Bender/BBQ

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Happy Tuesday DK!

 Well we are throwing a little celebration on behalf of one of our friends.  I have a guest count of 16 adults, 7 kids, and 2 babies.  We are pretty excited as this is our first DAY time event at our house with friends since we moved in 2 years ago (usually we have gatherings at night) and we just got new patio furniture on our deck!

My dog Bender really doesn't like crowds, loud noises, chaos, and all things out of the ordinary...especially if its loud.  I would like suggestions on how to give him the best experience without him getting too stressed out.

He really doesn't do anything except follow me around.  He literally stays about an inch away from me.  Last time some kids came over and there was a problem with him growling at them but I really think it was due to their animal hats.  We went out every week and saw so many kids after this day and he had no issues with kids what-so-ever.  It might've been their hats and because he was home.  Here is the discussion.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/trainingmindsets/forum/topics/gro...

I was thinking that maybe he can start out in the backyard when people arrive.  And then he can greet them when every one is more scattered around the house so it doesn't seem like a big crowd all in at once.  Since it's daylight I'm thinking most people will stay in the yard and our yard is big so it won't be so overwhelming for him.  I'm pretty sure he will still stick close to me but I want him to have a pleasant experience.  I was even thinking maybe I should go out and get one of those calming scents (it couldn't hurt right?).

Please let me know if you have any ideas for my very sweet and gentle but scared and nervous baby Bender. 

Thank you!!!!

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Does he use a crate?  I think I would crate him while people are arriving...that excitement can be a little overwhelming for many dogs.  When everyone is there and things are relatively calm, I'd let him join the party, but I'd keep a really close eye on him.  If I noticed any stress signals I would put him back in the crate...maybe with some favorite toys or kong.  We like parties, but not all dogs do.  Murph is definitely not a fan of a house full of people...too much chaos for him.  I gate him in our room and he's much happier....he can see out but he has peace and quiet.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

no he never liked the crate so we never used one on him.  I feel like if i leave him in a room or gate then he will whine and cry the entire time.  He always gets so excited to greet people at the door 

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

I think having the big yard available and allowing him to "escape" should he feel the need is perfect.  But I'll bet you 10 to 1 that he still stays right next to you so you may want to plan on being out back as well.  Maybe a couple of friends that are closer than the rest could get a heads up and you guys could "walk a bit" around the yard every now and then to get away from the noise?  I have the opposite problem, my dogs won't leave the company alone and think everyone there is there specifically to see them.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Yes, I think I will tell the kids not to by hyper around him and not pet him.  

Zoe is like Stanlee...she LOVES everyone esp kids!  The more the merrier.  She will make her rounds and say hello to everyone.

[F, Calla & Luca]

You could, if you really think Bender will be very stressed, send him to a relative or board him for the day.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

I've never boarded him before.  I don't think he will be good in a playpen with other dogs.  And i really wouldnt want him in a crate all day at the vet.  It will probably give him more stress :(

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Joanna, I hope you report later what you did and how it went. I have some of these same issues with Vern and we are expecting company over Memorial Day weekend that includes three adults and two children under the age of three. I actually am going to have my dog sitter on standby for Vern.  I also put his crate back up and plan on making that a "no bugging Vern," zone. Later in the summer we are supposed to have two adults and FIVE children and I guess I will see how it goes with the first visit. Vern will also be tethered to me in the beginning until I see how it is going. Good luck and keep us posted. I think safety and Bender's peace of mind should come first and if that means he has to be unhappy in another room, I would still do it and I also know that is easier said than done.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

I will let you know Laurie :)  Wish us luck!

[Wendy and Myla]

The only suggestion I have that might work is if you let everyone know to ignore him at first (even though it would be hard cause he's soooo cute) and then he can follow you around and sniff but not have to deal with a whole bunch of strange hands all over him and squealing (from the kids) right off the bat.  As he gets used to the crowd, people can start to talk to him and pet him if that seems like what he wants.  If he doesn't seem to want the attention, have them keep ignoring him for this party and that will end the party on a good note for him so that maybe the next party he'll be ready for more interaction - sort of a training episode.  Of course, if it gets overwhelming and you can see that it's too much, then I would definitely take him to a room where he can be in peace.  I'm sure he'll appreciate it!  Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Thanks Wendy!  I think that would be a great approach!  :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

If you are expecting lots of people, it isn't feasible to ask them to ignore him. I would seriously consider sending him elsewhere for the party.  You can't be a good host if you are concentrating only on him and your stress about this will translate itself to him.  If you keep him home during your party,  I would go out and purchase an ex-pen and set it up in the yard and/or house so he can watch everything but not be touched. Then, if/when it seems appropriate, you can let him out.  You will really get your money's worth out of an ex-pen.  The last forever and fold flat.  Currently we are using ours to block the living room off from the dogs because they will not stay off the furniture.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Thanks Nancy!