By Susan Spisak
There’s an interesting festival this weekend and you’d love to attend with your dog. Before you head out, you have to consider if he is going to be relaxed, and if the situation is in his best interest. Knowing if your bud will be good at events involves assessing not only his confidence but his ability to focus on you if needed while there’s a myriad of distractions.
Not every dog loves crowds, chaos, strangers, or other dogs that you’ll come across, and that’s fine, said Sara Sokol, Owner/Trainer of Mr. Dog Training (voted best in Maine). “‘Socialized’ does not mean your dog should be able to happily handle every environment humans invent. It means they can navigate the world without becoming overwhelmed.”
She provided a few tips to think about before leashing him up to attend. Do you have a solid understanding of his body language and stress signals? “A wagging tail does not automatically mean ‘happy,’ and many dogs give dozens of subtle signs before they ever bark, growl, or react. If you can’t recognize when your dog is becoming uncomfortable, overwhelmed, overstimulated, or pressured, you can’t advocate for them effectively in these environments.”
It’s important to realize if your dog can settle and disengage in stimulating environments. Sara explained, “Does your dog really enjoy interacting with new dogs and people, or is he tolerating the situation?” And an important thought, and one I have finally accepted, are you bringing him because you feel guilty leaving him behind? My dogs are fine with new people and animals at the vet’s office and pet store. But they hit a limit, then they’re wiped out. Hence, we do not attend longer get-togethers.
If you decide to hit one of the many events and festivals, and shop for the terrific Maine Made Pet Products that will be there, have fun as there are a variety of them this summer and fall! Note: Keep an eye on the DDN calendar and Facebook page for more as they are added.
July 25 is the free, family- and dog-friendly Woofstock Festival. It is held on the grounds of the Animal Welfare Society, 46 Holland Road in Kennebunk, from 11 am to 3 pm. There will be live music, food trucks, local craft brews, vendors, games, kids’ activities, giveaways, and so much more! For more, animalwelfaresociety.org/news-events/woofstock/.
Woofstock - Courtesy of AWS
The 13th Annual Wine & Whiskers is on Tuesday, July 28 at the beautiful Harbor Club, 111 West Street in Bar Harbor from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. A celebratory evening with delicious food, a cash bar, music, silent and live auctions, and a paddle raise. This event raises essential funds to continue the SPCA of Hancock County’s life-saving work. Reservations required. For more info, spcahancockcounty.org.
Maine Lobster Festival Dog Show is in Rockland at Harbor Park on July 31st, from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Main Stage. Festivities kick off with a delightful Dog Parade winding through the grounds. The main event features three tail-wagging categories: Best Costume, Best Hair, and Best Trick. For details, mainelobsterfestival.com.
The Dog Days of Bridgton’s 7th Annual Fundraiser for Local Rescues and Shelters is on August 15th, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St. Expect a terrific time for the whole family with games, vendors, participating dog rescues, contests and much more. This supports Harvest Hills Animal Shelter. Questions? Contact msunday@maine.rr.com or call 207-577-0783.
August 30 is the 12th Annual Pet Rock in the Park, sponsored by Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care to benefit the Animal Cancer Foundation. It is held at Deering Oaks Park in Portland from 11 am to 3 pm. This dog-friendly event features live music, animal demonstrations, food vendors, pet products, service vendors, animal shelters, and rescue organizations.
On September 12, from noon to 4 pm, there is the Annual Bark in the Park organized by Saco Main Street. Held at Fairfield School, 75 Beach Street in Saco, the pet-friendly vendor fair features a crowd-pleasing doggy parade, agility demonstrations, a spirited dog costume contest, live music, food trucks, and more. For info, sacomainstreet.org/event/bark-in-the-park-2/. (Rain date is September 13.)
The Annual Wienerfest is on September 13th at Steamboat Landing Park, 34 Commercial Street in Belfast. It’s a celebration of Dachshunds and the people who love them. There’s a Grand Parade, Canine Costume Contest, and Doxie Derby race. There will be food vendors, locally made crafts, and pet merch. This benefits the non-profit PAWS Animal Adoption Center. For hours and info, mainewienerfest.com.
The Bark & Brew in the Barn event is being held in Warren on September 17th at Harmony Hill Farm. The 21+ only event is from 5 pm to 9 pm to benefit Pope Memorial Humane Society. There will be local craft beer, wine, food trucks, a silent auction, a puppy playpen, and music by the Right Track Band. For more details, popehumane.org.
Bark & Brew in the Barn Credit: Nicole Look
Pack Party, to benefit the Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue and Retirement Home, will be held September 19th at the North Yarmouth Community Center, 120 Memorial Highway, from 7 pm to 10 pm. There will be live music, raffles, an incredible silent auction, awesome Finally Home swag, and so much more! Call (207) 829-3943 to reserve tickets now. For more, finallyhomemaine.org/eventsandnews.
Bangor Humane Society’s 33rd Annual Paws on Parade is on October 3rd at The Bangor Waterfront. Registration is at 10 am, and the walk starts at 10:30 am. There will be a variety of sponsors, vendors, a pet costume contest, and more. For all info and to pre-register: bangorhumane.org, or call (207) 942-8902.
Newfie Fun Days is on September 19th and September 20th. This is hosted by the Newfoundland Club of New England at Piscataqua Boat Basin & Park, 90 Hammond Ln, in Eliot. There will be water and draft demos, vendors, food, prizes, and more. For times and details, newfclubne.org/newf-events/category/newfie-fun-days.