Hot dog! Why should people have all the holiday fun? Area pet-friendly events give festive Fidos a chance to get all dressed up and show off their Howloween best!
October 13 – Barktoberfest: Weather permitting, the Ankeny Dog Park will be hosting its 5th Annual Barktoberfest event – Saturday, October 13, from 1-5 p.m. at Chips Restaurant in Ankeny. In addition to a costume contest and canine cake walks, activities include canine demonstrations, food, beverages, pet portraits, prizes and more! Admission is $5 per dog. Proceeds benefit Ankeny’s 7.5-acre off-leash dog park. For more info: www.AnkenyDogPark.org.
October 20 & 21 – Great Iowa Pet Expo: This 2-day event at the 4-H Exhibits Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds features more than 100 exhibitors with the latest and greatest pet products and services. Activities include costume contests (home made and store bought categories), canine nose work and training demonstrations, Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing, Iowa’s largest pet adoption event, a Microchip Clinic each day, plus the debut of the Canine Craze Performance Team! Adult admission is $6; Seniors: $5; Children 6-12: $3. For details: www.GreatIowaPetExpo.com.
What?! Your dog doesn’t have his costume yet? What are you waiting for? The canine costume market has exploded in recent years. Brave souls among us might even try coordinating outfits! For fun ideas, check these out …
- Target: http://www.target.com/c/pets-costumes-halloween/-/N-5tf58
- PetSmart: http://www.petsmart.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2958642&lmdn=Dog+Clothes&f=Taxonomy%2FPET%2F2958642&fbc=1&fbn=Taxonomy%7CHalloween+Costumes
- Petco: http://www.petco.com/N_5311_4294949053_30_22/Halloween-Halloween-Costumes-And-Apparel-Dog.aspx
Can you say Tricks & Treats?! If you really want to get in the holiday spirit, how about making a few homemade treats to reward your dog’s tricks?
- Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Treats: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/peanut-butter-and-pumpkin-dog-treats/photo-gallery.aspx?page=1
- Pumpkin Pie Dog Biscuits: http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/recipes-for-pet-treats.html
However you chose to celebrate, we hope you have a fun, safe Howloween season. Please keep your pets inside on Beggar’s Night, and consider crating your dog in a secure quiet place when ghosts and goblins come to your door!
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Ask the Trainer: Renee Jetter, ABCTC, CPCT
- Professional dog trainer; co-owner of Canine Craze Performance Center in Urbandale – an 18,000 sq-ft. dog training, daycare, boarding and events facility. Animal Behavior College, 2006 graduate.
- Expertise: puppy development; positive reinforcement training; obedience; competition; agility; tricks; freestyle; scent detection; canine good citizen/therapy dog testing; Paws & Effect volunteer service dog trainer.