Every dog owner's dream is to be able to take their furry friend everywhere with them. The fall is here, and there are so many activities to enjoy with your pup this holiday season: From pumpkin patch photoshoots to haunted houses, or even Santa meet-and-greet... Events are great outdoor enrichment for dogs! How do you pull it off though, how do you actually bring your dog to events? We gathered some tips for having fun with your pup when you're out and about!
What to Bring When You Attend Events With Your Dog
Are you planning to bring your dog to an event, and wondering what to pack? First and foremost, when attending a dog-friendly event, you'll want to make sure that you have everything you need to keep your dog comfortable while you're away from home. This includes:
- A collar and leash: Do not take chances in crowds even if your dog is really good off-leash. In crowds, it's easy to get distracted and your pup might get lost.
- Water and food bowls: Make sure your pup stays hydrated, especially if it's a hot day! If you will be out during meal time, brings some food too.
- Ample food and water: Just in case, you might want to bring more food and water than you think your pup will need.
- Waste bags: This one is a no-brainer, but don't forget to pack enough waste bags to clean up after your pup!
- A toy or two: A favorite toy will help your pup feel comfortable in new surroundings.
- Treats: Training treats come in handy to reward your pup for good behavior or to help them focus when there are distractions.
- Any medications your dog takes: Don't forget to pack any medications or supplements that your pup takes on a regular basis.
- A bright dog bandana: Bandana will help you spot your pup in a crowd, and it's a great way to show off your pup's personality and makes for really great pictures!
If you're going to be out all day, you may also want to bring along a crate or travel kennel to keep your dog safe and secure.
Dog Safety Tips for Attending Events
- Avoid leaving your dog in the car: On a hot day, even with the windows cracked, the temperature in a car can rise to dangerous levels very quickly. If you must leave your dog in the car, make sure there is plenty of water and shade available.
- Don't let your dog off the leash in crowded areas: Even if your dog is well-trained, it's best to keep them on a leash in crowded areas and follow dog walking safety tips. It's easy to get separated from your pup in a crowd, and a leash will help you keep track of them.
- Be aware of your dog at all times: It's important to be aware of your dog's whereabouts and what they're doing at all times. This will help you prevent them from getting into trouble or getting lost.
- Keep an eye on your dog's food and water: Make sure your dog has access to food and water at all times, especially if it's a hot day.
- Be considerate of other people and dogs: Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, so make sure to ask before you let your pup approach someone. And always clean up after your dog!
- Have a backup plan. If this is your first time with your dog in large crowds, be prepared to leave if needed. Some dogs become overwhelmed and overstimulated, so check in on your pup and be ready to leave or have someone pick up your dog.
With these dog safety tips in mind, you and your pup are sure to have a great time at any event you attend this fall!
Popular Questions & Answers About Taking a Dog Out to Events
We gathered some of the most popular questions we get about taking dogs to events so that we could answer them for you!
Can I take my dog to a party?
YES! Dogs are great party animals. Just make sure to keep an eye on them and clean up after them. Make sure they have access to food and water and a place to rest if they get tired. And it would be a good idea to check in with the hosts to confirm they're cool with you bringing a dog.
How do I calm my dog down at a party?
Some dogs get really excited at parties and can't calm down. If this is the case with your dog, it's best to remove them from the situation - find a quiet room or take them on a walk. If you can't do that, try to keep them as calm as possible by petting them and speaking in a soothing voice. Try distracting them with a favorite toy, and you can also try feeding them small treats.
How do you introduce a dog to a crowd?
If you're taking dogs out to a crowded event for the first time, it's best to do it gradually. Start by letting them approach one or two people at a time. Once they're comfortable with that, you can walk them around so they can explore and reward the expected behavior with treats. If they're doing well, you can then let them approach larger groups of people. If you're getting any signals of anxiety or aggression, it's best to leave and try again another time to avoid building negative associations with crowds.
How can I make my dog feel safe in public?
There are a few things you can do to help your dog feel safe in public. First, make sure they're well-socialized so they're comfortable around people and other dogs. You can also try using a calming supplement to help them relax. And finally, make sure you're paying attention to their body language and giving them a way to escape if they become overwhelmed.
Is it OK to take your dog everywhere with you?
It's definitely OK to take your dog with you places! Just make sure that you're prepared to take care of them and that you're considerate of other people and animals, and, of course, make sure the places you're going allow dogs.
Taking your dog with you on outings can be a great way to bond and create lasting memories. Don't forget to check out some events for dogs this fall too, and be sure to follow these tips to keep everyone safe and comfortable. And have fun!
