10/22/2025
Heads up!…
This is a L O N G G G P O S T but full of great info! Read on!…
On Sundays from August to October,
I have the extreme pleasure of working at a Boho Crystal shoppe at the Pa Renaissance Faire. Tons of fun right? Yessss!… that is, for me and most humans… and, since it’s dog friendly, its also fun for some dogs who have the confidece and unwavering courage to face all the overstimulation challenges there. But what about the dogs who can’t handle noise, crowds, fireworks, and loud music?
Often I hear people say that they brought their dog to the Renfaire for socializing experiences and to build courage… But honestly that’s the worst situation to put your dog in when you want them to slowly build courage. When we try to get our dogs over really big things too quickly, well-meaning “socializing” attempts can backfire and actually *hypersensitive* the dog to the stimulation instead of *de-sensitize* them.
So what exactly is a good socialization process?
1. Know your dog… If they are a timid personality or lack courage, don’t bring them to overwhelming events. Not all dogs are designed for big festivals and overcrowded social situations… no matter how hard we try. (My Libby is one of those dogs)
2. When you’re starting your dog in the socializing process, pick situations that increase very slowly in stimulation levels. You can go to new neighborhoods, different parks or pet stores before you attempt cities, traffic and music.
3. Plan to make your new excursions 20 to 25 minutes tops so your dog can enjoy the experience and not be overwhelmed or shut down. We want to keep them eager to learn more.
4. If you see your dog struggle with one type of situation, don’t increase intensity levels of new environments until you think they are comfortable with the present level.
5. Be sure to have a really solid teamwork foundation in training and communication skills. Coaching your dogs through these experiences with calming and focus techniques are what will make this situation successful. Dogs don’t learn simply by going and experiencing, they need to know you have their back, and that you’re there to protect them and “explain” the situation with training cues.
6. Take food treats to reward them for being present & following your directions! Food also makes the experience emotionally positive.
7. If at any point you see your dog struggling, unsure, scared or panicking remove them from the situation.
8. Above all, find experiences that not only you enjoy but that your dog truly enjoys with you.
In this picture above, my new dog Ben is thrilled to be attending Barktoberfest in Center Valley last weekend… He lives for big crowds and plenty of people to admire him 😆 and he loves to go hear music and see big parties… the total opposite of my Libby!
Know and honor each being with whom you have the pleasure of travelling on this life path. 🙏🏻🌟✌️
