Top tips for visiting a pumpkin patch with your dog

If you love taking fall-themed photos of your dog, you might be looking for a dog-friendly pumpkin patch or corn maze to visit.

Photos of dogs with pumpkins and fall decorations are popular on social media, especially Instagram, but they’re also great keepsakes to treasure for any dog ​​owner.

There are some things you need to know before you search your local pumpkin patch, lead your dog, and get out there.

In this article, I’ll share my tips for visiting a pumplin patch with your dog and offer my take on capturing the best photos.

Are dogs allowed to visit the pumpkin patch?

Dog rules vary by farm and pumpkin patch.

Some never allow dogs on their site, some only allow dogs on certain days, and some allow dogs all fall.

Also, some farms only allow dogs on certain parts of the property.

For example, a farm may allow dogs in their pumpkin patch, but not in the wagon rides or the corn maze.

For example, there is 12 Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patches Near Seattle but only 3 allow dogs in the corn maze.

There are a few other Pumpkin Patches near Seattle that don’t allow dogs to attend at all.

So be sure to check the rules carefully before you go so you don’t get disappointed.

When is the best time to visit a pumpkin patch?

Period of the year

Pumpkins are quite hardy winter squashes, so although their growth and size are affected by the weather, they are still ready to harvest in the fall.

So, when it comes to when the pumpkins “come out,” you can count on them every fall, from around mid-September to early November.

In my experience, most Pumpkin Patches open in mid to late September and extend into Halloween or the end of October.

What day of the week is the best to visit a pumpkin patch?

It doesn’t matter what day of the week you visit a pumpkin when it comes to pumpkin displays.

Unlike tulip flowers, rain or heat will not change the appearance of pumpkins.

However, not all pumpkin patches are open 7 days a week, which may influence the best day to visit.

Also consider that weekends will always be much busier than weekdays, so if you can, I strongly suggest visiting the tulip fields on weekdays with your dog.

It will be easier to get a photo without other visitors.

There will also be fewer distractions for your dog, which means your dog is more likely to “stay” for a photo and stare at the camera (you).

On the other hand, you might miss special events that present unique photo opportunities if you don’t go on a weekend.

Ultimately, the “best time” is up to you.

What time of day is best to capture the best photos of your dog with pumpkins?

Unlike flowers that sometimes close at night and open during the day, pumpkins look the same no matter what time you look at them.

However, when it comes to photography, there are more and more ideal times to capture memories.

Most photographers will agree that sunrise and sunset, when the light is warmer and softer, are the best times of day to capture great photos.

In the afternoon, when the sun is directly overhead, the sunlight is harsh and can cast extreme shadows.

If you are “lucky”, the weather will be overcast, but not rainy, all day.

I like to call these days nature’s “light box” when it comes to lighting.

Throughout the day, the light is diffused, soft and minimizes harsh shadows, making every moment a privileged lighting for photography.

So, on a cloudy or mostly cloudy day, you have plenty of options to visit and take pictures.

On a sunny day, stay in the morning between sunrise and about 10 a.m. or a few hours before sunset.

Note: Check Pumpkin Patch hours as not all will open early enough or stay open late enough for both to be an option for you.

Are pumpkins toxic to dogs?

While I’m sure no pumpkin patch wants your dog to bite or chew on the pumpkins in their patch, your dog is likely to encounter pumpkin stems and pieces on the ground during your visit.

If you’re worried that pumpkin is toxic to dogs, don’t.

Dogs can safely eat pumpkin pulp, rind, seeds, and stems.

However, be aware that just because pumpkin chunks aren’t toxic to your dog doesn’t mean he can choke on a chunk (especially the stems as they’re harder to chew).

Also, pieces of pumpkin lying on the ground on a farm can be contaminated with mold or manure.

While a healthy dog’s digestive juices can often break down these “contaminants” to such a level that they do not harm your dog, dogs with sensitive stomachs or weakened immune systems can get sick.

General tips for visiting a pumpkin patch with your dog

No matter what pumpkin patch you visit, there are general rules of etiquette and best practices.

Evaluate things in advance

If you plan to visit a pumpkin patch at sunrise or sunset to photograph your dog, it’s best to visit the field on a prior occasion to check it out.

This way you can determine where the best pumpkins are and where sunrise or sunset light will hit the pumpkins best.

At the very least, arrive as soon as you are cleared for sunrise or arrive a few hours before sunset, so you can determine the best spot to take a photo before the best lighting occurs.

Pay attention to your dog’s mannerisms

All pumpkins require your dog to be on a leash, that they are not aggressive or disruptive, and that you pick up after them.

But also, don’t let your dog damage pumpkins or pumpkin patches.

This means, don’t let your dog dig anywhere in the field or chew on pumpkins or other fall displays.

Voice control may be fine for short periods

Although official rules state that all dogs must be on a leash when visiting a dog-friendly pumpkin patch, the truth is that many dog ​​owners don’t like the look of their dog’s leash. dog in the photos.

An easy way to keep a leash out of photos is to take it off for the photo.

Definitely do this at your own risk but in my experience it can be done safely and without getting you in trouble.

Just make sure your dog can reliably follow the stay/wait command and has impeccable recall (always comes back whenever you call).

Always put your dog’s leash back on after the photo and before moving.

Beware of distractions

There are probably plenty of dogs in dog-friendly pumpkin patch.

Additionally, these are often working farms, so farm animals, including goats, cows, horses, chickens and rabbits, may roam the grounds freely or be present in enclosed.

There may also be guests visiting cats or other animals.

Be sure to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your dog on a leash (or under strict voice control for a brief moment while the leash is removed for photos).

Prepare for the mud

Even on “dry” days, pumpkin patch and corn mazes can be muddy.

Even if it hasn’t rained, irrigation water can create mud puddles, and morning dew can cause fine, clay soil to cling to anything.

Bring a towel to wipe your dog’s paws and follow these other muddy dog ​​tips to keep your car clean.

If you’re going somewhere after, bring a change of clothes. Unless it’s a mud fight in the garden.

Bring the right gear

Did I mention pumpkin patches can get muddy?

For your dog, use a biothane leash if you have one so you can easily clean it after your visit.

If you’re bringing a bag to carry stuff and maybe settling on the floor, a cotton canvas bag or purse might not be the best choice.

I would suggest using a plastic bag or a bag of some other material that will wipe or wash easily.

You can also consider wearing rubber boots.

Final Thoughts

Fall is the perfect time to take pictures of your dog among the pumpkins.

Cooler fall days mean your dog is unlikely to overheat while visiting a pumpkin patch. So you can spend a few hours there looking for the best photo opportunity and waiting for the best lighting.

While some farms charge an entrance fee, most seem to allow you entry for an unlimited period of time for that fee.

I hope my tips for visiting a pumpkin patch with dogs will help you have a great time and capture some great photos of your dog on your next visit.