Dog Festivals – What’s good about ‘em, what’s bad about ‘em?

Can I just start off by saying, the fact that there are entire festivals dedicated to dogs is amazing? Because it definitely is. This summer, we went to Woofstock for the second year in a row, and had a blast.

So here’s why dog festivals are awesome:

You get to see many different dogs.

If you want to see every kind of dog in existence, dog festivals are the place to be!

I have never seen so many different breeds of dogs in the same space. Everything from teenie tiny pups in strollers to great big Great Danes and Bull Mastiffs.

Everyone there loves dogs as much as you do.

From the rescue groups, to the event hosts, to all of the attendees, everyone is there to celebrate dogs. And with that, comes a welcoming environment for you and your pooch.

Maybe a good place to meet some dog owner friends?

A great place to find cool stuff for your dog

A lot of vendors are start-ups, who may only have an online store for their products. Meeting them face-to-face gives you and your dog a chance to try their product (and any new products not yet available) before buying it.

While these festivals are great, there are some things to note:

Not all dogs can handle this kind of experience

While we humans may be used to navigating a busy park or street full of people, dogs don’t have that same common experience with other dogs. For that reason, make sure to keep an eye on your pooch.

If they show any signs of distress, be ready to bring them to a quiet place to calm down or home altogether.

Not all attending puppies will be polite

This builds on my last point- not all pups will be comfortable with being surrounded by unfamiliar dogs. This can be dangerous if their owners don’t sense it because there is a chance of altercation.

So, just be careful to keep an eye on your pup and make sure he/she maintains a comfortable space between other dogs.

There’s yummy food on the ground!

Now, you’re probably already looking out for this, but be aware that food and treats are dropped on the ground at any large gathering.

Watch your pup’s inquisitive nose and hold them closer in large crowds to avoid them picking up something that might make them feel sick.

 

 

I hope these notes are helpful to you and that you get the chance to attend one of these festivals. I’d like to know, what has your experience been with dog festivals? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!