Want To Take Your Dog To A Festival? Here Are The Dos and Don’ts

Have you been dying to go to a festival this year and really want to bring your dog along, but aren’t sure how it will go? There are ways to set your dog up for success – and some things to definitely stay away from.

Try the tips in this article to help ensure your dog can have a great time right by your side.

Why you should take your dogs to events

Taking your dog out and going on adventures can be a fantastic bonding experience! If you hate leaving your dog, chances are they hate when you leave too. Taking them with you can be a great confidence builder and you get to show off your pup.

At many festivals, they have dog costume contests or races that your dog may love to be a part of. If your dog has never been in a costume before, I would highly recommend getting them used to it first, which will make them more comfortable.

If you only ever take your dog to the vet, this is a great way to change their opinion of going to different places. The more you take them, the more excited they will be – as long as you keep it positive.

Beforehand - be honest with yourself and prepare accordingly

Festivals can be great for socialization, teaching manners, and bonding with your dog. But It’s important to do some honest reflection before taking your dog out.

Consider things like – does my dog like people and dogs? Do they walk well on-leash? Have they been out often? If the answer to those questions is no, you may need to do some preparation prior to the festival. Walking well on a leash and having some basic obedience is a necessity in these environments. If you don’t take your dog out often and you aren’t sure how they will react to new people or dogs, simply take them to a park or store to find out beforehand. Reaching out to a dog trainer to help prepare can be very beneficial.

Tips for success at festivals

If your goal is to socialize your dog at the festival, there are a few different ways to go about it. The way to approach it will depend on your specific dog, and their specific personality, temperament and learned history.

For scared or timid dogs

If your dog is scared and could possibly bite, it would be best to stay out of the crowd but still allow your dog to see people. Be sure to pay attention to your dog’s body language during this. If their tail is tucked, or they randomly start jumping up on you, or they start to pant heavily, your dog is experiencing stress. Don’t force your dog to interact with people and dogs – but allow them to if they want to.

For puppies

If you have a puppy that you want to get around lots of people, bring treats and have people pet and give treats with your permission. If you aren’t super trustworthy of your dog but you still want to socialize, don’t be scared to use a muzzle as an extra precaution.

For easily distracted dogs

If your dog is overly friendly and easily distracted, festivals can be a great way to get lots of practice showing restraint and teaching good social interactions. Teaching your dog not to interact with every person they see can be a difficult thing but very beneficial. If your dog gets very excited when they see someone, wait for them to relax and focus back on you before receiving affection from a new person. The best practice is for them to not receive affection from other people at all until they prove they can handle it. This can be hard if people ask to pet them but you can simply say, “No, we are in training.”

Finally, if your dog loves food, be cautious to make sure they don’t eat any food off the ground – especially if they have a sensitive stomach. If they get sick, it could cause a negative association.

Final tips

Here are some closing tips you don’t want to forget before you go to a festival with your dog:

Make sure it’s a dog friendly festival!
Check to see when the busiest times are, and try to avoid these if you’re a first timer.
Bring water and a bowl to make sure your pup doesn’t get dehydrated.
Check the weather, especially in the summer if there isn’t much grass. You don’t want to burn paws.
Tighten your dog’s collar or harness to ensure they can’t escape.

In conclusion

Make memories with your pup and be sure to take pictures to enjoy it for years to come. Whether you are bringing your dog to socialize, train, or just have a good time, it’s important to be a responsible pet owner or trainer. Set your dog up for success and make sure to have fun!