8 Tips for Taking Your Dog to a Pumpkin Patch

Fall is the perfect season for spending time outside. Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and scenic hikes are just a few of the outdoor activities that autumn has to offer. If you’re anything like me, your dog joins you on every outdoor activity possible.  Pumpkin patches are the perfect fall activity for you and your dog as they’re safe, great photo ops, and fully outdoors. However, when you visit any new location with your pup, it’s important to be prepared so that everyone stays safe. Today I’m sharing 8 tips for taking your dog to a pumpkin patch.

Make Sure They Allow Dogs

While pumpkin patches are outdoors and seem like an obvious dog friendly location, not all of them are. Many pumpkin patches are actual working farms that involve crops and farm animals. These locations often don’t allow pets as they could be destructive to crops or disturbing to the other animals on the property. Do research and call ahead to ensure that the pumpkin patch you plan to visit does allow furry friends. 

Consider if Your Dog Will Enjoy It

Does your dog tend to get stressed out easily in new areas? If you have a more anxious pup, bringing them along to the pumpkin patch may not be the smartest idea. Most likely there will be a large amount of people and other dogs which could easily stress out your dog. If you’re worried your dog may become overwhelmed, maybe opt for a hike or other fall activity this year. 

Visit on a Weekday

Fall, October specifically, is peak pumpkin patch time, and the weekends are likely going to be extremely busy days. If you know your dog tends to get over excited when around large groups of people or other dogs, consider taking your pumpkin patch trip on a weekday. Call the location you plan to visit and ask them what their least busy day and time is and plan to visit then. Also, visiting at a slower time will ensure you get the perfect pictures without anyone photo bombing the background!

Well Behaved Dogs Only

Let’s be honest, we don’t all have perfectly behaved dogs. If you have any concern over your dog being destructive, eating things they shouldn’t, or barking at everyone they see, you may want to leave them home for this trip. If your dog is misbehaving it will end up ruining your day and causing a lot of embarrassment for you and everyone in your group. Plus, you’ll probably ruin other peoples experiences as well and may even be asked to leave. 

Pack Accordingly

Make sure you’re prepared with everything your pup will need for the trip. Bring a leash, since it’s likely the pumpkin patch will require all dogs be leashed. Pack a travel water bowl to keep your pup hydrated, poop bags to clean up after them, and treats to encourage good behavior. 

Have Them Pee First

Try to avoid your pooch peeing on a pumpkin by taking them for a quick walk before hand. It’s likely that they may try to mark on top of areas that other dogs have been, but keep a close eye on them to avoid this as much as possible. If your dog does happen to pee on a pumpkin, you should probably just go ahead and buy it so that nobody else has to.

Keep Them on a Tight Leash

The majority of dog friendly pumpkin patches have a “leashed dogs only” rule. Keep your dog on a regular length leash (no retractable leashes!) and by your side at all times. While we all adore our furry friends, the same can’t be said for everyone else visiting the pumpkin patch that day. Don’t let your dog approach other people, dogs, or farm animals without permission from the other party.

Take Lots of Photos!

There is nothing cuter than a pumpkin patch photo, which is why they’re such a popular fall activity! Remember to have fun at your trip to the pumpkin patch and take plenty of instagram worthy photos of both you and your dog. They’ll be cute memories to look back on for years to come!

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