Dogs Watching Polo with the Queen

Today a friend and I took our dogs to watch the final of the Royal Windsor Cup. Polo as a sport is remarkably dog friendly, but I was worried that we would have to leave our dogs in the car for such a prestigious event, after all the Queen was there! That was definitely not the case! It seemed that every time I turned my attention from the polo (which I'll admit was not that often, it was truly gripping) I saw another dog. During the treading in (or "stomping the divots" as we call it in America) there were dozens of dogs out with the girls in sundresses and heels and men in tweed, all covered up with Barbours against the wind. I'm sure Her Majesty would have approved of the canine presence, being a dog lover herself.

I don't believe there is another sport which is so open to dogs. Where else could you have your dogs on you lap or at your feet in the grandstand, which a human would have to pay good money for, and watch the match? Not even other equestrian sports have such a welcoming attitude towards dogs. One could argue that dog-related sports such as agility are more "dog-friendly" but I disagree, because in these sports dogs as competitors are treated differently and spectator dogs are usually not allowed in the bleachers. As far as I can tell polo is by and large the most dog-friendly sport in the UK and US today, and perhaps elsewhere.

Treading in - Her Majesty the Queen in the background

Whippet enjoying a view from the grandstand

If you want to take your dog to polo within reach of London check out Guards Polo Club: http://www.guardspoloclub.com/   or for a bit further look at Cowdray Park Polo Club: http://www.cowdraypolo.co.uk/ 

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Begging Dogs

If you have ever owned or even known a dog you are probably familiar with the "sad puppy eyes." These are deviously effective at making any human in possession of food feel guilty and sometimes they are so effective they cause said human to relinquish their food to the dog. This form of begging is seen often in pubs, where a human's delicious burger is placed right at nose level for many dogs.

This behavior might be cute, but it can lead to whining which upsets other customers and may get you and your dog kicked out. At the very least it may put you off your food which defeats the whole point of going to the pub or restaurant in the first place!

The best way to deal with this is to completely ignore your dog while they are begging. It's much easier said than done! I have been known to slip a french fry or 12 to my dog under the table, but ONLY when she is minding her own business, and this is still not advisable for dogs that beg badly (it's probably not advisable for my dog either, but she has me well trained)
. Definitely don't give your dog any food if they make any noise.

You can also try practicing at home, have your dog at your feet while you eat your dinner and completely ignore any noise make while you are eating. For some dogs bringing a bone with you to the pub might help, that way they have something tasty to munch on while you have your food.

I would love to hear any suggestions, please comment if you have any tips or tricks for stopping dogs from begging!