CLEVELAND — There’s a “Taste of…” for almost every city in Northeast Ohio. You can find good fun, awesome music and all the summer food you can indulge in.
The idea of your dog being cooped up or left in the house seems cruel, but some dog trainers cringe at the idea of putting your dog in those environments.
“My first recommendation regarding festivals and parades is to not even take your pets with you,” said trainer Valarie Ross-Smith.
She owns Sits ‘N Wiggles, and though she’s firm in her recommendation, she said if you have to take your dog with you, make sure he’s protected.
“Your primary concern when you're at a festival or parade -- or really anywhere out in public and you take your dog with you -- is to focus on your dog,” Ross-Smith said.
As a pet owner, that means constantly checking stress levels.
“Check and see are they excessively panting even though it's not super hot outside? Are they yawning when they shouldn't be tired? Looking for whale eyes or raised hackles, or also if your dog is being hyper vigilant and looking for an escape route.”
“The thing with the stressed or fearful dog are those are the dogs that tend to bite or aggress.”
Though there aren’t specific breeds that do better in public situations, temperament makes a big difference.
“Someone like Gracie, who's pretty chill is going to do better than a dog who is overly excitable or a very nervous dog,” Ross-Smith said.
Another important tip is gear. You want to make sure you can control your dog with the safest option.
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“Any harness that has this front clip on it is going to be your best bet for helping him breath as easy as possible in the heat."
Speaking of heat, dogs don’t cool off easily as we do so you have to be aware of their body language.
“Look for signs of overheating such as excessive panting, excessive thirst, sweaty paws and also again seeking out shade or cooler weather.”
Lastly, remember to ask before you pet someone's dog and respect it if they say "no."