Training a service dog in Scottsdale, AZ, involves preparing them for various environments and sounds. December and January offer a range of events that can help in desensitizing service dogs to loud noises and bustling crowds. Here are some notable events where you can bring your service dog for training:
Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Nov 24, 2023 - Jan 7, 2024)
Experience a winter journey with enchanting holiday lights. The environment here is festive and vibrant, making it an excellent place for service dogs to get used to varied lighting and moderate crowd sounds.
Zoolights (Nov 22, 2023 - Jan 14, 2024)
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo offers bright lights and sounds. This event can help desensitize dogs to sudden visual stimuli and the sounds of crowds and animals, which are different from everyday street noises.
Scottsdazzle Holiday Extravaganza (Nov 25, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023)
Taking place in Old Town Scottsdale, this event provides a month-long holiday extravaganza. The varied sounds of music, crowd chatter, and holiday festivities are great for acclimating service dogs to urban environments.
Enchant Christmas (Nov 24, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023)
Enchant Christmas is a world of festive joy. The combination of music, crowds, and holiday activities presents a unique training ground for service dogs to get used to holiday-specific noises and activities.
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (Jan 1, 2024)
A college football extravaganza that can expose your service dog to large crowds, loud cheering, and the energetic atmosphere of a major sporting event.
Holiday Light Tour with JoyridesAZ (Nov 25, 2023 - Dec 23, 2023)
Embark on a magical journey through the heart of Scottsdale, exposing your service dog to the sights and sounds of the holiday season in a controlled, moving environmen
Christmas at the Princess (Nov 17, 2023 - Jan 6, 2024)
This event at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers a unique blend of lights, music, and festive activities, perfect for acclimating your dog to various stimuli in a beautiful setting.
Las Noches de las Luminarias (Nov 24, 2023 - Dec 30, 2023)
With garden lights and winter celebrations, this event can provide a calm yet visually stimulating environment for service dogs in training.
Guaranteed Rate Bowl (Dec 26, 2023)
A post-season college football game that provides exposure to large crowds, cheering, and the lively atmosphere of a sports event.
When attending these events with your service dog in training, remember to:
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Start with less crowded areas and gradually move into busier spots.
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Keep training sessions short to prevent overwhelming your dog.
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Always have treats and water on hand for positive reinforcement and hydration.
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Monitor your dog's behavior and give them breaks as needed.
These events provide a practical and enjoyable way to train your service dog in real-world settings, ensuring they are well-prepared for a variety of scenarios.
Written by Mark Mestas