What's better than enjoying a cool drink under the summer sky? Nothing, say many city dwellers. Dog owners also enjoy stopping for a bite to eat at a dog-friendly beer garden. The experts from specialty chain Fressnapf have six tips on how dog owners can enjoy the beer garden season with their four-legged friend.

1. Dogs are more than welcome in many beer gardens and cafés - but not all. It's always better to ask if you are not sure whether you can take your four-legged friend to your table. Or, use the internet to find dog-friendly beer gardens in your area.

2. Head to the beer garden after a long walk. Dogs are much calmer and a lot happier to play the waiting game after letting off steam. If you want to "practice" visiting at a beer garden, pick a time when there aren't as many people around.

3. Obedience is absolutely essential when you are out in public with your dog. Your dog should react calmly to other dogs and people. And this also applies for food scraps on the floor, which smell very tempting to canine noses! Not yet confident that your dog can lie calmly and under the table, not impressed by anything? Then practice first with short visits.

4. Never tie your pet to a chair or table. A dog can rip through the beer garden, chair and all, creating a high risk of injury for all involved. A better idea is to put the lead under your foot. That way, you will notice if your dog moves under the table and can act quickly if necessary.

5. Look for a shady spot or let your four-legged friend sit under the table, or a blanket that you have brought with you. Some beer garden offer a dog bar or water bowls, which you should definitely pay a visit to. If not, bring your own bowl and fill it with water.

Don't give your dog scraps from the table! Spiced food doesn't agree with them and bones can splinter. Alcohol is likewise taboo. A better option is to bring your own treat, such as a chew bone, which will also keep your dog busy.

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Pictures from this article:

Going for a drink with a four-legged friend If your dog is well-trained, you can take them with you when going to a beer garden. Photo: Maxi Zoo/Ulrike Schanz (Photos may only be reproduced with permission and in connection with editorial text. High-resolution photos can be requested from the Fressnapf press office.)