Socialization is an important part of raising a well-rounded dog. Going to parks and training classes, for instance, help your goldendoodle become accustomed to being around other people and pets and also help learn to obey you in different settings. Another fun way to introduce your goldendoodle to new environments is to take her to the store with you. (Be sure your puppy has received all her vaccinations before you begin taking her places with you.)
- Hardware Stores – Lowes and Home Depot allow dogs, so next time you’re gathering supplies for a home improvement project, bring your favorite goldendoodle along. When she’s small, you can bring a mat with you to place in the bottom of a grocery cart and let your puppy ride through the store. She’ll be quite the popular sensation! (note: Menard’s is not pet friendly)
- Feed & Supply Stores – Tractor Supply Co. is another great store you can visit with your goldendoodle.
- Home Goods Stores – Bed, Bath & Beyond is pet-friendly, as are some other home goods stores that do not sell food products. You can find some additional options in this detailed guide to dog-friendly national chains.
- Party Stores – Party City and many halloween stores welcome pets, so bring your dog to try on those different doggie costumes so she’ll have just the right look for the upcoming holiday.
- Craft Stores – Joann Fabrics is happy for your goldendoodle to come visit.
- Restaurants – A number of eateries welcome dogs to join their owners on the patio for dinner. Take your goldendoodle for a stroll along the Little Miami Bike Trail and then enjoy dinner on the patio at Paxton’s Bar & Grill or Tano’s Bistro with your furry friend (once she’s learned some basic obedience, of course!). We all know dessert naturally follows any good walk. Loveland Sweets sells doggie baked good and has a patio where you & your dog can enjoy dessert together. The first Thursday evening of each month during the summer, Graeter’s hosts Dogs’ Night Out, which our dogs LOVE. Aglamesis Brothers in Oakley & Montgomery periodically hosts Woofie Wednesday where dogs receive a free ice cream when their owners spend $3.
- Plant Nurseries – Many nurseries allow four-legged customers. Our dogs enjoy visiting Natorps Nursery Outlet in Mason, OH.
- Farmers Markets – Pick up some fresh fruits & veggies with your favorite goldendoodle at your local farmer’s market. Loveland Farmer’s Market even hands out dog biscuits! You may even find a tasty treat or unique pet accessory at one of the local vendors such as Krafty Kritters Pet Bakery & Boutique or Pet Wants. Cincinnati’s City Flea is another outdoor event you & your dog may enjoy attending together.
- Outfitters – Next time you find yourself venturing to Cabelas, be sure to bring your dog along. You may find that she’s fascinated by the fish swimming in the large tanks or curious about the display of taxidermy animals. Vertical Drop is another dog-friendly outfitter.
- Farms & Orchards – A&M Farm Orchard in Midland, OH invites apple pickers to bring their favorite set of furry feet to help them select choice fruit from the orchards each fall. Although A&M Farm doesn’t allow pets inside their small store, apple picking is still a fun activity in which to include your dog. Big Tree Plantation welcomes dogs, so pick out your Christmas tree with your pup at your side.
- Other Dog Friendly Activities – Cheer on the Cincinnati Reds with your goldendoodle at the event Bark at the Park. Morgan’s Canoe Livery in Fort Ancient allows dogs to ride in their boats (our dogs think canoeing is a blast!), and some 5K events welcome canine participants.
