Who doesn’t love a tailgate? You’re outside in a parking lot or yard before the big game, your friend’s got the grill going, and the portable speaker is way 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 them along, but there are a few considerations to take into account before you tackle game day with your dog.
Here are 8 tips for successfully tailgating with your dog.
Ensure Dogs are Allowed
It depends on where the tailgate is being held, but it never hurts to double-check if your pup is allowed on the premises. If your friend is hosting a tailgate party in their driveway, it’s a lot more feasible to bring your dog than if the tailgate is an official event at the stadium that’s hosting the game.
Check the Weather
Keep dogs at home on overly hot, cold or rainy days. You don’t want them to get overheated or catch a cold. Plus, keeping them home on rainy days means no risk of wet dog smell.
Dress Your Pup In Appropriate Attire
A tailgate party isn’t the time for your dog to try on a brand-new outfit—they should either go nude or only wear clothes they’re used to. Don’t put them in ill-fitting clothes or accessories just for the sake of the tailgate photo ops.
Make Sure Your Dog is Socialized
As their paw-rent, you know your dog best. Are they a social butterfly who enjoys ear scratches from all angles, or are they typically shy when it comes to meeting new people? Sarah Hodgson, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant, says that most dogs, similar to people, need personal space and might not want to be touched by random strangers.
Keep Your Pup on a Short Leash
There are lots of sights, sounds and smells at tailgate parties your dog may find intriguing. Having them on a short, non-retractable leash will help keep them out of trouble, like if they try to make a run for it to grab a burger off the grill.
Stock Up On Supplies
Don’t leave home without your pup’s essentials: plenty of water, a water bowl, treats, and poop bags. There’s no magical poop fairy to clean up after your dog, even on game day!
Keep Table Scraps Away
Make sure you keep your dog away from the food tables so they don’t accidentally ingest something toxic. And watch out for any spilled beverages your pup could lick up—alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs.
Have a Flexible Attitude
If you bring your dog to a tailgate, be ready to leave at any moment. Even the most sociable, loving dogs have their limits. Don’t expect them to last all day.
Watch out for the following signs that indicate your dog is uncomfortable:
- Tail positioned to one extreme: arched over the back or tucked
- Ears lowered or pitched over their forehead
- Mouth closed or lips curled
- Pupils dilated with eyes either blinking or still and strained
- Posture rigid or lowered
- Other behaviors that can indicate a rising level of emotional distress, like yawning, panting, or lip-licking
“These signals indicate a rising level in [the] cortisol hormone—the stress hormone that can trigger the fight or flight response,” Hodgson says. If the excitement of the tailgate causes stress or any of the behaviors mentioned, she suggests taking your dog home or to a safe location away from crowds to help them calm down.
It’s Ok To Leave Your Dog at Home
After you weigh the pros and cons, it’s perfectly OK to decide to leave your dog at home. “Should you decide to leave your dog behind with a trusted family member, friend, or dogwalker, don’t feel guilty,” Hodgson says.
And remember tailgates are ultimately for humans, so you should take your needs into account, too.
“Bringing a dog is like bringing a baby. Do you want that responsibility?” Hodgson says. If you think you’d rather let loose and enjoy yourself without restraint, it’s best to leave your pup at home.
