Dogfest? Should I or Shoudn't I ?

I don't know what to do. There is a RSPCA Dogfest this Sat and Sunday and my friends are going with their dogs & it looks great fun. I so want to take Milo but I'm also very anxious.

He's excitable, strong, anxious and will lunge at other dogs when he's on his lead. There will obviously be lots going on there and lots of dogs and kids & I don't want him jumping up them.

The strange thing is that I have taken him to a Gala day before and expected him to be a handful on that day but quite the opposite - he sort of became very detached and nervous when he was walking around. Didn't even take any notice of the other dogs, wouldn't drink water etc and pulled me all the way back to our car bless him.

So do I risk it? I only want whats best for him. Would it be a good thing to let him experience it again where lots of people noise and dogs are or should I keep him away? He doesn't really go anywhere that's busy to be honest just his usual romps on the park so obviously it comes as a bit of a shock. I could maybe take him and gradually get him nearer to the hustle and bustle and if hes too bad then I will take him home.

Would love to hear what you think please

It's a hard one isn't it. I had exactly the same dilemma taking misty to the Muddy Dog Challenge. I didn't sleep the night before as I was worrying that it would be too much for her. I was fully prepared to walk away if she showed any signs of stress. However she was a star and took it all in her stride.

If he lunges then it may be a problem however if you went to the gala day and he didn't I'd be tempted to try it. Can you leave if it gets too much for him? It's nice to try new things but I understand not wanting to push them if they are not ready x

I think I would try what you've suggested Jenny, take him along but keep to the outside and see how he gets on and gradually move in further if all goes ok. By avoiding it altogether he will never get used to other dogs and lots of people so I think it's worth a try.

Can only agree . Just monitor milo's behaviours and see how you both get on good luck

Yes,well worth a try just try to gradually ease him into it and praise him if he is doing well.

I'd pack plenty treats & stay around the outskirts at first. You don't want him to get nervous & make him feel even worse the next time. Take it slow, does he know one of your friends dogs well? A familiar doggy face might help. Keep things positive to build up good associations

To be honest I'm not so sure. It sounds like it's stressful for him and I do question whether sometimes we do things because we think we should be able to, rather than because it's the right thing for our dogs.

What you're describing from the last time is a dog whose stress level is such that he switched off from the situation - I'd hate for someone to put me in that position.

If this was something you needed to do as part of a learning process because Milo would have to deal with crowds generally, I'd say prepare for it then do it for a short spell. As it is, he doesn't so I wouldn't go. Don't forget that these things can also backfire, and instead of getting used to something, negative experiences can instead just confirm to an animal that meeting people/dogs/etc is scary and make them worse.

I agree with Liz, it sounds like he was so scared.

I took Gizmo to Pride in London and ended up having to carry him out because the noise from the speakers frightened him so much he was crouched down and shaking. I didn't realise just how loud it was until we were behind the barriers and had to be let out by police.

It's really not worth it if it's something that he doesn't have to do.

It sounds like the gala was very stressful for him. Either stay right on the outskirts or start smaller & build up with the aim being next year's dogfest