Should Members Of The Public Be Allowed To Bring Their Own Dogs Along

[Dogsfevr]

Many pet people do see dog shows as a social interaction, you see it all the time,they wonder over to your crates so Fifi can interact or walk over when the breed is getting ready.

We encourage people to attend shows but without dogs because they are going to ask questions & see the breeds which is impossible with a dog in tow.

Some shows are so busy that space is very small & there just isn't the extra space for pet people to simply mingle with there dog

I do now many breeders will arrange to see a dog & that i have no issues with as generally they dog is seen by the people & care taken but taking a dog to view/watch ringside is very hard .

I too take older dogs done or pups to socialize that aren't entered but they also sit in my set up .

As for saying no due to no vaccination many show folk never vaccinate so that isn't a reason .

I just feel there is a time & a place for dogs at shows & taking your pet isn't always an easy option giving the set up ,space restrictions & the fact it isn't the same as a dog park .

Yes many walk them on flexi leads & just don't get it that it isn't a social day out & when told politely they often get shitty .

As a side note our show grey was bitten by a visiting pet dog (bulldog as well) & they had no control & they dog was so over stimulated with all the dogs there .

Many pet dogs just find it hard to deal with the show set up as well

[-Megz-]

We always ask permission before bring a non entered dog along to shows. The committee's are fairly lenient and get enough money out of us for entries that they don't really mind.

I have always frowned on the GP bringing dogs and it's one reason that our shows aren't heavily advertised because people would never understand the why's of us saying you can't bring your dog to a dog show.

[Weizone]

Like most things there is a time and a place and sadly the General Public bringing their dogs to a dog show isn't. We have had puppy buyers visit us at shows but we ensure that their puppy/dog is well behaved and advise the owners if it isn't. Most tassie shows are held outdoors so most exhibitors have gazebos and dogs are usually inside of the gazebos so usually their isn't much of a problem of dogs walking up to the crates to have a go.

Edited May 31, 2011 by gsdzrul

[canowna]

As for saying no due to no vaccination many show folk never vaccinate so that isn't a reason .

Pretty sure this is "supposedly" against the rules, when the entry form for a show states that the dog must be vaccinated at time of exhibition.

[Weizone]

As for saying no due to no vaccination many show folk never vaccinate so that isn't a reason .

Pretty sure this is "supposedly" against the rules, when the entry form for a show states that the dog must be vaccinated at time of exhibition.

But unless a rule is made stating you must have current vaccination certificate with you at time of exhibiton how does one know all dogs are vaccinated?

[brintey]

I have just started to bring my two non-show dogs along to shows with my show dog. Otherwise they would be spending a large part of the weekend home alone, as I work long hours during the week this wasn't really fair to them. My desexed dogs love the shows more than the show dog! My gazebo is big enough for all three crates so I don't see any problems with it.

Between the ages of 20 and 40 I didn't exhibit but did take my dogs along to shows on some occasions, once to see a breed specialist to advise me on coat care, once to visit some interstate friends with my rare breed and once as I had a rescue of the breed and wanted some advice - I was there with him for agility anyway so that was more opportunistic than planned!

[Gayle.]

It's a bit of a sad state of affairs when people involved in the dog world are discussing the exclusion of dogs from dog events. It's bad enough that dogs are excluded from many, many public places already.

[Gemelo]

I would be a hypocrite if I said I wouldnt want Joe Public taking their dog to a dog show as a spectator. We took our limit register pet to shows when we were on the lookout for a show quality dog to join the family, and he still comes now and we have 3 dogs to show. He goes in his pen and plays with the others, doesnt bark or whine and isnt a nuisance. he could stay at home with my mum and dad (which is where our other pet stays when we are at shows) but he is too big and bouncy for them to control.

[WreckitWhippet]

It's a bit of a sad state of affairs when people involved in the dog world are discussing the exclusion of dogs from dog events. It's bad enough that dogs are excluded from many, many public places already.

Why is that ?

There are rules and regs to cover the behaviour of exhibitors and exhibts at shows and consequences for dogs that behave in an aggressive manner.

If your dog is attacked and injured at a show by average Joe's visiting pet, then there's not much you can do about it.

[Bjelkier]

Many years ago one of my Sammies was almost mauled by a Dobe being walked around a show by an old lady, it saw my puppy and lunged for her, the lady had no control and was dragged along the ground by this dog. Thank dog there where so many people around to help us out or it could have ended very badly.

What annoyed the hell out of me though was when someone came over to see if we were allright and told me that the same old woman had been there the year before and her dog had done the same thing

I'm of two minds about it in the end. I have only seen things go badly a handful of times with peoples dogs so I don't think they should be banned but I do think if they are causing a problem they should be made to leave.

[poodlefan]

It's a bit of a sad state of affairs when people involved in the dog world are discussing the exclusion of dogs from dog events. It's bad enough that dogs are excluded from many, many public places already.

Whilst it might be sad, as usual, a few irreponsible or ignorant owners have the potential to create major dramas for exhibitors. As I said in the Bulla thread, I saw a family with a young Bernese create two such incidents in the space of a couple of minutes on Saturday. Yes, the error of allowing a youngster holding the leash on big pup to allow it to tow him towards any dog it came across was pointed out. Lets just say the message was not well received.

I don't consider it acceptable to have exhibitors dogs at risk from others and I'd certainly hate to see what happened if an exhibitors dog became involved in an aggression incident with one. I can guarantee that the kennel club holding the show would probably get any member of the public's vet bill.

I'd hate to see a blanket ban but I would like to see some kind of guidance given to members of the public bringing dogs onto the grounds. Signs maybe. If they'd read them.

[Sheridan]

I have a query: how are you going to know if a dog is a purebred registered dog? Are there going to be dog police to ask for papers at entry?

[megan_]

It's a bit of a sad state of affairs when people involved in the dog world are discussing the exclusion of dogs from dog events. It's bad enough that dogs are excluded from many, many public places already.

Why is that ?

There are rules and regs to cover the behaviour of exhibitors and exhibts at shows and consequences for dogs that behave in an aggressive manner.

If your dog is attacked and injured at a show by average Joe's visiting pet, then there's not much you can do about it.

But the rules could apply to everyone? If your dog misbehaves you have to leave?

Unfortunately, dog attacks can happen anywhere. Some of the worst dog behaviour I have ever seen has been at breed club events - think snarling dogs going at each other and owners standing there chatting about the weather!

I personally would like a code of conduct that is policed, rather than all non-show dogs being banned. As I said, I have taken my two along before and I make sure they don't bother anyone.

The reason I like taking them to shows is that my ex-puppy farm breeding bitch isn't fond of people who pay her attention. At a dog show, everyone is primping and preening their own dog and ignores her - so she happily trots along. However, judging by most posts in this thread, there is now one less place I can take her to - I'm sadly running out of options.

Edited May 31, 2011 by megan_

[Lowenhart]

Why can't you report an aggressive dog to it's council when it attacks your dog in public? Why can't get the address of the owner and report the dog? If the dog is not covered by the ANKC registered bodies rules, then it should come under the state/council rules.

A better "welcome to the show" area with information for everyone - "Keep your dog(s) under control, clean up after yourself & the dog(s) and don't let your dog(s)interfere with the running of the show". That applies to ALL the people onsight, exhibitors or public.

[Edenishy]

I wouldn't be showing if I were not allowed to bring my puppy to a show.

We got a pup and considered showing her but as we had no experience with the dog show world, we went to a few to watch, with our new puppy in tow to meet other people and their dogs and more importantly to see how it all worked etc. The breeder wasn't there or ever would be because they lived far away. At that stage, we were just "general public"

Sure, we didn't have to bring the puppy along however we saw it as a good chance to socialize the dog and didn't want to leave a new puppy at home alone.

Because of those few visits to dog shows, we did decide to give it a go and now love it. Am totally addicted and never has my mind been so focused on a hobby/sport as much as it is now. I think if a member of public wasn't allowed to bring an unentered dog along to a show, there would be less new exhibitors joining us (which I personally think we need more of).

Like mentioned above, if some people have had bad experiences with non show dogs brought in by the public, maybe there would be good cause to display some signs or pamphlets etc with some dog show etiquette/guidelines.

The few times I have seen members of the public at shows with or without dogs, they have been very polite and respectful to both exhibitors and their dogs while I have seen other exhibitors and their show dogs behave in appalling ways.

[poodlefan]

But the rules could apply to everyone? If your dog misbehaves you have to leave?

Unfortunately, dog attacks can happen anywhere. Some of the worst dog behaviour I have ever seen has been at breed club events - think snarling dogs going at each other and owners standing there chatting about the weather!

I personally would like a code of conduct that is policed, rather than all non-show dogs being banned. As I said, I have taken my two along before and I make sure they don't bother anyone.

The reason I like taking them to shows is that my ex-puppy farm breeding bitch isn't fond of people who pay her attention. At a dog show, everyone is primping and preening their own dog and ignores her - so she happily trots along. However, judging by most posts in this thread, there is now one less place I can take her to - I'm sadly running out of options.

Non CC members are not subject to CC rules and codes of conduct. No committee is in a position to police the behaviour of those members of the public who bring their dogs to shows or trials.

No offence but shows don't get run for members of the public to work on their dogs behaviour issues or to socialise their dogs. If that's what you're after, join a decent dog training club where people will be in a better position to help.

The Bernese owners on Saturday chose entire males of protective breeds to allow their pup to "socialise with". Had owners not been in better control, that pup might well have had a very bad experience.

Regardless of where such 'training' is occuring, I believe people need to be informed and aware of what you're doing. Exhibitors and their dogs shouldn't be unwitting training aids. We ain't mind readers and a dog with issues needs people to be focussing on not doing the wrong thing to make matters worse.

Edited May 31, 2011 by poodlefan

[WreckitWhippet]

It's a bit of a sad state of affairs when people involved in the dog world are discussing the exclusion of dogs from dog events. It's bad enough that dogs are excluded from many, many public places already.

Why is that ?

There are rules and regs to cover the behaviour of exhibitors and exhibts at shows and consequences for dogs that behave in an aggressive manner.

If your dog is attacked and injured at a show by average Joe's visiting pet, then there's not much you can do about it.

But the rules could apply to everyone? If your dog misbehaves you have to leave?

Unfortunately, dog attacks can happen anywhere. Some of the worst dog behaviour I have ever seen has been at breed club events - think snarling dogs going at each other and owners standing there chatting about the weather!

I personally would like a code of conduct that is policed, rather than all non-show dogs being banned. As I said, I have taken my two along before and I make sure they don't bother anyone.

The reason I like taking them to shows is that my ex-puppy farm breeding bitch isn't fond of people who pay her attention. At a dog show, everyone is primping and preening their own dog and ignores her - so she happily trots along. However, judging by most posts in this thread, there is now one less place I can take her to - I'm sadly running out of options.

People that are not ANKC members are not bound by any code of conduct, rules or regs.

If an aggressive dog incident occurs at and ANKC sanctioned event, then there is a process to be followed and it may see dogs excluded from futher comptetion and suspended. Members of the general public and there dogs are not subject to these rules and being asked "to leave", is of little consequence to them.

A dog show is not the place for average Joe to bring along their dog for a "social" day out, be it for pats, to play with other dogs or largely to ignore them. The grounds are generally crowded and it's tough enough as an exhibitor to watch out for other exhibitors and their dogs, who know what's going on.

As for "breed club " events. Get a couple of hundred Staffords in one place and put 30 mature males in one class and you're bound to see snarling, growling and a whole lot of showing off and posturing. I've yet to see an incident at a specialty event and that's because the owners/handlers have control of their dogs.

Given the number of dogs that are together on the grounds at any one time, I think the owners and handlers on the whole do a wonderful job at looking after their own and each others and there really are minimal aggressive dog incidents.

[-Megz-]

It's a bit of a sad state of affairs when people involved in the dog world are discussing the exclusion of dogs from dog events. It's bad enough that dogs are excluded from many, many public places already.

Why should I have to risk my dog when I have paid a fee to enter a show held under rules and regulations and then have someone not abiding or even aware of the same potentially harming my dog. Whether it be biting or bringing in an outside disease.

It's a bit of a sad state of affairs when people involved in the dog world are discussing the exclusion of dogs from dog events. It's bad enough that dogs are excluded from many, many public places already.

Why is that ?

There are rules and regs to cover the behaviour of exhibitors and exhibts at shows and consequences for dogs that behave in an aggressive manner.

If your dog is attacked and injured at a show by average Joe's visiting pet, then there's not much you can do about it.

Exactly

It's a bit of a sad state of affairs when people involved in the dog world are discussing the exclusion of dogs from dog events. It's bad enough that dogs are excluded from many, many public places already.

Why is that ?

There are rules and regs to cover the behaviour of exhibitors and exhibts at shows and consequences for dogs that behave in an aggressive manner.

If your dog is attacked and injured at a show by average Joe's visiting pet, then there's not much you can do about it.

But the rules could apply to everyone? If your dog misbehaves you have to leave?

Unfortunately, dog attacks can happen anywhere. Some of the worst dog behaviour I have ever seen has been at breed club events - think snarling dogs going at each other and owners standing there chatting about the weather!

I personally would like a code of conduct that is policed, rather than all non-show dogs being banned. As I said, I have taken my two along before and I make sure they don't bother anyone.

The reason I like taking them to shows is that my ex-puppy farm breeding bitch isn't fond of people who pay her attention. At a dog show, everyone is primping and preening their own dog and ignores her - so she happily trots along. However, judging by most posts in this thread, there is now one less place I can take her to - I'm sadly running out of options.

How can you enforce the rules and regulations on a person that is potentially not a member of the canine control or, even less likely, has the dog registered and could therefore be banned.

Without being a member and registered there is no recourse that can come back on Joe Public at a show.

If you are already a shower bringing another dog along, do you expect your dog to be covered under the public liability that the clubs or associations have? This is why I always get permission from the club to have an extra dog at the show, it covers my ass should anything happen.

[canowna]

As for saying no due to no vaccination many show folk never vaccinate so that isn't a reason .

Pretty sure this is "supposedly" against the rules, when the entry form for a show states that the dog must be vaccinated at time of exhibition.

But unless a rule is made stating you must have current vaccination certificate with you at time of exhibiton how does one know all dogs are vaccinated?

I guess the governing bodies are holding people to their word, an honesty policy is in state, which doesnt mean that just because a physical check of every dog and card isnt made that the rule is not valid. The vaccination policy is there to protect the health of the dogs.

[canowna]

I havent filled out the poll, as I think that any dogs attending a public event should be under control, be they purebred or mogrel. I do think that many people with dogs, and this includes show dog people, don't have any concept of dog behaviour and the telling warning signs that a dog is sending out aggressive body language and posturing, I always steer well clear of all dogs at shows and on the street for this reason. And wish that many people would respect that I want some space between me and there dog, so I can insure my and my dogs safety.

Kerry I hope your girl is OK, and that she doesnt line up the next bulldog for breakfast.....LOL