#11 - Going to Pride with your dog
A few things to consider before you leave the house.
This one could be titled ‘going to a crowded summer event with your dog’, but it doesn’t have the same ring to it and it’s Pride weekend in Vancouver as I write this, so have some somewhat belated advice.
Pride events can look very different depending on where you live. Generally though, they are hot and crowded, so before you decide to bring your dog to celebrate Pride, here are some things to consider.
Your dog’s physical well-being
What kind of Pride event are you going to? A parade or more of a ‘hang out in one place’ event?
How warm is the weather going to be? Will there be shade?
How long are you going to be there? Can you easily leave if your dog starts to feel unwell?
Dogs are more sensitive to warm temperatures than we are because they mainly cool down by panting and can only sweat through their paw pads. You can help them out by bringing water (to drink and shower them with), by staying in the shade, and by making them wear a cooling vest. Above certain temperatures (which will depend on the dog), it’s best to leave them at home.
If you are going to be walking on pavement in the sun, remember that dogs walk barefoot. Hot pavement can burn paw pads.
Make sure you’re familiar with symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Your dog’s mental well-being
How comfortable is your dog in a crowd? Are they calm around kids and other dogs?
Pride events come with a lot of sensory input: loud and sudden noises, people carrying signs, flags and other accessories your dog might not be used to.
If your dog is reactive or anxious, it’s important to know their triggers and slowly get them used to each one. Forcing a dog to be around things that make them anxious might increase their sensitivity.
If your dog behaves perfectly on your daily walks, it might not translates directly to behaving well at a crowded, noisy Pride event. How does your dog handle frustration? Will they be fine walking (very) slowly in a parade? Are they good at lying down calmly in public places?
Bucky and I went to two Pride events this year. Early this summer we had fun hanging out at the park watching various performers. Bucky was happy to lie down in the shade and get the occasional treat as a reward for his good behaviour.
This weekend’s neighbourhood parade however did not go as planned. The bubble makers were our downfall. Bucky is OBSESSED with chasing bubbles and when he couldn’t, he did not handle the frustration well. He lunged towards the shiny floating bubbles. He scared a few people with his resounding barks and we had to take side streets to the park at the finish line.
Which brings me to my last point…
What about humans?
It’s great to be able to be able to take our dogs (almost) everywhere. When we do, we need to ensure they won’t get in the way of other people’s enjoyment of the space. If your dog is lunging and barking constantly (even if it’s at bubbles), it’s not a great experience for anyone.
And will you be able to enjoy Pride if you have to stay constantly vigilant about your dog’s behaviour? Will you be able and prepared to leave the event if your dog needs to leave? Sometimes it’s better to leave them at home and let yourself enjoy Pride without them.
You know your dog best. Whether you leave them at home or bring them with you, I hope you have (or had) a great Pride season this year!