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Nicer weather on the way means lots of opportunities to take your best canine friend out and about for dog friendly events. Here are some tips to make sure that your dog is a good guest and gets invited back.
Make sure your dog’s vaccines are up to date
It’s important to make sure that you aren’t endangering your pet (or others) by taking your dog out in public. What vaccines are recommended will depend on your dog’s lifestyle and where you live.
Rabies vaccines are required by law. How long a rabies vaccine is good for is determined by your dog’s vaccine history and local ordinances. Be sure to check and make sure your rabies vaccine is valid before you go anywhere! While it is recommended to have your dog’s rabies tag on its collar, it is the certificate that is your official proof of vaccination. You should keep a copy with you.
Dogs should be fully vaccinated for parvo and distemper before they are allowed into areas where they will come in contact with other dogs of unknown vaccine status (dog parks, pet stores, etc). For puppies, this means they must have completed their entire series of puppy vaccines, with the last being at greater than 16 weeks of age. While it is very important to socialize puppies at a young age, pick environments where you know the other dogs’ vaccine histories (family members’ pets, puppy classes, etc).
Both parvo and distemper can be highly fatal in unvaccinated dogs.
Bordetella (or ‘kennel cough’) vaccine is highly recommended and can help protect against the most common causes of upper respiratory infections. Bordatella vaccines are sometimes combined with parainfluenza and adenovirus-2 to give you even better protection.
With the recent spread of canine flu, you should consider having your dog vaccinated with a bivalent (two strain) influenza vaccine if they are going to come in contact with other dogs.
If you are headed out into an area where there is wildlife or if your dog is going to be swimming in lakes or creeks, they should be vaccinated for Leptospirosis (which can cause liver and kidney failure in both dogs and people!).
In areas of the country where Lyme disease is common, dogs should be vaccinated for Lyme disease and be treated with a tick prevention, especially if they will be going out into wooded areas.
It is also highly recommended that your dog be on a flea, tick, and heartworm prevention before you attend any event. Fleas and ticks can transmit disease as well as be brought back into your household. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes which are pretty much ubiquitous anywhere you’re going to be out with your dog. Heartworm treatment is expensive and not pleasant for dogs or owners…prevention is a much better plan!
Talk to your veterinarian to find out what is recommended for your particular pet.
Practice good behavior and leash manners at home
Dogs aren’t born knowing how to act in public or walk on a leash. Good manners have to be taught…and if your dog doesn’t behave or walk on a leash well at home, they certainly aren’t suddenly going to do so at an event with lots of distractions. Spend a little time practicing at home until your dog is reliable on a leash before venturing out and about.
You may also benefit greatly from a basic obedience class which will help you teach things such as sit, down, come, stay, and walking on a leash. Even better if you can find a Canine Good Citizen course, which teaches dogs appropriate responses to real life social situations.
If you’re having a hard time with leash manners, consider a head collar (such as the Gentle Leader) or an anti-pull harness (such as the Easy Walk) to help make it easier for your dog to learn what is expected of them.
And if you need a little extra help, check out these great books:
From Fearful to Fear Free: A Positive Program to Free Your Dog from Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias by Marty Becker
How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin
The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs by Patricia B. McConnell
Leave the retractable leash behind
While you may like the freedom a flexi lead gives your dog, they are not appropriate for events. You need to keep your dog close at hand when there are other people and animals present. The length and design of flexi leads can present a hazard to your pet, yourself, and others. Flexi leads also encourage bad leash manners by rewarding pulling. When you’re out and about, stick with a regular leash (preferably no longer than 4-6 feet).
Give your dog time to adjust
For most dogs, an outing is an exciting and infrequent experience. It’s natural for them to be over excited at the beginning of the trip. Spend a bit of time at the edges of the event and allow them a chance to settle down before venturing into areas of more activity.
Don’t allow your dog to approach other people or animals without permission
You can’t always predict how another person or animal will react to your dog…and even some friendly dogs are over-exuberant greeters. It’s best to keep your distance and ask before allowing your dog to approach anyone else—two or four legged. The same goes for petting other people’s dogs…always ask first! (This is one of the most important things you can teach your child before heading out to a dog friendly event…ask before petting!)
Pay attention!
Always pay attention to your dog and what is happening around you. Don’t be distracted by your phone/companions/etc.
Pick up poop!
Poop happens! But not only is it inconsiderate to leave your dog’s mess behind for someone else to clean up, it can contribute to the spread of disease (to both people and dogs) as well. Make sure to stash a few biodegradable poop bags in your purse or pocket for any emergencies. To help decrease the likelihood that your dog will have to go when you’re out and about, make sure to allow the dog plenty of time outside at home before you get on the road.
Bring necessities and consider creature comforts
If it’s going to be hot or there’s little shade at the location, you’ll want to bring some water and a small bowl (if you need a drink, your dog probably does too—there are great collapsible bowls that can fit in your purse or pocket).
If you’re going to be out past your dog’s regular feeding time, you may wish to bring some small treats to help keep your pup’s hunger under control. Treats can also help keep your dog’s attention when you’re out in public.
If you’ll be in the sun all day, consider dog-safe sunscreen for light colored pets.
If the event is being held on concrete or asphalt, your dog will need paw protection to prevent their pads from being burnt by the hot surface (if you wouldn’t be comfortable walking on it barefoot, neither is your dog).
Also consider the nature of event. Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than people, events with loud noises can be quite uncomfortable for them and even cause hearing loss.
Deal with inappropriate behavior calmly and quietly
Dogs are living beings and, as such, they will make mistakes. Consider this an opportunity to improve next time. However, a public event is not the place to make a big fuss. Quietly remove your dog from the situation and come up with a plan to supplement your training at home to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Be prepared to leave if necessary
If a little distance from the main area of activity doesn’t significantly improve your dog’s behavior, it’s time to go. Lingering probably won’t help as continued exposure to the situation can increase your dog’s anxiety/excitement and cause their behavior to get worse. Go home and try again another day.
And most importantly…Relax and have fun!
