Volume 1 / Issue 1
October 2023

Dog events are a thrilling way to bond with our furry friends, but their safety remains paramount. Over the past few months, I've interviewed over 20 experts from the world of dog events. Their insights offer invaluable advice on ensuring the safety of our four-legged companions at public gatherings. But why is safety crucial? Imagine a bustling dog event with pets and people everywhere. Now, think about an over-excited dog, tangled in a retractable leash, possibly posing risks to itself and others. The examples below are just a sampling of the wisdom shared by our experts, showcasing their collective efforts to ensure such scenarios are prevented.

LEASH RULES

Ensuring control over dogs in crowded or unfamiliar environments is vital. Leash rules help prevent unforeseen incidents, from minor tangles to potential conflicts.

• Nicole Ramsdale, Dorchester Pet Fest, Ontario, Canada: Calls for all animals to be leashed or contained, ensuring owners maintain control.

• Tai DeLuna, Ruff Mudder, Ontario, Canada: Requires all dogs to be on a leash, preferably six feet or shorter. Encourages harnesses. Bans prong collars.

• Jennifer Morrone, Pup Days of Summer Fest, Newport News, Virginia: Discourages retractable leashes. Recommends attendees give their dogs a long walk before attending. (Tracy Wampler Martin, organizer of a pet blessing and owner-handler in dog shows, also discourages use of retractable leashes.)
   

CROWD CONTROL

Dog events can get crowded, making it crucial to manage both human and canine attendees. Proper crowd control ensures a pleasant experience for everyone and prevents overstimulation for our pets.

• Tai DeLuna, Ruff Mudder, Ontario, Canada: Uses staggered start times to minimize crowding.

• Jennifer Morrone, Pup Days of Summer Fest, Newport News, Virginia: Provides ample space outside the event for relaxation and enlists trainers for crowd control.

• Nicole Ramsdale, Dorchester Pet Fest, Ontario, Canada: Ensures there is plenty of space with multiple areas to enable participants to move with more freedom.
   

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

With excitement and physical activity, the well-being of the dogs can sometimes be overlooked. Ensuring they're comfortable, hydrated, and not overstressed is as important as any event activity.

• Kevin DeNell, Pups and Sups Surfing Classic, St. Augustine Beach, Florida: Offers shade and hydration to protect against heat.

• Marla Milberg, Bark'n Bakery, Toronto, Canada: Prioritizes fresh ingredients in products.

• Jaime Keijzer, Horse and Dog Trail Competitor, Netherlands: Pays attention to temperatures. If it's too warm, she shortens the demonstration and ensures there is water.

• Jessica Gercke, PAWmicon, San Diego, California: Has lots of staff and volunteers at each station to assist if a dog seems spooked or unhappy.

• Helen Rushton, Love Phodography vendor at Dogstival, Romsey, England: Always makes sure there is space behind her vendor stand to give stressed dogs a place to relax.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Unexpected incidents can arise even in the best-planned events. Preparedness, from having emergency contact numbers to first aid stations, ensures swift action when needed.

• Tai DeLuna, Ruff Mudder, Ontario, Canada: Implements a safety plan, equipped with a runner, an ATV, and a Jeep.

• Joseph Borduin, Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, East Village, Manhattan: Collaborates with DOT, NYPD, and local officials for traffic control.

• Nicole Ramsdale, Dorchester Pet Fest, Ontario, Canada: Requires waivers and has experts monitor event behaviors.

• Silvia Dominguez, Soggy Doggy Pool Day, Miramar, Florida: Insists on vaccination proof at the event.

• Eva Carbonaro, Cape Cod Doxie Day, Massachusetts: Checks vet records for dogs participating in the Doxie Dash.

• Kevin DeNell, Pups and Sups Surfing Classic, St. Augustine Beach, Florida: Collaborates with the St. Augustine Life Saving Association and has vets on standby.

• Barktoberfest at Carseldine Markets, Queensland, Australia: Will have a first aid station to handle minor injuries or health issues that may arise during the event.

WHAT'S COMING UP AT JUST ADD ROVER

As we continue our mission to spotlight dog-friendly events and share expert insights, we're excited about some upcoming features:

Mantrailing Magic: Discover the world of mantrailing, where dogs showcase their incredible tracking abilities.

Safety First: We'll delve deeper into essential safety measures for different types of dog events, based on your feedback and the expertise of our interviewees.

Around the World: Look forward to diverse interviews featuring dog events from different parts of the globe, celebrating the universal bond between humans and dogs.

New Interview Schedule!

To make sure you never miss out on our latest content, we're streamlining our posting process. Starting this month (October 18), we'll be sharing our exclusive interviews every Wednesday. This schedule allows us to provide you with a consistent flow of new, engaging content. Of course, for timely events or special occasions, we'll have exceptions, ensuring you're always in the know. So, mark your calendars and stay tuned every Wednesday for the latest from Just Add Rover!

QUICK POLL

Got Safety on Your Mind? We'd love to hear which safety topics you're curious about. Share your thoughts at info@justaddrover.com!

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