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June 17, 2013

Pet-Friendly Event Season

Normally, there is nowhere Eko would rather be than the dog park.  He not-so-subtly does his best to make sure all of our walks end up at the dog park by my apartment.  I took Eko to the park yesterday, but he was not very interested in playing.  He

Normally, there is nowhere Eko would rather be than the dog park.  He not-so-subtly does his best to make sure all of our walks end up at the dog park by my apartment.  I took Eko to the park yesterday, but he was not very interested in playing.  He stood near the corner of the park taking deep whiffs of the breeze.  His ears were up and swiveling in what I call satellite-dish mode and his head was cocked as he puzzled through the sounds and smells.

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Something is out there…

At first I thought Eko was looking at a dog on the other side of the fence, but then I saw a steady stream of people come walking in our direction.  And when I strained my ears I could hear the faint sound of music.  Something was up and Eko wanted to find out what.  I’m always up for exploring, so we followed the music up to what turned out to be an outdoor Greek festival.  Eko’s eyes lit up as we turned the corner and found ourselves in the middle of a lively celebration.

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Eko was a big hit with the kids on the dance floor

One of many things to love about summer in Chicago is that nearly every weekend there is a different outdoor festival, fair or concert and almost universally all of the events our pet-friendly.  Weekend walks are always more interesting when you get to pass through these events.  All the action helps tire Eko out the events are great walking/training practice for Eko.  Especially when it comes to restraining his natural impulse to eat EVERYTHING.

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To the untrained eye, it may appear that Eko is calmly sitting, but I know he was simply surveying the tablescape to see if there were any unguarded plates

At one point Eko found a target.  A table was loaded with food and the people sitting there were looking the other way.  I braced the leash, but instead of lunging for the food Eko tried to puppy-dog-eyes me.

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“Come on, Will! They’ll never notice!”

I didn’t give in, but I rewarded Eko for his restraint with some of his favorite dog treats.  Now that pet-friendly event season is in full swing, I’m hoping I can use these events to work on Eko’s obedience training.  With all the love Eko gets at these events, I think he will be happy to put in the work!

 

Comments for Pet-Friendly Event Season

  1. Emmadog says:

    I guess Eko is pretty well behaved,it would have made a great video seeing him dive onto a table of food with people looking the other way! I would be surfing the ground for dropped items, but that is because I am a short scent hound, my sister handles the “higher ups” like tables, so together we canvas the area and mom does her best to hang on to us 🙂

  2. Eko IS well-behaved that is for sure!!! One thing I miss about when I lived in Cleveland, was I would go to the Greek festivals (and others) all the time! There aren’t as many here in the suburbs of Detroit 🙁

  3. Steven/Buddy says:

    It is nice that more and more towns, places, and events are becoming more pet friendly. I think Chicago has done a great job of this ! Buddy and I love going to the festivals in Chicago and suburbs.
    Buddy knows if he is a good Boy, he will get his favorite treat, that’s frozen plain yogurt with peanut butter and honey, that I make for him. It is easy and fast to make.
    I use 32oz of plain yogurt, about 3/4 cup of peanut butter, that you some what melt in the Microwave till it is liquidity and about 1 1/2 tablespoon of honey and mix together, then I spoon them into 3oz Dixie Cups (I found to use two Dixie cups, it holds it better) then I place them on a cookie sheet in the freezer till frozen and then place them into containers . Then when Buddy is good I take One out and give it to him or I will Microwave it for about 15 sec and place it in his bowl, thats if he is eating it inside. The nice thing is that it is all good for him and for me to, if I wanted some ? Just thought I would share this with you for Eko and everyone else to?

  4. Tha table does look like The Perfect Storm. Food, distracted people, AND chairs not pushed in. The chairs are the key ingredient for me. I’m too tiny to reach the table!

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  5. What fun that Eko lead you to an outdoor festival. You can’t go wrong with dog radar when food is in the mix. Is he wearing a camera? I’m intrigued.

  6. Zena says:

    He already seems very obedient to me 😉

  7. onebluedog says:

    These festivals sound like so much fun! And a lot of hard work to be on good behavior! I can’t wait to hear about all the cool festivals you and Eko go to 😀

  8. Misaki says:

    Eko is so good, I definitely would’ve been using my puppy eyes, wagging my tail and drooling over everyone around till someone gave in and shared with me BOL

  9. This table looks like an invitation to me – I wouldn’t hesitate one second :o)

  10. Boomdeeadda says:

    I doubt that there’s a more friend or better behaved dog in your hood Will. Loved that GIF too

  11. gpcox says:

    Really cute!!

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