Preparing a café-suitable dog in three easy steps, ensuring your pet is promptly ready for outdoor dining!

In a bid to help dogs feel more at ease in bustling environments, expert trainer Piper Novick, founder of Happy Dogs Training, has shared a three-step process. This method is designed to teach dogs to relax, even in the face of distractions.

In the first step, the dog is asked to lie down on a prepared mat. A 'yes!' is marked and a reward given when the dog complies. This sets the foundation for the training.

In the second step, Novick suggests adding distractions to the training process. This could involve wiggling a chair, crossing and uncrossing legs, using a phone, or looking away. If the dog breaks position during distractions, Novick advises asking them to return to the bed and waiting a beat before rewarding.

In the third and final step, Novick recommends practicing the training in different locations around the house, yard, and public settings. This helps to make the picture familiar for the dog, and aids in their ability to relax in various environments.

High-value food rewards are essential for public settings, with examples including chopped up hot dogs and cheese. These rewards help to counteract the increased distractions that public settings present.

Rewards are given three to five times, and the dog is released with the word 'okay!' and a treat tossed away from the bed. This pattern is repeated, gradually building the duration.

Novick also recommends stuffing a Kong with something the dog likes, such as yogurt or peanut butter, and placing the dog's bed on the floor next to a dining room table with pre-placed treats. Preparation is key, according to Novick, with training sessions ideally happening near the end of the day when the dog is tired.

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Spending time with your dog in public settings, such as dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, and breweries, can improve your relationship with your dog. Not only does it offer mental and physical enrichment for the dog, but it also provides an opportunity for you to bond with your pet in a new and exciting way.