Take a dog to York Xmas Market

I wouldn't do it. York is busy at any time but more so at Christmas. Not a good idea for a nervous dog. 

Redkite2, if it were me and I had the time (which I have) I would introduce the dog gradualy to crowded places over  the next eight weeks, increasing its exposure more every time, every other day to start with if possible, patience and a lot of reassurance is needed, but it is doable. When I first had Alfie as a young rescue pup it took me over three quarters of an hour to walk him 100 yds along the road,  don't force the dog but give lots of encouragement and treats, don't get flustered or lose your temper. You have plenty of time to train your dog before Christmas.....

Any one got experience of taking a dog to York at Xmas. Good Idea or not ? The dog in question is a little nervous at close encounters, I think i know the anser but would be good to get other veiws.

No, definitely not.  It was bad enough twenty-nine years ago when we lived in York and I had a young baby in a buggy! Your dog is nervous, there are crowds, narrow streets, noisy 'buskers' or perhaps 'authentic streeet musicians', food smells, and lots of other distractions for a nervous dog.

Whilst Brian's idea is a good one, I think York this year is perhaps not the best introduction to crowds.  However, if you follow his advice then by next Christmas you may feel much more comfortable about the idea, and your dog may be relaxed in a crowded, noisy, smelly situation.

absolutely definitely NO. The place is bad enough for humans, crowds like you never imagined. Trust me (and what others have said) this is not a good idea.

I echo the NO. 

It's not fair to a dog to take it into such mayhem. A nervous dog, in particular, could act in an unpredictable way. 

York is horrendously crowded at the best of times and will surely be unbearable for a nervous dog at the Christmas market. But are you thinking of staying at Rowntree/Beechwood Grange for a few days to take in the market? If so you might just find someone in a similar situation who'd look after your dog for the day, allowing you to enjoy the market relatively stress free, in return for you doing the same for them on another day. We often used to do that when our old boy George couldn't walk far and we were going out for the day. You'd be surprised how willing folk are to help out in such circumstances. 

Thanks for all your replies, we have been to some busy outdoor places but not a Xmas market. I take the point of gentle customisation to things but after talking to our vet about it, the opinion is that “it’s in the breeding”. Some pedigrees can be a bit funny.  Now six years old and still a bit “jumpy”, more so with other dogs. This can be a problem if we can’t give a wide berth or nip it in the bud, will normally respond to command but will depend on the action/control of the other dog. Partly a result of attacks by off lead dogs when a puppy. More than once!

As for leaving with someone on site, a very good idea but not with this one. Not happy with other dogs, not to bad if they are quiet if they are trying to get in it’s space, no chance – need to get away. Has always been in the company of another dog up until July this year when we lost it, so not been a loner. Just a strange (individual) dog. Very much a “Velcro dog” as well.

So as we don’t have a dog sitter at the moment it looks like will have to go to jail ( kennels to us )for a few days. I think it could be dangerous for the dog as well, stood on tripped over, to say the least.

That was my original thought when we first looked to go, as the consensus seems to be not to take it, which is what I expected.

Thanks again for the ideas and input.

forgive me but I don't understand. You say its a sensitive dog or words to that effect and not   good with other dogs BUT your putting it in kennels for a walk around York. !!!

My opinion, don't go to York but stay home with the dog.

forgive me but I don't understand. You say its a sensitive dog or words to that effect and not   good with other dogs BUT your putting it in kennels for a walk around York. !!!

Write your comments here... I tend to agree I'm afraid... Is a walk round a Christmas market worth leaving a nervous, sensitive dog in kennels?