Dog Health & Wellness
It can sometimes be hard to tell if your pet is comfortable in a busy public setting like a festival or fair. Oftentimes, owners assume that their friendly, social dog at home will be easy going in any setting, but that’s not always the case. We’ve asked our friends at Central Bark to provide some insight into how you can tell if your fido is ready to paw-ty with you at your favorite summer festivals. Carla Dusel, CPDT-KA is a Training and Education Coordinator from Central Bark and has shared some tips below:
A: When you’re observing your dog’s body language for signs of stress, it’s important to look at the full picture because many factors can play a role in causing your pup to feel anxious or uncomfortable. For example, a common sign of stress can be panting and a wide, spatulate tongue but this can also be a sign that your dog is trying to cool off on a hot summer day. If you observe drooling, shaking, whining, growling, dilated pupils, ears pinned back, the corner of their lips pulled tightly back like a grimace, or a tucked tail, these would all be compounding signs of stress that indicate your dog may not just be warm, but may be anxious about something happening to them or happening in their environment.
A: The best thing we can do as pet parents is to support our dogs when we see signs of stress or discomfort. Take a break from the situation or exit the environment entirely. Some dogs simply need a few moments away from the activity to recalibrate, while others need to be removed from the space entirely in order to recover from the stress they’re experiencing.
When your dog is expressing signs of stress, offer them lots of breaks to help them feel more at ease. Taking a step out of the action to offer treats, play, or affection and reassurance can go a long way with your four-legged friend. Be sure not to force your pup to continue interacting with the cause of their stress, as this may exacerbate things further.
A: Start by going for walks where your dog can passively engage with the environment through sniffing, exploring, and observing to begin building comfort around novelty and busy spaces. Start at a great distance so your pup can watch people and other animals from afar while having the opportunity to play with you, drink water, eat treats, and rest. Have the goal of achieving a sort of homeostasis from far away, and then gradually build up that same comfort and relaxation closer and closer over time. For example, try bringing your pup to a music in the park event where you can sit in the far back and move closer as your pup gets comfortable in the setting.
A: The best event for you and your dog to attend together will have ample space - an open environment means you can give your dog breaks from all the stimulation (including butt sniffing). Avoid tight spaces that don’t allow for an escape if your pup needs a break. You will also want to avoid late night events as it can be hard for dogs to distinguish clear details in dark or poorly lit environments, which can cause apprehension and nervousness. Events with live music can also be overwhelming for some dogs, especially for those with sensitivities to things like motorcycles, thunderstorms, or fireworks.
A: There are two things you can do in this situation. The first is to maintain your distance. Keeping yourself, your own pet, and the other person’s pet safe is the most important thing to keep in mind. Second, try letting the other pet parent know that their dog may be feeling stressed. Share with them the body language you're observing and what it might mean, but keep an open mind that not everyone will be receptive and you may just need to walk away for your pet’s sake.
Carla Dusel is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who has been working with dogs for over a decade. As the Training and Education Coordinator for Central Bark, Carla is committed to being a lifelong learner and expanding her expertise in dog behavior. She is passionate about teaching others and aims to make meaningful contributions to the pet care industry.
