When Best-Laid Plans Aren’t

It’s not uncommon for plans to go awry. A recent experience with my dog, Oreo, reminded me of two essential things: the importance of planning and the need to see the world from my dog’s perspective.

Oreo and I often go on a “Sunday Fun Day” adventure while his dad’s band rehearses at our house. On one recent outing, I planned to visit a dog-friendly brewery that had been on my list for a while. I picked Oreo up from an overnight stay at a boarding facility located about halfway there. The staff reported that he had done well, and he seemed in good spirits as we drove the remaining 45 minutes to the brewery.

When I arrived, I noticed the parking lot was full, with additional cars lined up along the side of the road. I circled the lot and was lucky to snag a parking spot from a car that had just pulled out. At that moment, I realized I had not truly planned our outing. Using the crowded parking lot as an indication of how busy the brewery likely was, I decided to crack the windows and leave Oreo in the car briefly while I checked out the scene inside.

It was a nice day, so I strolled through the patio first, thinking it might be a quieter, less overwhelming option for Oreo. There was no open seating, so I made my way inside. The brewery was packed! Apparently, it was the tail end of a week celebrating the release of some special edition beers. Yikes! As I wandered through, I spotted an open seat at the end of a couch. Not my ideal spot, but it would do.

I asked the man sitting next to the open spot if it was taken. As he replied that it was available, I noticed an older dog curled up inside a dog bed on the other side of him. I let him know I had a large, adolescent dog with me and asked if his dog would be disturbed if we sat there. He politely responded that his dog wasn’t particularly fond of other dogs.

At that point, his companion offered to switch spots so that Oreo and I could take the open seat. I told them it wasn’t necessary. I suspected the environment might be too overwhelming for Oreo, and I was comfortable finding another space or leaving entirely to return another day. The couple looked surprised that I wasn’t insisting on taking the spot. I explained that I would much rather leave and find a better fit than risk having Oreo or their dog have a negative experience that could impact future outings.

They thanked me for understanding. I told them I appreciated their honesty about their dog, wished them a good day, and headed back to the car, where Oreo was blissfully unaware that I had just dodged a stressful situation for both of us.

Mindful Reflection – What do you think I did well? What could I have done better?

What I Did Right:

Checked in with the boarding facility about Oreo’s stay.
Assessed his mood on the way there.
Used the full parking lot as a sign to “advance” the environment.
Communicated with the other dog owner before assuming our dogs could share space.
Knew when to pivot instead of forcing a situation that wasn’t right.

Where I Fell Short:

I didn’t research the brewery beforehand. A quick check of their website or social media would have told me an event was happening.
I didn’t have a backup plan. If I had researched alternative spots ahead of time, I wouldn’t have had to scramble.

Planning ahead can set you and your dog up for success, and being flexible allows you to adjust when needed.

Reading the Room

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt uncomfortable? Maybe it was too loud, too crowded, or just overwhelming in a way you couldn’t explain.

Dogs experience this, too. Fears are often connected. In fact, research shows that if a dog has one fear, they likely have others as well. Understanding that dogs may have multiple interconnected fears helps me plan ahead and ensure that the experience doesn’t overwhelm Oreo. Just like people, dogs process fear and anxiety in their brains, and sometimes a minor stressor can trigger multiple fears.

A 2015 study analysis of canine fear responses by Tiira & Lohi, reported that of the dogs that were fearful in new situations, 63.7% also showed fear toward unfamiliar people and 53.5% toward unfamiliar dogs. Sounds a bit like what they might experience at a brewery, doesn’t it?

By advancing the brewery before bringing Oreo inside, I was able to recognize that the space wasn’t ideal for practicing our brewery manners without him needing to experience the overstimulating environment.

Mindful Reflection – How do you think your dog perceives new environments? Take a few minutes during your next outing to observe your dog’s body language. What are they telling you that could help you plan better next time?

A Successful Pivot

After stepping out of the brewery, I pulled up Google Maps and found another dog-friendly option on our way back home. When I arrived, I again left Oreo in the car for a moment to assess the environment. This time, it was perfect.

Instead of forcing a situation that wasn’t right for us, I made a choice that supported Oreo’s long-term confidence in public spaces. Every outing is a chance for both Oreo and I to learn more about how we handle new environments, and I’m always adjusting to make sure we have positive experiences.

Because here’s the thing: Brewery time is boring at best, scary at worst from a dog’s perspective.

If I expect Oreo to lie calmly while I enjoy talking with someone over a beverage, I need to make sure his mental and physical needs are met first. A dog that has had sufficient exercise and mental stimulation is far more likely to settle in calmly than one who has pent-up energy. Oreo’s play at the boarding facility and my decision to shift to a less chaotic environment helped set us up for success as we practiced the art of settling in a novel environment.

Planning doesn’t mean micromanaging every detail. It means making informed choices so you and your dog can enjoy your adventures without unnecessary stress.