Sometimes when we take our dogs out on what we think will be lovely days out, we fail to consider if the dogs really are enjoying themselves.
I like to wander down to my local market on a Saturday and there are always lots of dogs accompanying their owners and what I see are some dogs having a lovely time, some a bit uncomfortable and others visibly stressed. So I thought it would be good to look at a little checklist of things to think about before you take your dog somewhere with you.
After looking through the points below, if it turns out that maybe the market or other destination won’t be suitable for your dog, it doesn’t mean they won’t ever be able to go- it’s just a great place to look at where you need to work on some training to make the experience more comfortable for your dog- I have added some ideas at the end of each point.
Collar/Harness/Lead: Consider your dog’s lead skills, are they able to walk comfortably and happily with a loose leash for longish periods of time? Will you be using a head collar or other training tool that they are not particularly comfortable with? If the dog will be on its lead for long periods of time, and they haven’t been trained how to walk comfortably beside you, then there is going to be pressure around their body or neck for long periods of time and this can be uncomfortable and potentially stressful.
Training needed: Loose leash skills-without training aids.
Expectations of the dog: The market especially, but any similar place you’re taking your dog will have a vast array of interesting new smells for your dog, will they be allowed the time and space to process these? Will lots of tasty food, at perfect dog height, be easy for them to ignore, as it’s not appropriate for them to help themselves to a sausage roll? Being constantly tugged away or told off for sniffing at and trying to get at the tempting foods will not be overly enjoyable. Will you be stopping at the place for long periods of time, for example to have lunch-in which case does your dog have skills to relax and stay in place while you eat?
Training needed: Good ‘leave it’ command and ‘place’ or relaxation commands.
Other dogs or people: How comfortable is your dog around other dogs and people? I’m always surprised at the amount of reactive dogs I see at markets or dog shows. If your dog is not comfortable around groups of people or other dogs in fairly close proximity, then don’t force them into this situation where you are also distracted by your own agenda to enjoy your day.
Training needed: This will vary depending on the level of your dog’s discomfort, reactive dogs will benefit from behaviourist support and a training plan.
Other sensory elements: At some outdoor events, particularly village or show days e.c.t there are often loudspeakers with music or announcements, consider if your dog is comfortable with loud noises and take into consideration that their hearing is far superior to ours. Will the event be in a fairly confined space, if so will your dog be comfortable in dense crowds and under tight control on its lead.
If you are not sure how your dog is feeling, some of the more subtle signs that your dog is uncomfortable include, lip licking, yawning, ears pinned back, panting or tucking their tail under, they may also refuse foods and treats and bark or whine.
If you think actually your dog may never be comfortable with a certain element of these sorts of events, then just accept; the market or other dog friendly event is not the place for them. Just because the organisers deem it an acceptable to bring your dog does not mean it is suitable for all dogs, all dogs are different and have different needs and enjoyments, find what your dogs are and focus on these.