Dogs at Race Venues

I feel the same way about young children.

I will bring my dog everywhere.  To races, festivals, ballgames, wherever she is allowed.  We only stay in hotels that allow dogs (you'd be surprised how many do). I don't actually consider her part of our family....she's our dog, and she knows her place with us. I don't like people with unruly, untrained dogs either, but I'm not leaving my hound at home just because of those folks. (but I have to admit, I even like those folks more than people who don't like dogs)  I've had people tell me, "your dog doesn't belong here" at places where she is perfectly allowed and is of no bother to anyone.........that's always pretty funny. 

Originally posted by DJP_19

Originally posted by Left Brain

I don't actually consider her part of our family....she's our dog, and she knows her place with us. I don't like people with unruly, untrained dogs either, but I'm not leaving my hound at home just because of those folks. (but I have to admit, I even like those folks more than people who don't like dogs)  I've had people tell me, "your dog doesn't belong here" at places where she is perfectly allowed and is of no bother to anyone.........that's always pretty funny. 

As the owner of a retriever who is trained to behave when around strangers, I've wrestled with the "bring him vs leave him home" question. I finally decided to leave him home mostly because I've seen far too many dog owners who can't or won't control their dogs. I don't want to have to worry about what some visiting mutt is up to when it approaches us. The other issue is that many people are either very skittish around dogs (often with good reasons as noted here), or else WAY too friendly when they approach us. They assume that since he is a retriever, he will want to frolic with their kids just like they've seen on the dog food commercials. Bottom line is I have enough to worry about on race day, so Bo stays home. Its too bad really, cause he'd be a great help doing the swim leg in a relay.

Mine's a retriever as well, black Lab.  She's 9 now, but in her day (and possibly mine too) I trained her, and others, to HRC Champions.  I didn't used to take her everywhere because she got to hunt/train all the time, so she got out plenty.  These days, when I'm so busy with 3 teenagers, I rarely hunt, so she's my buddy and if I leave she wants to go.....which is good with me.  She's well trained to stay at my side, and she does, especially now that she is getting some years on her.  Sometimes, when I see an overly enthusiastic dog owner (with the always overly enthusiastic dog) approaching with their dog I'll point to mine and say, "she'll bite".....that takes care of it.   Other times, especially when I can sense that a dog is well trained, I'll let them say hello.  I can't say I've ever had an issue with her in a crowd, but I've had issues with people who just don't want dogs around.  I don't mind much since I don't like those folks anyway and therefore never feel the need to be polite.

hmmmmm......maybe we should trade hunts.  East Coast hunt for an Arkansas green timber hunt?

I take my dog (a 6yr old lab) everywhere, even when racing across Europe - to be blunt she has more scene than most spectators and is better behaved than most kids 

If she does that I would be willing to promise not to bring my buffalo to any more events.

Yeah, I've had my share of that too. Quite frankly if all dogs at races were as well behaved as those described here we'd have no problems. But they're not. Apparently everyone thinks their dog is ok. As for no dog fights at races, i saw an "altercation" between dogs at Pikes Peak Ascent and another at Ragnar (my last two races).

In regards to the comment about this being a "serious issue" for some people.... pretty sure we're just discussing it. I don't know that it's a major life problem for anyone posting. 

Dogs out West are just naturally unfriendly.