You might want to think twice about bringing your pet the next time you attend a festival. 

Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue President Michelle Neufeld it could be dangerous for both the dogs and for small children in attendance. 

“It's too crowded. Some dogs can get nervous in crowds and kids could approach your dog that may not know how to approach dogs.” 

Neufeld encourages parents to talk to their kids about how to properly approach people’s pets. 

When the rescue visits elementary schools, they teach the kids about how to approach a dog. 

“If kids see one, we always tell them to always consult with an adult first, their parents or their grandparents or whoever they're with,” she says. “If they're not with somebody, if a dog is running at large, we tell them not to approach them whatsoever because you just don't know. Some dogs may absolutely love kids, and the next dog might not, so you just have to err on the side of caution.” 

She adds that often times the weather is too hot for dogs to be outside without water for long periods of time. 

“I'm not a firm believer on bringing your dog to public festivals. It's hot and the pavement is hot. There's no water around for the dogs.” 

Steinbach resident and dog owner Lisa Elias says if your dog has never experienced certain events or situations, see how they do on a smaller scale. 

“Instead of going to a big festival and taking them along, try a family or friend BBQ. Try it smaller and see how they tolerate it and just be able to read their body,” she says. “They're just like people, they have their own personalities and they're able to tell you if they're comfortable or not.” 

Elias says the best thing you can do is to be in-tune with your dog and get to know and understand their personality. 

“If you're noticing that they seem a little bit unsure and panting and stressed, have an easy out so that you don't have to be in an uncertain situation.” 

She notes that when you are around strangers, it’s smart to watch your dogs and your surroundings extra carefully. 

“Maybe even trying to keep a comfortable distance so that people that don't know you, you're able to tell them, take your time to approach. I've even told certain children going for walks, it's nice that you want to say hi, we'll say hi from here.” 

 

With files from Judy Peters