembered the essentials you need to take to the pub! But what about your dog? For a successful visit that you both enjoy, it’s a good idea to pack some doggie snacks and chews and perhaps their favourite long lasting chew or pre-prepared lickimat. Having treats and something to entertain them will help your dog feel settled – which means you won’t have to rush off before dessert!
4. Remember eating etiquette
Your dog may need to do things differently if you’re having a pub meal. That might mean not sitting on your lap or snaffling food from your plate (though you really can’t blame them for trying!). Hopefully, the treats and chews you brought along will distract your furry friend and give them a doggie dining experience of their own to enjoy.
Taking your dog for a good walk before going to the pub can help them settle so that you can relax. Here’s Rocky meeting some local wildlife.
IS YOUR PUP READY FOR THE PUB?
In an ideal world, your dog will be pub-ready. The two of you can go to one of the dog-friendly pubs in Darlington, Stockton and Middlesbrough and have a wonderful experience together. Of course, as the owner of a reactive dog, the reality can be very different. Thinking ahead to what might happen – the barking, growling at customers, not being settled – you might feel like it’s more trouble than it’s worth to even try.
I understand your concerns. And I’m happy to tell you that you and your pooch could make the perfect pub companions with the right dog training.
Dogwood's trainers and behaviourists specialise in reactive and easily distracted dogs – so we totally get where you’re coming from. We know that you’d love to share more experiences with your dog – like going to the pub – without the pair of you feeling stressed or unhappy. Our 1-2-1 dog training programmes focus on you, your dog and your particular challenge. Nobody else’s – just yours.
The pair of you can discover a new lease of life! And that, I reckon, is worth raising a glass to! Cheers!
And if you’re wanting to get your pup trained up early, so you can go to the pub (or wherever you like) with them in the future, our puppy training classes are the best place to start.
DISCOVER DOG-FRIENDLY PUBS IN DARLINGTON, STOCKTON AND MIDDLESBROUGH
Thanks to our dog training, our clients two-legged and four enjoy regular visits to pubs around Darlington, Stockton and Middlesbrough. Here are a few of their favourites…
Location: Norton, Stockton-on-Tees
Overview: Dogs are welcome in all areas of the pub and there are doggie treats at the end of the bar.
Food on offer: They don’t serve food – but if you love beer you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Google rating: 4.3
Location: Norton, Stockton-on-Tees
Overview: A dog-friendly gastropub with a cosy snug and stylish beer garden.
Food on offer: Everything from breakfast to bar snacks, sandwiches and steaks.
Google rating: 4.3
Location: Redmarshall, Stockon-on-Tees
Overview: Well-behaved dogs are welcome here.
Food on offer: All the classics – plus a special Parmo menu for lovers of the famous Teesside dish.
Google rating: 4.3
Location: Darlington
Overview: Dog-friendly pub overlooking the market square.
Food on offer: A huge choice including main meals, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch and kids’ menu.
Google rating: 4.2
Location: Thorpe Thewles, Stockton-on-Tees
Overview: Small, dog-friendly area in the conservatory.
Food on offer: Everything from fish finger sandwiches to venison fillets, plus an early-bird menu.
Google rating: 4.5
Location: Newton under Roseberry, Great Ayton
Overview: Dogs are welcome on the hard-floored area in the bar area – and there are doggie biscuits at the ready.
Food on offer: Breakfast, light bites, lunches, main menu and Sunday roasts.
Google rating: 4.3
Location: Dixons Bank, Middlesbrough
Overview: Dog-friendly pub with Sky Sports and BT Sport.
Food on offer: Famous for its Flamin’ Grill steaks, burgers and sharing plates.
Google rating: 4
Location: Marton-in-Cleveland
Overview: Has a dedicated doggie menu and a wall of fame for dog visitors.
Food on offer: Brunch, lunchtime toasties and wraps, pub classics, small plates and sharers.
Google rating: 4
Where will we see you?
My favourite stories are when my group training clients bump into each other at local pubs–with their dogs, of course. They sent me a photo on WhatsApp recently of them enjoying a pint together. . . and of course I wasn’t jealous at all!
If that sounds like something you’d love to do, check out our dog training services.
Also, check out our brand new course, all about how to have the BEST summer with your dog–enjoying holidays, days out, and, of course, sitting in the beer garden on a beautiful summer’s day. It’s called Save Our Summer - and it will help you have the best summer yet with your dog!