Thinking of taking your dog to a dog friendly event? The Madison area has several large doggy
events each year, such as Mounds Dog Fest and Dogs on the Square, as well as
other smaller events like Halloween parties at Ruffin’ It Resort or The Dog
Haus (two of our training class locations).
The events can be a lot of fun for dogs and people alike, but there are
a few things you should keep in mind before grabbing the leash and heading out:
·
If your dog is uncomfortable around strange
dogs, strange people, children, or general noise and commotion, don’t force him
to go. While working on making your dog
more comfortable is a good idea, going to a large event will likely send your
dog “over-threshold”, and could make behavior problems worse. Socialization is best done in small doses
your dog can handle comfortably.
·
Leave the flexi-lead behind! Most of these events specifically ask you not
to bring your dog on a flexi. You will
need to be able to control your dog in crowded areas so a shorter leash is
better, and flexi-leads can easily get tangled.
You may also want to consider a front clip harness such as the Easy
Walk, or a head collar such as the Gentle Leader. These tools can help you maximize control
over an excited dog and prevent undesirable pulling behavior from being
inadvertently rewarded.
·
It’s great to bring treats along to reinforce
your dog’s good behavior. However, be
careful when giving your dog a treat with other dogs close by. Some dogs can get competitive over food, so
reinforce your dog discretely. It’s also
a good idea to bring along some water for your dog.
·
Have fun!
And watch your dog’s body language to make sure your dog is having fun
too. Excessive panting, yawning, a
tucked tail and stiff body posture are all indicators that your dog is not
enjoying the event. Find a quiet spot to
the side of the action to see if your dog can relax, or head home and try a
smaller event next time.
Pop into a group class if you'd like more help with specific skills! Check out our class schedule at www.teacherspettraining.com. Happy Training!
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