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Bringing Your Pup?
Check out these tips from Paula Nowak, owner of Canine Country Academy:
We are looking forward to a great time at the BBQ on Sunday, October 29th! Since dogs are also invited we put together a few tips to ensure they have a great time, too. The dogs attending this event should be social with both people and dogs. They should also enjoy these kinds of festivities.
Always ask permission to allow your dog to greet, sniff or come really close to another dog. While the dogs at the event are social they may not appreciate a sneaking approach. If the handler prefers they not meet it is no reflection on your dog’s social skills. This is a good sign each handler is looking out for their own dog’s best interest.
Teach your dog self-control when approaching a new person or dog. Asking your dog to “sit”, wait for eye contact and give explicit permission is ideal in social settings. This way they know when they can greet or not. It can also help them look less intense to another dog. Our dogs are just guessing if we do not teach them proper social cues.
Tangled leashes and tension on your leash while doing dog-dog greeting can create unwanted stress. As your dog meets other dogs be sure your body language and leash are loose. Be mindful that your leash does not tangle the other dogs leash and keep the initial greeting short (3 seconds) so it is easier to keep them from getting too silly and tangled.
When your pup is interacting with people ensure they are enjoying the experience. Consider this: Have you ever started a conversation with someone and soon realized you wish you hadn’t? The same can be said for our dogs who are interacting with a person. It may have seemed like a good idea at the time. If they look ready to end the interaction call them to you. They will thank you for getting them out of the interaction.
Split your focus. When your dog is with you at an event it is key to split your focus between your dog’s needs and yours. Since they are our responsibility we want to ensure we keep a close eye on their needs, too. Regularly look down to check in on their body language. Are they wiggly and have an open mouth? They are doing good. Are they stiff and staring? They might need a break. To learn more about dog body language read On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas.
Share in moderation. At a BBQ it is tempting to share the tasty food with your pup. Some of these foods can be very rich to their dog bellies. If you choose to share your bounty with your pup do so in moderation. We don’t want them getting a sick tummy.
Beware of overwhelm. There may be loud sounds, music and lots of new things your dog may not be ready to experience. If you find they are a bit overwhelmed look for a quieter place to hang out. Give them frequent breaks so they can have a good time without feeling like their world is caving in. Should your dog not be able to cope with the event it may be necessary to excuse yourself from it all together. Their wellbeing has to be the most important piece of attending this event with them.
If you have any questions, please let us know. We look forward to a great event celebrating with food, dogs and more!
Paula Nowak, CPDT-KA, CTDI
Head Trainer & Behavior Consultant for Canine Country Academy – Lawrenceville, GA
770-356-0997