By Animal Behaviorist Diane Anderson
It’s official; Fall has arrived and with it comes beautiful days for getting outside and enjoying the cooler weather. You may have noticed that there are many festivals to choose from during this time of year, no doubt taking advantage of people’s desire to be out of doors. But what about our dogs? Haven’t they paid the price of summer along with the rest of us? Don’t they deserve to revel in the Autumn air as much as we do? Well the good news is that many Fall festivities are dog friendly. (Make sure to double check before bringing them along, just to be sure.)
One such upcoming event is the Come Out With Pride event on Saturday, October 11. So now that you have a date in your calendar, how can you be sure that your dog won’t embarrass you while there? Most dogs fall under three broad categories when it comes to event going. There are the ones who are natural super stars (you know who you are). And there are ones that should under no circumstances be at such events (you also know who you are). Then there is the category of dogs who have the potential to do well if set up for success.
Tips for setting your dog up for success at an outdoor festival:
- Bring only well socialized dogs to events, these are not the places to flood your dog with stimulation.
- Make sure you dog is up to date on all vaccinations, for their health and for the health of the other dogs as well.
- Bring the right equipment: A 4 foot nylon leash will keep you dog close and give you the most control. Pack water and a water bowl for your pet. And don’t forget the poop bags!
- Be mindful of your pet. Watch for signs of stress. If your dog needs to leave, take them home, you can always come back.
- Be mindful of people around your pet. Not everyone knows how to be safe around animals and may inadvertently do something to antagonize your pet.
- Keep a safe distance. Your dog does not need to meet and become best friends with every dog they see at an event. It is a high stress environment and the meeting may not go as well as planned.
- Have fun. You brought your dog with you so that you would both have a good time right? Take advantage of the event, maybe there is a gourmet doggie food booth, or a Doggie Fun Zone for and your pet to enjoy.
Speaking of a Doggie Fun Zone, that is exactly what awaits you at the upcoming Come Out With Pride event. Hosted by the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, the Doggie Fun Zone is a way to “have way cool fun with your dog.” It is essentially an agility-type obstacle course combined with a lure course. Your dog will chase a lure around the course and in doing so will jump hurdles, climb over A-Frames, run through tunnels and more; no previous training is required! A good time is sure to be had by all, two and four legged alike.
So pack a bag and put Fido in the car. It’s going to be a beautiful season.
