Planning to attend a dog-friendly festival or local event this season?
Whether it’s a relaxed Dogs' Day Out or a bustling pet expo, our canine companions can easily feel overwhelmed by the chaos.
With the City of Stirling celebrating 10 years of Paw-some Day Out just around the corner and Perth’s event calendar packed with opportunities to socialise, it’s the perfect time to revisit how we can keep outings fun — and meltdown-free — for dogs and humans alike.
Before you go
Consider your dog’s age, activity level, and personality. How long has it been 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 look at how your dog is in social situations, you'll decide that a dog day out is not the place for them. 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”.
Keep an eye open for balance challenges along the route, for all levels of canine ability, to get your pup’s brain working, and a place to chill, 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.
Top Tips for Dog Festival Fun Without the Meltdown
Know your dog’s crowd tolerance – Skip the midday rush if your pup prefers quiet.
Create a retreat zone – Bring a crate, shaded mat or car break time.
Hydrate often – For you and your furry friend.
Limit the loot – Sniff stations are fine, but a dozen sample snacks? Maybe not.
Watch their body language – Happy tail or stress signals? Trust your dog’s feedback.
Leave on a high note – Don’t wait for a meltdown. Head home while it’s still fun.
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.
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We would love to hear what you think of the local pet fest scene in Perth.
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