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We love spending time with our dogs. Isn't the whole point of pet parenthood to share adventures with human's best friend?!
These adventures can come in different forms. Some pups love going just about everywhere we do while others would prefer visiting quieter spots or even simply staying home at least once in a while.
Here are some tips to make the right decision for your own companion!
Some dogs are "everywhere" dogs. Some aren't!
We see dogs pretty much everywhere we see people nowadays. Restaurants. Coffee shops. Breweries. Stores. Pet birthday parties are becoming more common. Pups are welcome in many office buildings. We might just be living in a dog's world.
Some domestic dogs love being with their people more than anything else. Others can feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or downright miserable depending on the situation. The same way certain people are energetic extroverts while others prefer a peaceful environment to recharge? Our pets have a range of their own personalities, too!
If you've ever felt pressured to bring your dog with you — but you aren't sure they'd actually like to come — here's your permission to leave them behind once in a while. If you're having a hard time telling how they feel about a situation? Keep reading!
Does your dog enjoy gatherings and get togethers?
Signs your dog is having a good time:
- Loose body language
- Able to relax
- Happy to take treats (many stressed dogs refuse food)
- Interested in play (if they usually like to play at home)
Signs your dog might feel uncomfortable:
- Stiff body language
- Unable to settle
- Avoiding the crowd or trying to escape
- Overstimulated (even excitement — "too much of a good thing" — can be uncomfortable sometimes!)
How do you know if you're limiting your dog... or making the right call?
Oh to be a dog parent!
You might have heard that if you don't push your dog in new situations they'll never grow — or that by avoiding a certain environment they don't like you're actually holding them back. It can be hard to know what's what especially with so many conflicting voices on social media. No one wants to limit their companion's world!
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you decide what's right for you.
- You don't have to make a binary choice between "helping your dog grow and enjoy the world" and "holding your dog back". That's a false dichotomy! Life (and dog parenting!) is about balance.
- You want your dog to fit into your life. Of course! You also want to acknowledge who they are as an individual. We all have our own preferences — and that's okay. Think of the way there's give and take in all of your healthy human relationships.
- Speaking of fitting into your life... only you know what your life really looks like. The activities you prepare your dog to handle will depend on the things you yourself enjoy. If you don't like sitting at restaurant patios or walking in busy environments? There's no reason your dog needs to either. If you love visiting family, though? That's probably something you'll prioritize with your pup.
- If your dog is truly overwhelmed in a certain situation, they're not going to be in a position to learn much. We want to find the sweet spot: Attainable challenges with your support can be important opportunities for growth.
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How to include your dog while still giving them space
If your dog doesn't seem to enjoy being in the thick of things but you still don't want to leave them home, here are some ways to manage the situation.
- Use baby gates: Sectioning off part of a family member's house can help your dog feel included without being pressured to interact the whole time. This is especially helpful for dinners and holiday parties.
- Bring a crate: If your dog is crate trained, bringing their familiar den to a get together can give them a "safe space" to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed. This can help many pets feel more confident!
- Make trips short and sweet: If you want to build up your pup's tolerance for family gatherings and parties, try bringing them along just for a little bit — ideally at the very start or end of an event when things are quieter — and make sure to end on a positive note. Frequent, short exposures can do wonders.
If your dog would rather stay behind...
That's okay!
Here's how you can help them chill at home while you enjoy yourself at another gathering.
- Meet their basic needs. Make sure your pup has eaten and used the bathroom before heading out. Always provide access to fresh water.
- Fulfill them first! It's also a good idea to provide some physical exercise and mental stimulation to help your dog settle. A long sniffy walk or a favorite game are great options.
- Make them a cozy spot. Crate training can be great for this. If your pup roams loose when you're out, that's fine too! Consider setting up a go-to bed or leaving them with a safe chew. Some dogs benefit from gentle music or white noise playing in the background, too.