Tailgating with Your Best Friend
By Kent Whitaker

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Let's face it, many of us consider our dogs as part of the family. Ally and I do when it comes to our golden retriever, Moses. Not only is Moses another "son", he is also my co-worker. Moses, Ally and I have traveled the country for our book signings and as spokespersons for Purina and ALPO. I give great grilling tips at events and on TV while also promoting how to include your dog in on the family fun.

But traveling with a large dog to media events and tailgates at races and football games has opened our eyes to the needs of all pets at these types of events. Don't get me wrong, a tailgate party can be a great opportunity for socialization. There are plenty of sights, smells, and friendly pats to keep your dog happy all day long. But Ally and I have become very aware of some pets at tailgates that, for lack of a better phrase, are abused.

Yep, I said abused. Remember, your furry pal was just happy to get invited along for a quick ride. Your pet has no idea they will be gone for a day, if not more, out in the sun, or the cold. They have no clue that they will be unable to walk over to the water bowl in the kitchen or the bathroom and grab a drink. They are completely dependent on you for food, safety and more.

That being said, there are really only a few things you need to do to ensure that your pet has a safe and fun time at your next tailgate party.

First, make sure it's ok to bring a pet. If not, work out the problem.

If you can't take a dog, if it's against posted or printed rules, then don't take the dog. It does not matter how cute you think Rosco looks in a logo shirt or bandana. Chances are somebody - like a cop - will come over and insist you take your pup home. Even if you don't get harassed by security or police, why add the stress of keeping Rosco hidden from view. The whole point of bringing him was for him to have fun.

I've heard people try to insist that somehow it is their right to bring a dog. Nope, chances are your tailgate is taking place on private property or public property with a pretty upfront set of rules. Long story short, if it was such a big deal for you to have your dog with you at an event, then work with someone at the front office to plan a dog day and make it legal. You could be a local hero by helping set up a tailgate event for dog owners that include contests, a Frisbee dog team, samples from vendors and possibly some media exposure and fund raising for a local shelter. So if you are serious about bringing a pet, get busy and start working the problem instead of moaning about it. If you are not serious, leave Rosco at home, go have a great time and tell your canine buddy all about it when you get home. Believe me, the dog will listen to your story while you scratch their belly.

Remember that - very often- rules are there for a reason. Though a whole weekend away from your best friend may seem unimaginable, it's much easier to picture the havoc and carnage that could result when he wanders away from your campsite in the infield, and out onto the track during Time Trials.

Secondly, make sure it's a safe environment for the pet and for people.

This one is important. Make sure the venue is safe and that ol' Rusty is on a leash and under your control. Nobody wants a dog running around knocking over grills, tables or people. Most tailgates are busy places and often near roads and intersections. Some take place on grass and some on parking lots. Make sure your dog is secure, the area is safe, he is on a leash, has shade from the sun, a warm place in the winter, water and a comfortable place to rest during the game. You are in charge of his well being throughout the entire event.

Be certain that everyone you're tailgating with will share your concern for his well-being. Instruct them not to feed your dog new or unusual foods he's never had before. The last thing you want is Rusty having an allergic reaction to shellfish because someone thought it would be cool to toss him a few shrimp off the barbie. And it's never funny to get an animal drunk. If there's a chance your tailgate buddies are gonna try slipping him a few beers, it's better to leave ol' Rusty at home.

Be honest with yourself. Is ol' Rusty adjusted enough to bring to a tailgate with lots of people, noises, distractions and possibly other dogs? Don't ruin a good time by bringing an unsociable, maladjusted pet to a crowded event. In other words, if your dog's a jerk, leave him at the house. It will save you time, energy and possibly a lawsuit when your cantankerous old canine bites someone.

Third, make sure you can provide for the pet during the event.

So you brought Fido, it's cool with everyone, and you have him on a leash by your side picking up chicks while you toss the pigskin. What a perfect world tailgating can be.

But, you are not in the clear yet. Sure, you packed up all the ingredients for your top-notch tailgate menu, but when it's time for Fido to eat, feed your dog his normal diet and water. (A parking lot is no place to be dealing with doggie indigestion.) Pack up a portable pet feeding station (like a big cooler with dog dishes, storage and more) and you're ready to roll. Or, just grab a bag of dog food, clean bowls, some of Fido's favorite treats, a chew toy or play toy, favorite blanket (if needed) and, of course, the correct team bandana. Be sure to bring along plenty of water, as it always seems to be in short supply out there in the lots.

According to the makers of Handi-Drink Instant Dog Drinker, "most veterinarians agree that a standard rule of thumb to make sure your pet is properly hydrated is to have them drink 1/2 - 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight - DAILY. If the dog is very active and exercises vigorously, especially on hot summer days, that amount should be increased even more."

Some people set up kennels or pens, others make their pets at home in campers and RV's with air conditioning or heat. But if you're going into the game, make sure there's someplace safe and comfortable for your pet to stay while you're away. Sometimes people without tickets hang out at the tailgate area watching the game on a portable TV or listening on the radio. The last thing they want to hear is a barking or yelping dog that's suddenly scared and alone in a strange place. Find a friend who's staying in the lot that's willing to "babysit." Whatever you do, do not leave your pet in a car. If this is your plan, leave Fido at the house.

And last, make sure you have the means to clean up after your pet.

This one drives me nuts. Pick up your dog's waste. Poop, that is, if it needs clarification. When Ally and I travel with Moses we have a backpack just for him. It is loaded with poop bags, emergency water, health certificates, chews, clean wipes, emergency food, and most likely a lint brush. But the first thing packed are poop bags. A person that does not clean up after their dog is as bad as the jerks that leave dirty diapers in parking lots.

People are cooking and eating out there. Would you let your dog leave a pile in the middle of the neighbor's dining room?

I used to tell my son this. "If you are old enough to play hockey or football then you are old enough to carry your bag." If you are man enough to bring your dog to a tailgate then you should be adult enough to pick up after them. If not, leave Rex at the house with your Mommy, the sweet racecar bed in your room, and that Hannah Montana poster collection. It's time for you to join the other kids for pee wee practice.

All of that said, have fun with your pet. There are millions of items available that are great for tailgating with your dogs. You can get games, toys, treats and more. But when it comes to the basics, those things are simple. Make sure it's okay, make sure it's safe, make sure you can provide food, water and shelter and clean up after your pet.

Ally is getting Mo's Auburn neckwear and we are heading out to the game. See ya at the tailgate!

 

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Of Tailgater Monthly Magazine