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!!!!

 

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I would put him in another room while people arrive and then maybe bring him out on a leash once every is settled and socializing.  You can ask people not to pet him as he walks through with you just to see how he does.  When people enter your yard, will it only be through the house?  If people are coming and going through a gate, then you might not want to leave him in the yard because he might get stressed and try to bolt if he sees an opportunity.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

thanks Amy.  People will be entering through the house.  I don't worry about him bolting because he sticks to me like glue when there are people around.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Since he does not like/have a crate, I think the ex-pen has potential.  I know you probably want him there, but it may be best to have him at a sitters house.  

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

thanks everyone for your suggestions.  I really don't mean to be difficult but I would like to have him at home with me so he can get used to people and events like this.  I just want to find the best approach to things in a situation like this and make him the least stressed as possible.   

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

You say you want him to get used to people and events but a party such as this is not the way to introduce him.  If he has any issues then this will be overwhelming and you may be setting him up to fail. Apologies if I sound harsh here but in light of your past experience I would urge caution in this instance, especially since you are the host and it will be very difficult for you to watch him for cues that all is not well. The way to introduce a puppy or dog to situations is do it in a controlled environment where you have willing participants in the training challenges. Personally if you are in doubt as to how he will react I would send him somewhere for the day or find a safe place where he can be such as the xpen or a room where he will be able to relax with a kong or some toys.Whatever you decide I would take him for lots of exercise before the event to tire him out.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hi Nicky, thank you for the feedback and no apologies are necessary since all opinions can be helpful. I am not opposed to him gated off or in another room and am going to have him separated when people arrive.  The couples will all come at different times ranging from 12pm to 5pm so I think it is better since not everyone will be arriving at the same time.  

I do not have any doubts to how he will react because I know he will just stay close to me if he is stressed out.  We have had multiple parties at our house before...after the initial hellos he just sits by me and doesn't run around as usual.  So my whole discussion is actually asking  "how do I help him be his usual self in this type of situation?"  I am not worried for my guests...he is a sweetheart and loves people.  I am worried for my dog...I want him to understand that he's safe and he's ok.  I am not afraid of him attacking anyone or anything.  I just want him to be ok in his mental state.  

[Lynette Main]

I know how mine react,they have to greet and smell everyone then they go to my bedroom and sleep.Only coming out when they think they may get some dropped food. But they always love people.  Good luck...

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Thanks Lynette :) 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I think most of us have pretty quiet lives and our Dogs are used to calm laid back days and nights. Unless there are kids in the home that is. So most dogs would probably prefer life as usual and act a little different when their den changes with strange people, noise, smells and elevated energy. However, parties and celebrations are part of all of our lives and i feel they sense when we are having fun, and enjoy all the extra petting and dropped food. Lol
I do keep mine in the bedroom when people are coming to a party, unless I am sure EVERYONE and their kids like or are not afraid of dogs. Especially if little ones toddling around as dogs mingling around sometimes knock right into them and that's never fun.
Once everyone is here or even coming and going, I let them come out and explore as they want. If they get stressed or out of hand, back to the bedroom they go. One thing that probably has always helped my two is that all our family has dogs and usually some of those come with them and the dogs have their own party. We have a pool and most of them swim so its not too long before everyone is in on the fun of watching the dogs jump in for balls. They can actually be pretty entertaining. Good luck, but I bet he has a blast.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Thanks Sue for the words of encouragement :)  I will keep him away from hyper kids but all that are coming over have multiple dogs at home so I believe they will be good with animals.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

You might want to try Rescue Remedy. They make one specifically for pets. Its an herbal mixture that helps calm anxieties. We used it on Oscar's first long car trip and he just curled into a ball and fell asleep for the entire ride. It really does work!

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

thank you so much Debb!  I will order this!  I almost called my vet to see if they had any suggestions but I didn't want to give him any unnatural substances.  I'll let you know how it works for him :)