Now that things are slowly returning to normal following Covid lockdowns and social distancing has become the norm, some of our fur babies have never experienced the excitement of so many pets and people all in one location.
While exposure to new things can be good for your pet’s mental stimulation there are a few things to consider.
Before you go
Consider your dog’s age, activity level, and personality. How long is it since you have taken them out in company, and how long do you usually spend walking with them? If your dog usually only goes out alone with you for a 20-minute walk each day they may not appreciate being out for an hour or two in a crowd of canines.
Some dogs, often the mature ones, don’t enjoy other dogs wanting to get too friendly.
What is your dog's personality when it comes to group situations? Are they comfortable in social situations, including with strangers small and large? Dogs who are attention-seeking will probably love these types of outings, as they get attention from both humans and other canines.
Are there personality types your dog clashes with?
Do they tend to be an instigator, a moderator, or the target?
Are they fearful around certain types of dogs or in certain situations?
Do they pay attention to social cues from other dogs even when they are excited? Do they tend to panic, freeze, or lash out when things get tense?
It may end up that once you take a good look at how your dog is in social situations, you'll decide that the dog day out is not the place for them at all. And that's okay! Your dog is wonderful even if socialising with strangers isn't a fun activity for them.
Exercise your dog's brain and body before you get there
This simple step will dramatically reduce the potential for problems.
Before you head to a dog event take a walk or run with your dog and get out all that pent-up energy that can be the source of so much doggy drama. Don't take a wired-up dog into a stimulating environment like a dog park or event.
That's the physical exercise part, but you also need to mentally exercise your dog before you arrive. Practice recall, lying down on command, leave it. Ensuring your dog has at least the most basic obedience skills, and a good recall helps you maintain some control even when accidental off-leash moments happen. Your dog should respond to either “Stop” or “No”.
At the Active Pet Rehabilitation stand we have balance challenges for all levels of canine ability, to get the brain working, and a place for a rest for tired or stressed pets.
Make sure water and shade are readily available where you are going
Or better yet- take some with you.
Be on alert with kids
Children are a mid-level food opportunity, and let's face it, some of the things our children eat or drop are definitely not good for dogs.
Children also love to play with dogs, but may not always know how to play properly. They may tease dogs or play rough with them, which can make dogs snappy or overly excited. Children can also get knocked over or bitten, in the worst cases. Always keep a close eye on both the child and your dog and remove them from each other should play get too rough or either get overstimulated.
Avoid congregating for too long
Chatting with other humans rather than supervising the dogs, or spending more time looking at a smartphone screen than at the dogs nearby can be a recipe for disaster. If you are waiting to talk to someone at a stand make sure your dog is relaxed and happy while you wait.
Watch out if you are bringing food
If you don't want your lunch stolen by a slobbery thief or the attention of all the dogs at the park please don't bring your favourite take away to eat on your way around the stands. And if you have food you can't finish yourself don't give it to the cutest pair of begging eyes you see, at least not without checking with their pet parent first.
Dog focused events can be fun and informative for owners of social fur babies, but remember not to stay too long and keep an eye out for signs of stress in your pet.
We would love to hear what you think of the local pet fest scene in Perth.
leave us a comment in the box below.