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Time to get out! Your Dog Lover's Guide to Sydney's Pub Life for the perfect "pub pooch summer."
We checked in with Juan Pablo Vanegas, founder of Sydney doggy experts, Oh My Woof! (a top-notch doggy day care and walking company), for his ultimate guide. He’s compiled for us the essential tips and the must-visit spots so you and your pup can be the most relaxed (and best-behaved) duo at the pub.
Is Your Pup "Pub-Ready"? Juan Pablo’s 5 Rules for a Smooth Trip
Let’s be honest—a stressed-out or misbehaving dog ruins the fun for everyone. Juan Pablo stresses that success starts before you leave the house. Follow these five golden rules for a guaranteed good time:
1. Tired Dog = Good Pub Dog: This is the golden rule. Take your dog for a solid walk or run before you head out. A well-exercised pup is far more likely to chill out peacefully at your feet than an energetic one.
2. Bring the Comfort Kit: Help them feel settled! Pack the water, a travel bowl, and some treats, but also consider bringing a mat or a familiar blanket. Having something to lie on helps them feel secure and makes settling down much easier.
3. Keep it Contained: Those free-roaming pups are adorable until they’re tripping a waiter or sniffing someone's dinner. Use a short leash or train them to stay securely under your table. Keep them close!
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| A calm, older black dog with a grey muzzle is settled and tied securely to a chair leg at The Henson Park Hotel, illustrating how to keep your pet relaxed and contained while dining out. |
4. Avoid the Oops Moment: No one wants a "pub puddle." Make sure your dog goes to the toilet before you leave home. And obviously, always have those poop bags ready, just in case.
5. Know Their Limits (It’s OK to Say No!): Be honest about your dog's tolerance. If they haven’t been around crowds, loud music, or constant stranger-pats, start slow—try quieter hours or stick to outdoor areas. If your wingman isn't trained or confident enough yet for a social setting, it's perfectly fine to leave them home. If you're out for ages, just make sure to organise a dog walker or book them into doggy daycare.
The Number One Mistake Owners Make
What's the most common problem Juan Pablo sees? It all comes down to underestimating a pub's stimulation level and overestimating your dog's comfort in that environment.
The number one mistake Juan Pablo sees owners make is simple: "Many owners assume their dog will be fine in a busy and noisy environment filled with people, food, and other dogs," he says. "But most of the time, pubs can be overwhelming. Dogs can quickly become anxious, reactive, or disruptive if they aren’t well-socialised to that level of stimulation."
He stresses that owners often miss the subtle signals and only react when the dog starts barking or lunging. The subtle signs you must watch out for are lip licking, yawning, or turning away.
The number one mistake Juan Pablo sees owners make is simple: "Many owners assume their dog will be fine in a busy and noisy environment filled with people, food, and other dogs," he says. "But most of the time, pubs can be overwhelming. Dogs can quickly become anxious, reactive, or disruptive if they aren’t well-socialised to that level of stimulation."
He stresses that owners often miss the subtle signals and only react when the dog starts barking or lunging. The subtle signs you must watch out for are lip licking, yawning, or turning away.
"Once your dog is truly pub-ready," says Juan Pablo, "you’re ready for the fun part!"
The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Tour: Sydney’s Best Hangouts
Oh My Woof! has sniffed out Sydney's absolute best spots to suit every dog's personality—from the posh sipper to the community socialite.
- Bar DEMO (Newtown) — For the Posh Pooch
This new venue is a dream come true: your dog can finally be your official drinking buddy! You get the fantastic cocktails (it's a wine bar created by bartenders, so the drinks are top-notch), and your pampered pal gets a ‘puptini!’ They play tunes on vinyl and have a welcoming vibe—you’ll feel like the coolest duo in town.
85 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042 - @bardemosyd
- Vic on The Park (Inner West) — For the Confident Pooch
This Inner West institution is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and has a huge yard (complete with a basketball court!). It’s got great food and good vibes, making it totally paw-some.
Just be mindful: it gets busy on weekends, so only bring your dog if they can handle a lot of stimulation.
2 Addison Rd, Enmore NSW 2204 - @theviconthepark
- The Henson Park Hotel (Marrickville) — For the Community-Minded Pooch
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| Even during the excitement of the Swans vs Giants footy game at The Henson Park Hotel, keeping your dog tucked close and secure is the key to a calm visit. (Credit: The Henson) |
91 Illawarra Road, Marrickville NSW 2204 - @the_henson
- Callejero (Wolli Creek) — For the International Dog
Looking for something different? This spot offers an authentic taste of Medellin with bursting Colombian flavours and a friendly atmosphere. While it won't serve you booze, it warmly welcomes dogs—and based on the fun (as seen in our feature image), they clearly love their canine customers! It's a great family-friendly option.
1 Levey Street, Wolli Creek NSW 2205 - @callejero.au
If you and your dog are just beginning your pub journey, where should you go first? Juan Pablo suggests seeking out a quiet, open, dog-friendly spot with plenty of outdoor space, lots of shade, and a relaxed, family-and-locals crowd (instead of a party atmosphere).
With this in mind, Juan Pablo recommends Callejero as the best starter venue to take your dog. Its chilled vibe and focus on community and food make it the ideal, least overwhelming spot for a successful first trip.
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