Are you trying to navigate the bustling social scene in Cambridgeshire with a reactive dog? Yep, it can be quite a challenge, but it doesn't have to be! In Cambridgeshire, there are a tonne of pubs and cafes that not only welcome our furry four-legged friends but also cater to their unique needs.
So whether you're seeking out a cozy corner to sip on a coffee or a lively pub to grab a pint, we've got the scoop on the best dog-friendly public places for you and your reactive dog.
For additional support on how to counter-condition and desensitise your dog before going to public places, check out our blog on Positive Reinforcement Training Techniques.
Please also keep in mind that the safety of the public is paramount. If you think your dog may pose a bite risk, check out our Muzzle Guide and set your dog up with a muzzle to help further their success and continue training before venturing out into public spaces with high foot traffic.
Continue reading to see our list of top dog-friendly pubs and cafes in Cambridgeshire 2024.
Flock Cafe
The Flock Cafe in Barton offers delicious homemade cakes and locally roasted coffee beans and has made our list as a reactive dog-friendly cafe based on the fabulous seating area outside. The tables have a decent amount of space between each other, but we do not recommend visiting Flock Cafe on the weekend if your dog can't handle busy spaces.
The Gog Farm Shop and Cafe
While dogs aren't allowed inside the fresh produce spaces, they are welcome on site. We love going to The Gog Farm Shop for a bit of a wander around and stroll, using the area to desensitise our pup to strangers. There is seating outside, so it's the perfect place for a sunny day, but it does get busy at peak times!
If your dog isn't accustomed to busier places, we wouldn't necessarily recommend getting amongst the crowds, but it is a great area to do a bit of mild training.
Docky Barn Cafe
Located in the scenic Cambridgeshire countryside right beside Wandlebury Country Bark, Docky Barn Cafe and Meeting Rooms is a fantastic spot to take your reactive dog.
Docky Barn Cafe offers a serene setting to enjoy a cup of coffee and a homemade treat, with the outdoor seating area having tables that are appropriately spaced for visitors with dogs that may not be the most social. We particularly like that the seating area is surrounded by a solid boundary so that we can situate our pup in the corner away from the main line of foot traffic.
The Linton Kitchen
Nestled in the heart of Linton, Cambridgeshire, The Linton Kitchen is a cute little cafe that offers small meals, pastries and cakes, alongside some delicious coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
The Linton Kitchen welcomes dogs inside, however, we've placed them on this list for their small outdoor seating area which is great for smaller reactive dogs. Our Shiba Inu doesn't enjoy dogs coming into his personal bubble and it's super easy to slot him behind us in the outdoor seating area so that other dogs don't have a direct line of sight that may trigger him.
Green Man Cambridge
The Green Man Cambridge is one of our favourite places to grab a meal. Even better, they have a fantastic outdoor seating area that suits less-socialised dogs.
The outdoor area borders the High Street in Trumpington and has multiple access points, which means that you can choose to either sit closer to the road, or further away, depending on how much foot traffic your pup can handle. The tables are spaced far enough away from each other and you can sit at one of the boundary tables to ensure your pup has their own space.
George Inn Babraham
Another one of our favourites for a cheeky pint and meal. What's better than the George's halloumi fish and chips? Well, their outdoor seating areas! While the George is extremely welcoming to dogs being inside the pub, their outdoor area is fantastic for our reactive pups who need a little bit of extra space.
There are 5-6 wooden tables outside the front of the George, that border the High Street through Babraham, and another seating area out the back where you can sit and have a meal. There's tonnes of space for you to distract or move away from other dogs if they're around, and the tables themselves are spaced apart nicely.
The back of the George Inn borders some farmland, which we've also taken the time to walk our dogs through - it's great for a weekday stroll with a little bit of sun poking through the clouds.
The Tickell Arms
If you can manage to grab one of the outdoor tables along the boundary at The Tickell Arms in Whittlesford, you've struck gold. This is a great pub for dogs that need a bit of extra space.
You can enter the garden via the side paths, rather than going through the interior of the pub, which is great for pups that don't fare well in smaller spaces. Perfect for enjoying a pint in the garden during those rare sunny days in England.
The Royal Oak
We adore The Royal Oak in Barrington. It's a lively place with the perfect outdoor area and was actually one of the first places we took our giant-breed reactive dog when she had finally desensitised enough to strangers. The staff are extremely welcoming to dogs and we've only ever had nice experiences here. Plus, the food is phenomenal and without any outrageous price tags.
Some Extra Tips for Taking Your Reactive Dog into Public Spaces
As we mentioned, the safety of others is paramount and you will undoubtedly run into strangers that want to meet your reactive pup, or other people with their dogs that may trigger your own.
One of the most useful accessories we ever purchased for our giant-breed reactive dog was a fluorescent "Give Me Space!" vest, which we put on her anytime she's out in a public space. This notifies people that she shouldn't be approached and provides us with an opportunity to advocate for her need for space.
Do not take a reactive dog into close-quarter public spaces if you believe they are a bite risk. At a minimum, you should be using a muzzle on your reactive dog if they have ever given an indication of snapping or growling at strangers or other dogs, especially if they are medium-sized or bigger.
Finally, you should always ensure that your dog's need for comfort is met. Do not take your dog into a public space if they are uncomfortable, anxious, or displaying any other type of negative reaction. Managing and training reactivity is a long process and flooding your dog unnecessarily can be a detriment to their training and overall health and wellness.
Do you have any other recommendations for great pubs or cafes to take reactive dogs in the Cambridgeshire area? Feel free to get in touch and let us know your favourite spots!
