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Revealed: the ultimate dog-friendly city

Wednesday 8/21: Sponsored by Honeycomb - Dog friendly cities, city life with dogs, dogs surfing

August 21, 2024

đŸŸ Start your day on the right paw



 and see the world through your dog’s eyes đŸŸ

  • đŸ¶ Top 9 dog-friendly cities in the U.S.

  • đŸ„° How to navigate city life with a reactive pup

  • đŸŸ How you can help save the planet

  • 🩮 Check out the coolest dog surfing competition

  • ❀ A special word from our pups

❝

I'm suspicious of people who don't like

dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn’t

like a person.”

Bill Murray

Did you know


Where was the world’s first dog park?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

9 Top Dog-Friendly Cities in the U.S.

Choosing a city that loves dogs as much as you do can be tough. Does such a place even exist? Yes! Luckily, we’ve rounded up 9 of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S., —whether you’re looking for a welcoming environment, pet-friendly restaurants, walkability, or plenty of parks and open spaces.

  1. Austin, TX

    Austin is undoubtedly one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. From unique experiences to everyday outings, Austin has it all for you and your pup. Start with a visit to Zilker Botanical Garden, a stunning dog-friendly botanical garden along the Colorado River. When it’s time to eat, head to Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden, where your pup can enjoy a special “woofwurst” made just for them. If yoga is your thing, check out Austin Doga, where you can practice alongside your pup—a fitting touch for the hometown of Adriene Mishler, the world’s most-watched yoga instructor, and her dog Benji. Austin also has plenty of dog parks and trails.

  2. Denver, CO

    Denver consistently ranks among the top five most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. With approximately 99,000 dog-owning households and an estimated 158,000 dogs—meaning Denver has more dogs than children! Thanks to 300 days of sunshine, your pup will have endless opportunities to run, play, and explore. The city is packed with dog-friendly hotels and breweries (as someone who lives nearby, I don’t think I’ve ever been to a brewery without seeing dogs). What really sets Denver apart is its miles of hiking trails and mountain adventures. Cherry Creek State Park, the largest regional park in southwest Denver and the first in the Colorado State Park system, is a must-visit. The park's dog off-leash area spans 107 acres of fenced space with water access, perfect for your furry baby to cool off and splash around!

  3. Boise, ID

    Boise is an underrated gem when it comes to dog-friendliness. Dogs are commonly seen in restaurants and even grocery stores (though that’s not technically legal), but the locals treat them as part of the culture. Boise has at least 10 dog parks, the most per capita of any major city, according to the Trust for Public Land. One standout is Treasure Valley Dog Island, featuring a fenced "shy dog" area and a pond for swimming. During summer, the off-leash area is 5 acres, while in winter, the entire 153-acre park becomes an off-leash paradise! For hiking, Military Reserve is a great spot. This 734-acre reserve includes an off-leash dog hill where your pup can burn off energy. It’s also important to note that Idaho is unique in having no ticks known to carry Lyme disease and heartworm cases which are among the lowest in the country!

  4. Miami, FL

    Miami isn’t just about nightlife; it’s also fantastic for your fur baby. The city is very walkable, with numerous boardwalks, parks, and waterfront areas to explore. Miami also features several dog-friendly beaches, including Bark Beach, Haulover Beach Park, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, and Hobie Beach. The city offers a plethora of dog-friendly restaurants with thoughtful dog menus where your pup can dine with you. Some spots include LoKal, Kush, Sushi Kong, Sawa Restaurant & Lounge, and Atchana's Homegrown Thai. Living as a beach dog in Miami sounds pretty great!

  5. Raleigh, NC

    Raleigh is celebrated for its dog-friendliness and was even named the most dog-friendly city in 2024 in a recent survey. The city has numerous dog parks, including several right downtown. One highlight like no other is West Street Dog, an indoor dog park that combines a dog park (acting as a doggy daycare) with West Street Bar, a human bar, allowing both dogs and their owners to socialize separately. You can also enjoy art while walking your pup at the North Carolina Museum of Art, featuring 2.2 miles of trails winding through the park with interesting sculptures along the way. Raleigh is also home to many dog-focused businesses, from boutique pet stores to a dog ice cream bar.

  6. Seattle, WA

    Seattle is incredibly dog-friendly and a tech hub, meaning many offices here are dog-friendly too. The city has 14 off-leash dog parks and a public transportation system that allows your pup to ride the city buses with you. Magnuson Park Off-Leash Dog Area is a local favorite, featuring an expansive 8.6-acre park with lake access. For rainy days, Seattle has you covered with Dogwood Play Park, an indoor-outdoor off-leash dog park and bar where both dogs and their humans can have a great time regardless of the weather. And of course, no visit to Seattle is complete without stopping by Pike Place Market, the birthplace of the Starbucks Puppuccino.

  7. San Diego, CA

    It’s no surprise that San Diego is on this list. Beach lovers and dogs alike thrive here, with plenty of dog-friendly beaches like the Original Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, one of the first official leash-free beaches in the U.S., and Fiesta Island, where your pup can frolic in the sand and splash in Mission Bay. For socializing, The Dog Society is a top spot where both dog parents and their pets can have a great time. The indoor cafĂ© and bar offer dog-friendly food and drinks, including a special dog beer (imagine how silly your pup looks sipping on that!). They also host regular meetups, such as pug and basset hound gatherings, so you might catch a fun event for your dog during your visit. And if you’re a sports fan, you can bring your pups to a ballgame at Petco Park during Bark at the Park Nights. How cool is that?

  8. Nashville, TN

    Known for its hot chicken and country music scene, Nashville is a great city for both you and your pup. As soon as you arrive, it feels like there’s a red carpet rolled out for your dog, especially if you start your stay at The Hermitage Hotel. They go above and beyond with pet massages, organic treats, and dog walking services—your pup might just want to stay in Nashville forever! For a taste of the local music scene, visit Drifters, a BBQ restaurant and bar that’s both family and dog-friendly. Enjoy live music on the patio with your pup by your side.

  9. Portland, OR

    Get ready for this number: Portland welcomes dogs at over 450 restaurants! We’d love to list them all, but then we’d never finish this newsletter. A few highlights include the Lucky Labrador Beer Hall, Portland’s original dog bar, Tin Shed Garden Cafe, and Java Hound Coffee Bar—a coffee shop inside a pet store that serves up a puppuccino with steamed goat milk and treats (Portland has raised the bar, Starbucks!). It’s clear that in Portland, dogs are considered family, and that’s evident not just in the sheer volume of dog-friendly dining but also in its abundance of dog parks and hiking trails. Doggos love The Wildwood Trail, which stretches a remarkable 30.2 miles through Forest Park—America’s longest forested urban trail.

    As dog owners, we’re fortunate to have so many dog-friendly cities to explore. We’d love to hear about your favorite dog-friendly spots! Do you live in or have visited any of these cities? Share your experiences with us!

6 Tips for City Life with a Reactive Dog

Having a reactive dog means embracing a different kind of dog ownership. Let’s just say it’s not exactly a walk in the park (literally!). City living—crowded streets, loud noises, and people everywhere—can be challenging. Reactive dogs may bark, growl, or lunge, not out of aggression, but as a way to cope with anxiety, fear, or past trauma. These misunderstood pups are just trying to feel safe. For us dog owners who share life with a reactive dog, it is possible to make city life work. Here are 5 tips to help navigate city living and keep your dog safe.

To every reactive dog mom or dad, it is possible to make city life work. Here are 5 tips to help navigate city living and keep your dog safe.

  1. Keep Your Dog Stimulated. One way to help your reactive dog thrive in the city is to keep them mentally stimulated. Keeping their mind active can ease their anxiety and prevent boredom, which often triggers reactive behavior. When it’s not safe to head outside or your dog is too anxious, keep them busy indoors with activities like scent work, food puzzles, snuffle mats, or tough chews.

  2. Have the Right Tools. Having the right tools can make a world of difference when managing your reactive pup in various situations. Harnesses with messages like “do not pet” or “do not approach” can let others know that your dog needs space. A sturdy leash, collar, or harness can help you keep your pup under control if they become triggered. Keeping treats and toys handy are good for redirecting their attention if needed, and even provides positive reinforcement for staying calm in stressful and new environments.

  3. Find Quiet Spaces. Finding quieter outdoor spaces is a great way to make outside time more enjoyable for your dog. Look for green areas nearby where you can take walks during off-peak hours. Consider driving to less busy neighborhoods for longer walks, allowing your dog to decompress and explore without nose-to-nose encounters with other dogs. Aim for early or late walks to dodge crowds and high traffic, and scout out routes that have minimal noise and foot traffic. These steps will help reduce your dog’s stress and create a more peaceful experience for both of you. Also, Sniffspot is an amazing resource where you can find private dog parks or fenced yards that you can rent just for your pup. For a reactive dog, this can be a game changer.

  4. Do Training. Teaching your dog commands like heeling and “behind me” can help create space when navigating crowds or dealing with oblivious strangers and overly friendly dogs. Use these commands to guide your dog safely and don’t hesitate to wait between parked cars or behind trees to avoid tight spots. Sometimes, you may need to physically block others while redirecting your dog.

    Muzzle training is another thing to consider here. Even if you trust your dog, a muzzle adds an extra layer of safety, especially in crowded or stressful situations. It also tells people to give you and your dog some space. Despite any preconceptions you might have, muzzles can be introduced in a positive way and may even become something your dog enjoys wearing.

  5. Create a Safe Home. In the city, it’s hard to predict every outing. That’s just a fact. However, you can always create a safe, calming haven at home for your pup. When choosing a new place, consider opting for an apartment on a higher floor to reduce noise and ensure a layout that doesn’t overwhelm your dog. For example, my high-anxiety pup struggles to calm down if there are any windows with a constant view of foot traffic.

    It's also helpful for your pup to have access to a crate or bed they feel comfortable in, with soft bedding and their favorite toys. White noise machines or calming classical music can help mask strange neighbor noises. Making sure your dog feels safe and calm in their own home is essential for their well-being and everyday life.

  6. Have Routine. Reactive dogs do best with a steady routine and structure—especially when their walks are a gamble. A predictable schedule helps your dog feel more confident and less stressed. Think of it as your dog's daily dose of predictability: feeding at the same time, regular walks, and consistent playtime and exercise. It’s their way of knowing what’s coming next and feeling like they’ve got their own little rhythm in a sometimes chaotic world.

This New Toilet Paper Just Might Save the Planet

Every 24 hours, 27,000 trees are cut down to make toilet paper. To us, that feels like way too many — and Honeycomb agrees. That’s why this small, female-founded brand created luxury, three-ply toilet tissue made from bamboo. It feels just like regular high-end toilet paper, but doesn’t harm trees.

So why bamboo? It’s the fastest-growing plant in the world — growing 100 times faster than the average tree — which means thousands of rolls can be produced in the time it takes for a single tree to grow back.

Even better? Code DIG30 will give new customers 30% off their first order for the nexts 24 hours.

Thank you to Honeycomb for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Watch These Dogs Surfing!

Get ready to catch some waves and wagging tails in this adorable video at the World Dog Surfing Championships! On August 3rd, the sandy shores of Pacifica, CA, hosted twenty talented dog surfers in an unbelievably cute surf contest. From tiny terriers to goofy labs, these pups were ready to surf with their humans. They were dressed in everything from flashy costumes to shark-fin outfits (don’t forget the goggles!). Some of these cool doggos were barking and enjoying the thrill of the waves while others were cool, calm, and collected on their board. These four-legged surfers weren’t just having a blast—they were also helping to raise money for local charities! Do you think your dog has what it takes to be a surfer, or is your pup more of a beach bum?

Final Bark

In the time it takes to read today’s edition, an estimated 93 trees will be cut down to meet toilet paper demand. Honeycomb is helping to change that with luxury, three-ply tissue made from sustainable bamboo. It’s biodegradable, plastic-free, and will be delivered straight to you.

New customers can use code DIG30 for 30% off your first shipment. Expires tonight.

Give Your Pup a Shout-Out!

Want to get your pup a shout-out in the next edition of the Daily Dig? Refer 3 friends to Daily Dig and you can get rewarded! Here’s how:

Click below to share with your friends

Enter your friend’s email (and don’t forget to let them know to look out for our email!)

Repeat and claim your reward!

A Special Message From Our Best Buddies

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❀

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan đŸŸ

🩮 A Little Treat

đŸ€” Did You Know: Ohlone Dog Park in Berkeley, California is recognized as the world’s first dog park. It opened in 1979!

đŸ¶ DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs and their furry friends. Reply to this email with the best pics of your dog with a buddy, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

đŸ„° Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community? If so, please consider forwarding this email to help us spread our love of all things dogs!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with your dog’s favorite place to visit for a surprise in your inbox!

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