Where we live, the Farmer's Market just opened up for the summer. I took the dogs to the market for opening day and set Koira up with the GoPro to take some pictures. Let me tell you, the dogs had a great time, people loved seeing a dog taking pictures, and the market was wonderful. And, this is something anyone with a dog-and-people-friendly dog can participate in. Not only are you getting some exercise, but you can pick out some healthy, fresh, locally grown food to stay fit at home as well!
A few tips for bringing your dog to the Farmer's Market/ Saturday Market in your town.
First, make sure the market is open to dogs. Most markets allow dogs, but restrict them from entering the stalls due to health regulations. Follow all those restrictions carefully so that dogs can continue to come to the markets!
Use a 4 or 6 foot lead for your dog. Using anything longer, or a flexi/extendable leash can cause your dog to be out of your control or causing problems without you being able to immediately take care of it. Markets are often crowded as well, so long leashes can cause people to get tangled and trip. Also, make sure your dog is walking under control, whether that means on a loose leash on their collar, or using a no pull harness or head collar.
Be courteous. Bring plenty of bags to pick up after your dog. I like to walk my dogs in a grassy area away from the market so they take care of business before we get into the middle of everything, and give them a few breaks in case they need to go again. You might even bring along a spray bottle with some water to spray down poop or pee marks on pavement to get rid of sight and smell, if there aren't convenient non-paved areas for pottying.
And, of course, have fun. If your dog is nervous of people or other dogs, try walking only on the outskirts of the market and work up to the full experience slowly. The goal is to have fun with your dog, and that can only happen if both of you are relaxed and enjoying yourselves.
What a cool idea - I love the dog's eye view of the photos. You're right too - this is great physical as well as mental exercise for your pooch. Socialization is so key to their behavior - you've done a great job (better than me ;)
ReplyDeleteHow fun was this outing! And some great tips. Love the pictures from the dogs' point of view!
ReplyDeleteI love her photos! Looks like she drew quite a crowd of admirers too. It's great to be able to bring your dog with you to enjoy the exercise and sites.
ReplyDeleteDogs View! Great way to show the world!!
ReplyDeleteThat's so fun! Koly wants a GoPro camera of his own. We love to go to Farmer's Markets and the like in the summer. Koly loves the people AND the snacks.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a GoPro. How did you mount it to Koira? I want to mount it to Chester or Gretel but the camera is pretty big in respect to their size and weight. Because they are so short, mounting it on top of their back is the only option. My friend tried that with his Doxie but I think his mounting system wasn't very good. The camera kept flopping all over the place.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see a dogs-eye-view of something like this. Imagine what it would be like for a Chihuahua! Looks like Koira was a big attraction wearing her camera.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips for taking your dogs to markets and fairs. Beryl would enjoy going to them but we don't have access to many ... and she's a marker, likes to do a tiny pee every 2 or 3 minutes, not so bad on grass but not good on concrete paths.
Hi Y'all!
ReplyDeleteOh what a cool way to take pictures! Is the camera waterproof?
Y'all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
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ReplyDeleteWho doesn't love a dog with a camera?! :) I absolutely love our GoPro and doing just this, though we need to make a better harness system for our little guys. Also... Koira's ears are so freakin cute.
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