October 2012 Fun for Pet Lovers!

Looking for some fun, pet-themed activities in October? San Diego has a wide array of events designed for animal lovers, starting this weekend with the San Diego Pet Expo:

San Diego Pet Expo ---- Hundreds of pet product vendors will be showcased at the annual festival, which will include round-the-clock animal entertainment, speakers, pet adoptions and more. Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 13 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 14 Admission: $6, adults; $5, seniors; $3, juniors (6-16); free, 5 and under; $10 parking For more info check out the website at sandiegopetexpo.net or download a program here.

Looking for a more exclusive  evening uptown with your well-dressed pet ? The Escondido Humane Society’s dog-friendly Tails at Twilight Gala features hosted wine and beer, delectable dining, and a lively auction benefiting the shelter.

Location:
Vintana at Lexus Escondido, 1205 Auto Park Way
Time:  5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission:  Ranging from $125 for individual tickets to $2,250 for a VIP table for 10.

Read more about the event here.

For active pets and owners who would like to support charity as well, Leash Your Fitness is holding its third annual breast cancer fund raiser on Sunday, October 14. It features a stair climbing challenge between teams of different levels formed for easy, moderate and all out climbing followed by a relaxing yoga stretch. Dogs are welcomed and encouraged to attend the event as are spectators. There will be a large raffle of some great prizes and homemade doggy and human treats on sale.

Location: The San Diego Convention Center 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Time: 8:00am to 9:30am October 14
Admission:  $30 per person. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Read more about the event here.

Looking for even more exercise? Try the iSweat4Pets™ Nature Dog Walk. This unique, dog-friendly walk will feature multiple trails for every fitness level and an exciting pet-friendly vendor village. Festivities also include a raffle drawing with multiple prizes up for grabs, and cute doggie costumes are encouraged. Sponsored by the FACE Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity that provides financial assistance for San Diego pets in need of life-saving veterinary care.

Location:  San Dieguito County ParkTime: Saturday, October 27th from 10am-1pm
Admission: Varies from $35 to $1,000 depending on level of sponsorship desired.

Read more about the event here.

On October 28, that Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach will hold its Seventh Annual Ocean Beach Canine Carnival. It’s a free party for the dog-loving community featuring games, costume prizes, and a doggie costume parade plus food and a street fair with goodies for pets and people.

Location: Dusty Rhodes Park – west side across from Robb Field
(Sunset Cliffs Blvd. at Nimitz Blvd.)
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Admission:  Admission to the canine carnival is free, but dogs must register to take part in the contest/parade. Registration fee: $7 for a single dog, $10 for groups of dogs, $10 for floats

Read more about the event here.

For more information call 619-225-8705, or e-mail oceanbeachkiwanis@gmail.com

Of course, there will be many Halloween-themed celebrations throughout San Diego with pet costume contests and parades. Click the links for dates and more information:

Muttropolis is holding a costume contest at each store location (Solana Beach, Newport Beach, La Jolla);
Seaport Village welcomes pets to its second annual Halloween Bash on the Bay;
The Hornblower will host its 4th Annual Bow Wow Brunch Cruise and Halloween Dog Costume Contest;

Check out even more pet events listed at the San Diego Dog Training Blog's events calendar. 

If your pet-friendly event isn't listed, feel free to email details to sdfurrypeople@gmail.com

Happy October!

The Yellow Dog Project

Since its founding a little over two weeks ago, The Yellow Dog Project has collected more than 2600 "likes" on its Facebook page. Described as " a global movement for parents of dogs that need space (aka DINOS, Dogs In Need Of Space)," The Yellow Dog Project raises awareness on behalf of dog owners whose pets may have health or behavioral issues that prevent them from freely mingling with other dogs or strangers. The public's reception has been overwhelmingly positive, and the YDP is now bringing out a product line to help further their mission.

As a professional dog walker, the idea of tying a yellow ribbon around a dog's leash is immensely appealing. When I am walking a dog that is not my own, I am responsible for the safety of that dog as well as the safety of other dogs and people with whom we might come in contact. As a rule, I don't allow strangers or strange dogs to approach the dogs walking with me.

As the owner of a reactive dog, I would be delighted to see the yellow ribbons gain recognition. B.B. weighs 90 lbs and is very strong. Since I have had spinal fusion surgery, it hurts when he darts full-force at a dog that has come too close. If dog owners will recognize the yellow ribbon, it would save me a lot of pain and from having to argue with other dog owners about whether or not "it's o.k." for their dog to come too close to mine.

Some may ask why yellow ribbons are necessary. Shouldn't people always ask before petting a strange dog? Shouldn't they keep their leashed dogs under control? In a perfect world, yes. However, there are many parents who neglect to instruct their children in pet safety. In addition, differing views of pet ownership  affect how people interact with pets. Someone with a "dogs will be dogs" mindset may not understand another person's structured approach to the dog-human relationship. Some of the comments on the YDP Facebook page reflect a belief that dogs who need space should simply be kept at home. Yet the owners of these dogs see a walk in public as a necessary training activity.

I hope that the Yellow Dog Project gains momentum and the yellow ribbon becomes a universally recognized symbol that a dog needs space. There is immense opportunity for education, and the Project has already offered some posters which would be useful for pet stores, public parks, veterinary offices and other places where dogs might have an opportunity to mingle. Keep checking their website and Facebook page for updates and more cool products!