How to Bring Dogs to a Picnic

A picnic should be a blast for the whole family, including the dogs. It certainly can be if your dogs are well behaved, angelic and never beg for grilled spare ribs--approximately 1 percent of the dog population! The other 99 percent can still go to a picnic with a little forethought and a watchful eye. A few tips will help you bring dogs to a picnic without ruining everyone’s fun.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog blanket, beds or old sheet
  • Tie outs if necessary
  • Leashes
  • Dog treats
  • Food and water bowls
  • Chew toys
  • Balls, flying disk and other toys
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Bring special dog picnic treats. Everyone else is getting scrumptious picnic foods so your dogs should, too. Bring a generous supply of healthy treats for your pups, like small pieces of plain grilled chicken, turkey hot dog chunks and small pieces of cheese. This way your dogs will have their own supply of yummy goodies and will be less inclined to eat the people food, which may not be the best for them.

    • 2

      Set up a dog zone. Pick a shady spot far enough away from the grill, picnic tables and main activities where your dogs won’t get in the way. Lay down a dog blanket or old sheet. Scatter a few chew toys and treats around the blanket. Hook up the water bowls. If necessary, use tie outs to secure your dogs in the dog zone if they are inclined to lunge at people eating spare ribs.

    • 3

      Do a round of introductions. Once your dogs are introduced to the dog zone, introduce them to the people at the picnic. You will know those who do not want to be introduced. Do not force it. This gets your dog used to everyone there so there will be no surprises if someone comes too close to the dog zone.

    • 4

      Treat the dogs when the people eat. Once the steaming ribs, corn and chilled potato salad is on the table, plop some of the special dog picnic treats in the dog bowls you brought. This ensures that the dogs won’t feel slighted or compelled to sit around and bark for people picnic fare.

    • 5

      Play. Part of the picnic fun is play and your dogs should be included. Play catch, chase and whatever other games you create with the toys your brought them. Romp with them so they, too, have a grand old time.