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Who doesn’t love a tailgate? You’re out in the parking lot or in the yard before the big game, your friend has a barbecue, and the portable speaker is too loud. This is the best part of game day, especially if your team stinks. If you have a dog, you may be tempted to bring it along, but there are a few things to consider before tackling your dog.
Here are 8 tips for a successful ride with your dog.
Make sure dogs are allowed
It depends on where the tailgate is kept, but it never hurts to double check that your pup is allowed on the premises. If your friend is having a tailgate party in their driveway, it’s much more feasible to bring your dog than if the tailgate is an official event at the stadium hosting the game.
Check the weather
Keep dogs at home on excessively hot, cold or rainy days. You don’t want them to overheat or get too cold. Plus, keeping it indoors on rainy days means there’s no risk of wet dog smell.
Dress your puppy in appropriate clothing
A tailgate party isn’t the time for your dog to try on brand new clothes—he should either be naked or wearing only the clothes he’s used to. Don’t put them in inappropriate clothing or accessories just for the sake of tailgating.
Make sure your dog is socialized
As their tenant, you know your dog best. Are they a social butterfly who enjoys having their ears scratched from all angles or are they usually shy when it comes to meeting new people? Sarah Hodgson, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant, says that most dogs, like people, need personal space and may not want to be touched by random strangers.
Keep your puppy on a short leash
There are many sights, sounds and smells at tailgate parties that your dog might find interesting. Having them on a short, non-retractable leash will help them stay out of trouble, for example, if they try to run off to grab a hamburger from the grill.
Get supplies
Don’t leave home without your puppy’s essentials: plenty of water, water bowls, treats and poop bags. There is no magical poo fairy to clean up after her dog, not even on game day!
Keep table scraps away
Make sure you keep your dog away from food tables so he doesn’t accidentally swallow something toxic. And watch out for spilled drinks that your pup might lick—alcohol extremely dangerous for dogs.
Have a flexible attitude
If you bring your dog to the tailgate, be ready to leave at any moment. Even the most sociable dogs like to have their boundaries. Don’t expect it to last all day.
Look out for the following signs that your dog is uncomfortable:
- Tail positioned to one extreme: bent over the back or tucked in
- Ears lowered or raised over the forehead
- Closed mouth or curled lips
- Pupils are dilated with eyes that blink or are still and strained
- Stiff or slumped posture
- Other behaviors that may indicate a rising level of emotional distress, such as yawning, panting, or lip licking
“These signals indicate a rise in levels of (the hormone) cortisol — the stress hormone that can trigger the fight-or-flight response,” says Hodgson. If the excitement of the tailgate is causing stress or any of the above behaviors, she suggests taking the dog home or to a safe location away from the crowds to calm him down.
It’s okay to leave your dog at home
After weighing the pros and cons, it’s perfectly fine to decide to leave your dog at home. “If you decide to leave your dog with a trusted family member, friend or dogwalkerdon’t feel guilty,” says Hodgson.
And remember that tailgates are ultimately for people, so you should consider your needs as well.
“Bringing a dog is like bringing a baby. Do you want that responsibility?” Hodgson says. If you think you’d rather relax and enjoy yourself without restrictions, it’s best to leave your pup at home.
