How to handle your pet in a crowd

B.C Henschen from Platinum Paws says if you are going to take your dog out into a crowd have the right gear and plenty of treats! 

Having the right gear means leaving the retractable leashes at home.  In fact, most trainers HATE retractable leashes.  Have a standard 6’ leash and a buckle collar (no pinch, prong, or chain collars).  If you feel that you need a collar like those to control your dog, then you probably aren’t ready for public dog events.    Load up your treat bag with lots of different treats but avoid the hard biscuits.  You want soft small treats that your dog can quickly eat and that have a lot of aroma.  You can give a treat when your dog is doing great or if you need to get his attention back to you.   Don’t forget those waste bags!

Have you taken your dog to public events before?   If not, don’t start at a huge event.  Head out to pet friendly places or the Monon Trail.   Reward for having fun!  Start out in small amounts of time and then add time as your dog wants to. 

Read your dog!  Some dogs would much rather take a nice walk with their owners around the neighborhood than head to a large public area.  Does your dog want to walk and meet people or is her tail tucked and ears back whenever strangers come by?  Is she staying behind you?  All good signs that maybe you should leave her at home, but don’t worry you can probably find a dog who needs a walker for the event. 

Give your dog a break as needed.  Even if you are at an event like Mutt Strut you can head off to the side of the track or the infield to let your dog get a break from all the excitement.  Once he is calm, head back in but always make sure you read him.  If he is showing signs that he is done or too overwhelmed then it might be time to call it a day.  We always want to end on a good note!

Water, Water, Water!  Don’t forget water.  Most dog events will have water stations set up but there can be a line of dogs waiting or  maybe you have figured out that your dog needs a break from everything.  I like carrying a water bottle and a collapsible bowl so I am prepared. 

Still unsure about your dog – plenty of time to work with a trainer.  The Humane Society of Indianapolis has a great training class or feel free to contact me for a referral.