Fur and Festivities: Fiesta Pooch Parade Etiquette

This year’s Fiesta Pooch Parade will be held on Saturday, April 27 in Alamo Heights, and many proud pup parents are putting the final touches on Rover’s colorful costume. The event is a highlight for our family as well as our sweet 4-legged companions. If this will be your first time attending the Fiesta fun, or you have a puppy parade in your area, today’s blog is written with you and you in mind.

Some people think it’s best to leave your pet behind when traveling to a crowded event for the safety of the pet and the sanity of the owner. But, what if you have the opportunity to attend a pooch parade? It sounds like loads of fun until you are the one with a scared pup, who is growling, whimpering, won’t walk on their leash, or wants to take a rest in someone’s grass. Here are a few etiquette tips on how to take your do to a pooch parade and make it fun for all.

Fur and Festivities: Fiesta Pooch Parade Etiquette

Bring the Right Supplies

A collapsible doggie bowl, a bottle of water, and a few disposable bags for your dog’s mess are always the first things you should pack in your lightweight tote bag. You might find water bowls along the parade route, but it’s best to be prepared with clean, fresh water of your own.

Use the Right Length Leash

Avoid extra long leashes or a retractable leash that may not be familiar if you have a dog who likes to run and gets easily excited. Our little Eloise loves people and when she sees someone she thinks she wants to meet, she darts like a gazelle in the blink of an eye. It can startle someone and they could fall or overreact, even though she has no history of biting. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Dog-Friendly Treats

If you are giving out treats along the parade route, make sure you are offering dog-friendly indulgences rather than people food which isn’t always best for a dog’s tummy. Marty, my poodle’s, favorite dog grooming and pet supply shop, Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming, always has a beautiful assortment of goodies that smell and look good enough for me to eat! But don’t.

Keep a Polite Distance

It’s always fun to meet new fur friends along the way. Introduce your dog to other dogs with caution. Keep at least 10 feet between pets until they get used to each other. Walk in the same direction and never force one dog to get closer to another unless they are familiar. Just like people, every dog has their own personality and some are friendlier than others.

Consider the Weather

If it’s too hot, or your dog looks as if they are getting tired, take a break or jump out of the parade. Forcing your dog to keep up with your pace, or the pace of the crowd, is not in their best interest. After all, a parade is supposed to be fun, until it becomes too hot, rowdy, or overcrowded. Reserve the right to bow out at any time.

Be Aware of Sidewalk Temperature

According to the AKC, once the temperature is 85 degrees, or higher, there is no chance for the pavement to cool down and it can reach 125 degrees and upwards when the air temp is in the high 70s. The pavement can burn your dog’s paws in as little as 60 seconds when the air temp is 77 degrees. Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club on how hot is too hot for your dog’s paws.

We look forward to all of the Fiesta photos of you and your pooch! Perhaps we’ll see you along the tail-wagging route.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go to” social and professional (manners) skills authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account and keep up with her latest tweets. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.