There’s nothing quite like a sunny day at the farmers market—local goodies, friendly faces, and of course, dogs happily strolling by their humans’ side. At Everything Golden, we absolutely love seeing your pups at events, but we also know not every dog is ready for that kind of environment.
Let’s talk honestly—my two girls are the perfect example of the dogs you don’t want to run into at a farmers market! And I say that with all the love in the world.
Sylvee, our rescue, spent the early part of her life living on the streets, and it’s made her fiercely loyal—and incredibly protective. At home, she slowly warms up to visitors, circling “strangers” with suspicion until she decides they’re safe. In public spaces? She needs a lot of space and distance to feel secure, and crowds just aren't her thing.
Then there’s Ludi, our Golden Retriever. She joined our family during COVID—and, well, there went socialization out the window. We did what we could: walks to the coffee shop, visits from our Rover daycare families, and some positive interactions here and there. But overall, her world was small.
Once we started venturing out post-pandemic, Ludi was suddenly afraid of everything. At first, she handled the farmers' market okay, but as the crowds grew, so did her anxiety. Eventually, she became so uncomfortable that she refused to get out of the car. That was our sign.
Now? She stays home, happily avoiding the chaos, and I get to enjoy everyone else's dog!
And that’s the point—not every dog thrives in every environment, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s our job as dog owners to understand their comfort levels, read their signals, and make choices that are best for them. A crowded market might sound like fun to us, but for some dogs, it’s just too much.
Why Socialization Matters
Socialization is one of the most important things you can do for your dog. It’s the process of introducing them to new sights, sounds, smells, people, and other dogs in a safe and positive manner. The goal? To help them feel comfortable, confident, and well-behaved in a variety of environments.
For pups, early socialization can prevent future anxiety or fear-based behaviors. But even adult dogs benefit from continued, gentle exposure to new experiences. A well-socialized dog is more likely to stay calm in crowded spaces, walk nicely on a leash, and interact appropriately with both people and other pets.
The Farmers Market Challenge
While we love seeing your four-legged friends at markets, they can be overwhelming places for dogs. Think about it: loud music, unpredictable crowds, food smells, children, strollers, and unfamiliar dogs—all in one space, and for dogs who aren’t used to it, that can be a lot.
Bringing an anxious or reactive dog to a busy market can not only be stressful for them, but also difficult for you, and potentially unsafe for others. That’s why preparing your pup before attending is key.
Tips for Socializing Before the Market
🐾 Start Small – Take your dog to quieter public places first, like neighborhood parks or dog-friendly stores.
🐾 Practice Good Manners – Teach your dog to walk on a loose leash, sit politely when approached, and ignore distractions.
🐾 Reward Calm Behavior – Bring treats and praise your dog for staying relaxed around new people, noises, and dogs.
🐾 Read Their Signals – If your dog seems overwhelmed or uncomfortable, it’s okay to leave. Respecting their limits builds trust.
🐾 Visit a Market Without Your Dog First – Scope it out, see how crowded it gets, and decide if it's the right fit for your pup.
Remember, every dog is different—some thrive in social settings, others prefer quieter adventures. And that’s perfectly okay. The most important thing is that we honor who they are, while giving them the tools they need to navigate the world with confidence.
Happy socializing—and we’ll see you (and your pup) at the next market!