The Best Places for You and Your Dog in the Phoenix Area

A Guide by Puppies ‘N Love & Animal Kingdom

 

Build Your Bond & Confidence

Going out in public spaces together is a great opportunity for a ton of benefits for both you and your dog. It builds your bond, socializes them, and exposes them to new environments, which builds their confidence and trust in fellow dogs and humans alike. Not to mention, it’s plain fun!

As the weather finally cools off in Arizona, we find the perfect opportunity to explore what is right in our own backyard. The Phoenix Metropolis (Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Carefree, Scottsdale) is rich with puppy opportunities. Arizona in general is a very dog friendly state, with at least 43% of the population owning a dog in 2020.

Be Safe

Of course, in 2020 you also want to be cautious with regards to Covid-19. Lucky for Arizonans, it is much safer to gather outside versus indoors. While many other states are gearing up to be bundled up in the next few months, Arizona residents are dusting off their favorite light jackets and ready to enjoy some beautiful Arizona winter weather. Many bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios are still open with safety measures including social distancing, mask wearing, and readily available hand sanitizer.

Before you go to any public space with your pet, check online to see if they have any updated guidelines and do your best to follow them. If you have a very social pet, chances are they love to lick strangers faces, which you may not want to allow during this time.

Additionally, it is perfectly fine to social distance your dogs on the trails if you feel more comfortable. It is generally safer to keep your dogs at a distance when you come up to strangers and their pets on trails and walks. You know your dog, but you cannot predict where a simple sniff exchange could lead. It doesn’t hurt to ask when you approach!

Of course, you must be sure your dog is up-to-date on all of their vaccines before they go out on the town with you.

The Places

We dug up the dirt on the best places to take your dog in Phoenix. Check them out!

Hiking

Taking your dog to the trail is an awesome way to exercise and explore! Most big dogs, like German Shepherds, Labradors, Aussies, and Golden Retrievers will thrive on a daily walk or hike.

Remember, if you have a brachiocephalic breed (Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pekingese, Shih Tzus) then they will be better suited to a short, easy walk. Always be mindful of the danger of heat prostration, especially with these breeds.

 

Restaurants/Bars

If you have a lapdog who thrives on the opportunity to enjoy the finer things in life, these places are great for you. Most places don’t mind big dogs either, in fact, if you are a large breed owner, you proudly know what a beloved spectacle your gentle giant is in the public eye. Of course, if your dog “can’t hang” then don’t bring them into a formal dining situation where they could make a ruckus.

Here are some fabulous local food establishments that feature pet friendly patios:

Dog Parks

Dog parks are a great way to let your dog play, exercise, and release energy. When taking your pup to the dog park, it is important to know your dog. Stay close to prevent any issues before they occur. Of course, if you can’t control your dog, consider a more isolated way to exercise/play. Don’t overreact. Dogs feed off their owner’s emotions. If your dog is being pushed around, don’t yell at the situation. Calmly approach and pull the other dog off your dog. Most of the time, it’s just play, and a firm hand will fix the problem. Don’t be offended if someone pulls your dog off theirs, either. Remember, dogs don’t play like people. They mouth each other, knock each other over, flip each other around, pin each other down, run around like crazy, etc. Sometimes they growl and bark. Most of the time, it’s all good. Let them have fun and be dogs. Also, don’t ever bring a female in heat to the park, and always pick up after your dog.

 

Shops/Public Spaces

There are plenty of places that you can shop with your pup! These experiences are always a great tool for your puppy to learn manners. Taking puppies out on these kind of errands gives them the opportunity to socialize and experience the world! If you can, it helps to bring a puppy partner to handle your dog while you go into stores that don’t allow pets.