Tired of sitting at home with the dog; watching the canine shows on TV, thinking “There’s got to be more for a dog to do than prance around a show ring.” Not sure where to find fun and exciting trips to take with the dog? There are festivals were dogs are welcome and there are festivals where dogs are celebrated! These six festivals around North America should be on every dog enthusiast’s bucket list!
Woof-Stock
Boasting to be the largest outdoor dog festival in North America, Woof-stock occurs every year in Toronto. Dogs may put their best paw forward prancing down the runway, show off their sensational pet tricks, be amazed at the Cirque Du Canine Stunt Show or (if eligible) participate in the wiener/pug racing. What’s the hold up? This free event is there for the visiting! Woofstock Home Page
Ugly Dog Contest
A dog so ugly it’s cute? Adorable even? Petaluma, CA hosts an annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, but the contestants are utterly snuggle worthy! The organizers of the event declare this is all about a dog’s inner beauty that makes them so special. Why not check it out? Or enter? There is a cash prize for the “Ugliest Dog”.
Dog Days of Summer
Have a well dressed, stylish dog? One that gives the best kisses ever? Wonder where to get personalized photographs while sharing an incredible meal with a devoted furbaby? Check out the Dog Days of Summer Festival in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA. This one day event plays host to contests, games, vendors, adoption booths, and incredible local fare. Cardiff Dog Days Home Page
Dog Day Festival
Over seven thousand dog lovers travel to the middle of Tennessee for the Dog Day Festival. Organized by the Nashville Humane Organization, this one day event offers art, fashion, pampering, health and training clinics with so much more! Come see what all the fuss is about!
Dog Bowl
This fun, free, family event takes place in Frankenmuth, MI. In addition to the usual canine sporting events hosted such as disc, agility, luring and herding this unique affair also offers a talk/howl competition, silly pet tricks and racing for smaller dogs. Larger dogs have their own heat to race in. Don’t miss the crowning of the Dog Bowl King and Queen. Dog Fun Fest Home Page
Muttzanita
Every year Manzanita, OR puts on a stellar display showing utter devotion to the canine. The Muttzanita Festival is described as a type of doggy Olympics with a talent show and a fashion show thrown in for inclusion. There is a parade that winds around the downtown area, costumes and humor are strongly encouraged. This daylong event is sure to inspire the most lackluster canine into exuberance.
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Renee Moen is a certified dog trainer and veteran shelter employee. Specializing in basic obedience and behavior modification, she recognizes each dog for their unique qualities and utilizes those for positive training experiences. Renee is an advocate for dispelling breed myths and denouncing breed discrimination. All dogs are created equal, owners on the other hand…
Living in sunny Longmont, Colorado with her husband, two children, two dogs, two cats and five birds, Ms. Moen is also an accomplished writer with five romantic comedies to her credit. She enjoys hiking in the foothills (with her fur babies), roller skating and swimming.
