While you’re working on training your puppy, it’s important to train your dog to respond to you in a wide variety of locations. Because dogs perceive new situations as entirely different environments—potentially with a different set of rules—exposure to a multitude of locations, humans, and other dogs is vital. Today we are sharing recommendations for where to take your dog to practice your puppy training – Dallas Dog-Friendly locations are numerous, and the city caters to canines more with each passing year! Here are our top picks for cafes and shops to break up afternoons spent at local dog parks.
Please note that your dog must remain on-leash at each of the following locations.
Half Price Books
5803 E Northwest Hwy.
This large Dallas bookstore is famous for carrying both new and used books, but did you know they’re also great with dogs? Teach your dog to walk quietly down aisles without jumping up on others, interact politely with other dogs, and wait in the “down” position next to your chair while you kick back and read in this very friendly shop. Employees will stop by and say hi, providing extra opportunities for positive socialization.
Most Coffee Shops
While it never hurts to ask first, most Dallas Coffee Shops are fine with dogs hanging out on the patio, and some allow them inside as long as they’re leashed and calm. Depending on space constraints, it might not be feasible for energetic large dogs to bound about, so if you’re working with a Great Dane puppy—all paws and enthusiasm—you will want to wear out your furry friend before you head over to pick up your caffeine.
Hardware Stores
With their concrete floors, wide aisles, and friendly employees, hardware stores are often great places to bring your puppy along. While rules for chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot have changed over the years and vary by location—so check first—almost all local hardware spots are delighted to help socialize adorable puppies.
Open spaces like these can also be excellent locations to walk puppies indoors; most young dogs can only walk for short distances, but practicing leash training and commands like “with me” is vital at every age and stage.
Mutts Canine Cantina
2889 CityPlace W Blvd.
Mutts is a gem unique to Dallas! As the name implies, this café is all about the dogs. Located on the site of a members-only off-leash dog park, this café also features a public patio where all are welcome. Mutts is a great opportunity to socialize with a huge number of dogs and dog-lovers, and your dog will be able to practice obeying commands despite a bevy of distractions.
If you would like to check out the off-leash dog park, you can purchase a day pass for $6, a monthly pass for $16, and an annual pass for $120.
Shake Shack
2500 N. Pearl St.
Dallas now has a couple of Shake Shacks, and while they’re all great, we highly recommend checking out the original Dallas location at the Crescent. The huge lawn is doggy paradise, and it will give you space to work your dog up to earning a Pooch-ini: vanilla custard with yummy dog biscuits blended right in.
Restaurants Savor and Relish
2000 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Located at Klyde Warren Park and only a quick walk away from the off-leash dog park inside (My Best Friend’s Park), these restaurants are both great with dogs. Stop at Relish for speedy walk-up convenience, or kick back at Savor if you’re more in the mood for savory gastropub fare.
In these settings, you’ll be able to work with your puppy on restraint; we’ve never met a pup who wouldn’t be tempted by the delicious aromas wafting through these eateries!
Remember, practicing puppy training should be fun, no matter where you go, in Dallas or around the country if you’re into travel. Keep your tone positive and upbeat, give your pup immediate feedback on behavior both negative and positive, and practice commands for brief periods of time in order to keep their attention sharply focused on the task at hand (paw).
It’s always a good idea to bring your puppy’s favorite toy, treats, or a clicker to reinforce positive behavior, especially when visiting new places. Keep in mind that even those commands your puppy has mastered – either at puppy obedience school or in your own backyard – will be more challenging for him outside of these predictable environments. Keep working on socialization, recall, and commands like “watch me,” “down,” and “leave it” to prepare your puppy to be the best he can be when out and about in Dallas.
