DogFest

[Biker John]

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I went to DogFest north yesterday, a very enjpyable day out. But one bit I did not like. The dock diving. I have seen it before and enjoyed it but yesterday when we were there two different dogs were being tried one after the other. Both obviously neither knew what was happening nor wanted to go in the water. The chap running it caried them in to the water, both dogs were trying to get out and as soon as he released them they made their way out. He repeated taking them in with exactly the same result. Not wishing to see any further dogs in distress, ok not high distress levels. We left that area. I blaim the owners, for sure if I took a dog of mine to try anything if she did not want to do it I would withdraw her. For the dock diving I would not try, Folly feels that her paws should never get wet let alone the rest of her.

 

[JoanneF]

I have heard of dock diving but I'm not sure what it is?

 

[JudyN]

I thought the handler threw a toy in the water and the dog jumped in voluntarily? How can this even be allowed?

 

[JudyN]

@JoanneF, I've just found a video from Dog Fest 2016 here:

This dog isn't being carried in but I really don't like her body language. She isn't happy at all but is also cowering away from her handlers' hands. Do the handlers not care how she feels or are they completely ignorant of how she's feeling?

 

[Josie]

I will let you know what i see at Dogfest in Bristol!

 

[JoanneF]

Oh, she really isn't happy. Poor girl.

 

[Biker John]

JudyN, yes that is how its done properly but at DogFest they are allowing people to 'try' it. Obviously some enjoy it, one Golden Retriever I saw, wasn't doing it properly but really enjoying itself. After the ball was thrown it turned away, went down the exit ramp and swam to retrieve the ball. That sort of thing I had no problem with. It was the dogs I saw that were not happy at all but being forced to do it.

 

[Josie]

I watched the dog diving at Dogfest Bristol on Saturday and I must say I was impressed with the instructor and didn't witness any forced behaviour.

One of the dogs I watched was nervous to enter the water because of the black ramp so the instructor went into the water with the dog. From there he guided the dog to the tennis ball and then back to the ramp where he could get out again. It seemed like the ramp itself was more of an issue.

I was really sad that Dennis couldn't try it because I think he would have dived straight in! unfortunately he suffers terribly with ear infections during the summer and I try to keep his ears out of the water (he just wallows like a hippo in the river!)

I am currently doing a review on my overall experience so will let you know when it's up!

 

[JudyN]

I saw something on Facebook about Dogfest - someone was asking the organisers about what steps they would be taking to address some of the aversive harsh handling they'd witnessed in previous years, and the person who replied said that they were taking this seriously and would be on the lookout and taking action. I had to read & dash so didn't look into the details but it sounded very positive.

 

[Josie]

I saw something on Facebook about Dogfest - someone was asking the organisers about what steps they would be taking to address some of the aversive harsh handling they'd witnessed in previous years, and the person who replied said that they were taking this seriously and would be on the lookout and taking action. I had to read & dash so didn't look into the details but it sounded very positive.

That’s good to hear! If they want people to come back then they should take dog owners opinions on board and make it better. I had a great time apart from the weather :-(

 

[Mad Murphy]

Poor dog looks very reluctant to get in.
Murphy would be in there like a bullet and the only trouble we would have would be getting him to come out! But why do people think its cute that shes refusing and being 'pushed 'into it?

 

[Josie]

My review is now up on Dogfest if anyone would like to see some photo's

here: dogfest-bristol-review

 

[Biker John]

Interesting read Josie, your last comment struck home with me, at DogFest north it was the same, a lot of dogs of different breeds with no arguments at all. Folly thought the Finer by Nature treats were the best.

 

[Josie]

Interesting read Josie, your last comment struck home with me, at DogFest north it was the same, a lot of dogs of different breeds with no arguments at all. Folly thought the Finer by Nature treats were the best.

Thank you. I was really surprised at how well all of the dogs got on. It was really lovely to see