The cooler weather makes it fun to get outside, and visiting a pumpkin patch is a fun and festive way to involve your dog in the season. Pumpkin patches and farms open to the public with autumn events like corn mazes are often dog-friendly. Bringing your dog to a pumpkin farm is a great way to spend quality time with your dog this autumn.
Finding Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patches & Farms:
Before bringing your dog to a pumpkin patch, make sure that the specific farm you plan to visit is welcoming to dogs. Some pumpkin patches are working farms that don’t allow dogs to visit because they are growing food, but many are dog-friendly or will have specific days where they welcome people to bring their dogs for a visit to the farm. Before heading out with your dog, check online to find out the rules for any pumpkin patch you’re interested in to see what their rules about pets are, if dogs are allowed, and what areas of the farm you can bring your dog.
Make Sure Your Dog Will Have Fun:
Before taking your dog to explore a pumpkin patch this fall, consider how your dog will respond to the outing. Pumpkin patches are generally busy this time of year, and dog-friendly locations are likely full of dogs and people. Make sure you bring your dog to the pumpkin patch so that they are comfortable maneuvering through crowds and around people and dogs. If your dog is still working up to being comfortable in more crowded environments, consider picking a different autumn outing or visiting the pumpkin patch early in the day before it gets crowded.
What To Bring:
When going to the pumpkin patch and farm with your dog this autumn, you’ll want to come prepared with everything your dog will need for a fun day out with you. Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so it may be warmer than expected. Pack enough water for you and your dog and a portable water bottle, making it easy to keep your dog hydrated. You’ll want to have a six-foot leash for your dog to wear. Avoid bringing long or retractable leashes to keep your dog close to you while at the pumpkin patch, corn maze, and other activities. You’ll want lots of high-value treats to reward your dog’s behavior. For a festive touch, consider bringing treats made with pumpkin if your dog likes them! You’ll also want to have poop bags, and consider adding some pet grooming wipes into your car so you can wipe the pumpkin patch mud off your dog before heading home.
When At the Pumpkin Patch:
While at the pumpkin farm, follow instructions from staff and any signage about areas where you and your dog can and can’t go. If the pumpkin patch has a petting zoo area, that likely won’t be an area you are allowed to go with your dog so they don’t stress or disturb the farm animals. Similarly, you may be unable to bring your dog out into the fields where the pumpkins are grown. This is because it is considered a working agricultural area where food is produced. Usually, pumpkin patches will also have a smaller area with pre-picked pumpkins where dogs will be allowed to accompany you. When you get to the pumpkin farm with your dog make sure to give your dog a chance to potty before entering the pumpkin area. By giving your dog a chance to relieve themself before going into the pumpkin patch, you’ll reduce the chances of your dog needing to potty near the pumpkins. Feel free to pose your dog with the pumpkins, but don’t let your dog stand on, pee on, or damage the pumpkins. If your dog poops while you’re at the pumpkin farm, be a respectful guest and clean up after your dog.
Many pumpkin patches also include activities like photo prop areas, which are perfect for capturing festive pictures of your dog. Pumpkin patches also frequently have corn mazes, which are usually dog-friendly. Exploring a corn maze with your dog can be especially fun as you can work together to find your way out of the maze… or at least enjoy getting lost together! While at the pumpkin patch, focus on your dog to ensure they are comfortable and having a good time. Always have your dog on a leash, and keep your dog close to you. Even if your dog is friendly, not everyone wants to say hi. Don’t allow your dog to approach other people and dogs visiting the pumpkin patch. Keeping your dog close is especially important if you’re going into a corn maze or other crowded pumpkin patch area where people and other dogs could appear unexpectedly from around a corner.
Take Breaks:
When visiting the farm with your dog, give your dog plenty of breaks from activities like wandering the pumpkin patch, corn mazes, and other farm events. Spending time at a farm can be exciting and overstimulating for your dog. During the outing, give breaks in a quiet area to let your dog drink water and relax. Take the visit at your dog’s pace, and use lots of treats and praise to reward your dog for paying attention to you while on your outing. Remember that your dog will be in a new and distracting environment with lots of new sights and smells, so might be slower to respond to cues than usual. In a new environment like a pumpkin patch, you’ll want to increase your rate of reinforcement, meaning more praise and treats than you might use in a less distracting government like your home or neighborhood where your dog walks daily.
