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What You Need to Know Before You Go Pumpkin Picking with Your Dog: 10 Helpful tips

Hey There, Fall Enthusiasts in Utah or anywhere else! Here are 10 helpful tips before you head to the pumpkin patch with your dog. 

It's the moment we've all been waiting for—fall is finally here! And what better way to embrace the season than with a visit to a nearby Utah pumpkin patch with your dog or any of them. To ensure a fantastic and safe experience for you and your four-legged companion, here are some friendly tips:

1. Pet Policies Vary
First things first, not all Utah pumpkin patch farms roll out the welcome mat for our canine pals. Before you embark on your autumn outing, it's wise to check the farm's website or give them a quick call to confirm their pet policy.

2. Plan Your Patch
Pumpkin patches come in all shapes and sizes, with some having specific rules for photographers. If you're thinking of snapping pics of your pup in his adorable dog collar against the fall backdrop, be aware that certain farms might require a license for professional photoshoots. For personal snapshots of your dog's fall adventures, it's typically not an issue, but it's never a bad idea to double-check.

3. Best Time To Visit Pumpkin Patch
For a more relaxed experience and to avoid crowds at Utah pumpkin patches or any of them, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings. This can help reduce stress for your furry companion and minimize the chances of overwhelming encounters.

4. Mind Where They Sit
Not every pumpkin patch display is dog-friendly, so be mindful of where your dog chooses to take a seat amidst the fall decor.

5. Respect Everyone's Time
With plenty of attractive fall-themed photo spots, be considerate of others waiting for their turn. Snap a quick pic of your pup wearing their Halloween or Fall dog collar/accessories without turning it into a full-fledged photoshoot. As mentioned, if you go off-peak hours you'll have more time to take photos! 

6. Politeness and Training
Is your dog well-trained, even with basic commands like "leave it," "stay," and "off"? Ensuring your dog is polite and respects others' space is crucial, especially in crowded areas with children enjoying fall activities. Remember, not everyone may be comfortable around dogs, and allergies are always a possibility during this beautiful season. Additionally, keep an eye on your dog to prevent them from consuming too many fallen pumpkin bits, as overindulgence can lead to tummy troubles during this fall season. Don't forget to grab your Explorer Belt Bag to carry all your treats and goodies. 

7. Leash It Up
Always keep your dog leashed, and consider using a hands-free leash for convenience while exploring Utah's fall beauty. A leash with a control handle provides better control, preventing accidental tripping and ensuring you can quickly react to any situation. Please avoid using retractable leashes as you want to keep your dog close and not trip others. 

8. Don't Forget the Poop Bags
Be a responsible pet owner and have poop bags on hand for easy cleanup. Nobody wants to encounter any surprises amidst the pumpkins in the fall. Check out our No Poo Left Behind so you don't have to carry that used poop bag around. 

9. Say No to Smashed Pumpkins
While pumpkins themselves are generally safe for dogs to munch on, those left out in the sun may not be during this fall season. Exercise caution to prevent your dog from snacking on smashed or spoiled pumpkins.

10. Fun and Awareness
Finally, remember that your dog's comfort matters most. Not all dogs enjoy crowded fall events, so pay close attention to their body language. If they show signs of stress or discomfort during this vibrant fall season, it might be best to find a quieter spot or skip the event altogether. If you are unaware of what the signs are please do some research on dog body language of stress. 

We'd be thrilled to see your fall pumpkin patch photos! Share your autumn adventure by tagging us on social media @wildsidedoggear or using the hashtag #wildsidedog for a chance to be featured on our platforms.

And while you're in the fall spirit, don't forget to explore our Stay Spooky Collection for a range of vibrant, nature-inspired dog collars and fall-themed gear that's pawfect for this enchanting season. Happy pumpkin picking in Utah or whereever you are! 🍁🎃🐶

Have any other helpful tips? Please let us know below!
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2 comments

Thank you for posting this important info. As a former small organic pumpkin patch owner with a friendly host pup, we always asked guests to let us know if they had a pup they would like to bring to visit our patch. One thing to mention is that if your pup is a marker, their is nothing worse than seeing a dog pee on a pumpkin or a spot for pictures. Its a good idea to take a quick walk or sniffary to get that urge to mark opportunity satisfied before entering the patch. And let an employee know if there was an accidental pee incident. For pet safety be heads up for left over fertilizer and other amendments that can still be on the surface of the growing rows. Making sure your pup is fed before visiting helps limit their urge to eat unknowns. Keeping them in display areas or on the outside of the growing area to supervise the hunt is a safe option. Happy Harvest season!

Kris Snider

Thank you for explaining that you shouldn’t go during peak hours with your dog. I’ve been thinking about taking our dog to the pumpkin patch with us. I’ll be sure to keep this in mind when making our plans. https://www.kackleberryfarms.com/attractions

Olivia Smart

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