Deb D’Andrea, Nederland.     Summertime is here and I wanted to share some thoughts on Canine Etiquette when attending house parties or festivals.

I have attended several events with my dogs throughout the years, with one event taking place on a large property where twenty-five dogs ran freely through acres and everyone got along perfectly; while other events were located in neighborhoods with smaller fenced spaces and the dogs required management. Each Host had Host dogs that were ready with open paw to greet both four- and two-footed guests.

When invited out, I carefully consider which events to bring my dogs to as some events can be overwhelming for the dogs and the people attending. Plus, not everyone is dog friendly. If you have any reservations about how your dog or how people attending will react, it is usually in your dog’s and your best interest to leave them at home with a good bone to chew on in your absence.

I have witnessed dogs getting along swimmingly at events where dogs outnumber humans. I have also witnessed events with five to six pups where one dog has a personality conflict and gets into a scuffle resulting in everyone being banished to a room or backseat of the car, which in summertime heat can be deadly.

We want to take our pups with us, I totally understand; but it’s good to think about the event you’re attending. How many people and other dogs are going to be there? Is there loud music playing that could hurt their ears and cause them to become anxious? Are there shade places for your pup to hang out and cool off? How much space is there for both pups and humans?

If it’s a tight space that could lead to paws and tails being stepped on or tripped over, and then the dog could become unsettled. And, can you relax and enjoy the event more if you leave your dog at home for a few hours? Most of you know I will bow out of an event to go home to my dogs after leaving them for a couple hours.

Another consideration when attending events with your dog are all the tasty foods and morsels that hit the ground, that are available in trash containers, and that people will hand over for your dog to eat.

I was at an event which didn’t end up so well for my friends’ dog that had been begging and was fed corn chips and other items unknown to their person. The next morning they awoke to quite the mess and a dog who didn’t feel so well.

It’s best to keep an eye on your dog and let people know not to feed them anything regardless of how cute they look. If your dog is a beggar, it is best to keep them away from the food area and any kids walking around with food in hand. Bring treats, water, and food for your dog should they get hungry during the event.

I  look forward to an awesome summer with friends, family, good food and music, and with my dogs, which will sometimes be left home. Till next time!  Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz, provides Petz Nanny Services, Canine Massage, and coming soon, Canine Agility. 4TheLuvOfDogz home-made dog treats are sold at local stores and K9Birthday Cakes are available directly from Deb. 4TheLuvOfDogz cares for dogs, cats, birds, fish, and horses; but no children. Contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or info@4theluvofdogz.com. Online: www.4theluvofdogz.com