Submitted by the ABA Breeders Education committee Rainy Days and Mondays………. Summer does not seem to have settled on the Ontario region. Just when we think that those wonderful cloudless sunny days have arrived, soon overcast skies and rain remind us of the vagaries of mother nature. Does anyone need to be prompted further on how to care for dogs during hot humid weather? But for those hardy souls who attend outdoor dog shows regularly during the summer months, rainy wet weather is a curse and can be extremely difficult to endure. Coping with soggy days, while trying to put one’s best foot forward, both human and canine, can be especially challenging. To the exhibitor with a coated breed there can be no worse fate than awakening on show day to the sound of thunder and rain cascading down. Might as well face it , most of your energy will be spent avoiding rain drops and keeping your precious Fido high, dry, and beautiful. So where does one start to adequately be able to prepare for less than ideal weather. Start a list and check it twice. You need to invest first and foremost in a suitable canopy. Be sure that it is water proof. Those that only shed the sun will be of little benefit in a downpour. The EZE up awnings are suitable, reasonably priced and collapsible. Be sure that the awning that you purchase can be securely staked/tied to the ground. Sudden rain storms also usually bring increased winds. Also purchase a few extra tarps as well to further shed rain. The blue plastic ones come in all sizes, are also low priced and last for several years. And while you are making your purchases include a tupperware or other type of larger plastic box that you can fill with all sizes of towels. In wet rainy weather you’ll be glad that you did. Also be sure you have a good hammer and plenty of durable clamps and snaps and the ever necessary bungee cords as well as tent pegs. All of these items will help you to stabilize your awning and attach the extra necessary tarps to repel rain. For those of you newer to the sport of dogs, I am compelled to tell you that the show will go on even if it is raining. Exceptions would be severe downpours and dangerous conditions such as lightening or heavy winds. Occasionally judging will be halted should the above occur until the storm has passed. Exhibitor dress code during inclement weather will also alter. You might wish to purchase a good quality rainsuit. Be sure it is roomy enough to run in and/or kneel as well as having the necessary pockets. Also invest in comfortable supportive waterproof footwear. Judges are lenient and cognizant of the fact that dogs will get wet while being judged when it is raining. It cannot be helped. Please be sure that you bring your dogs to the show in clean pristine condition. A dirty wet dog will really reek and this is a situation that is quite unforgiveable. Pride of ownership dictates that your dog be clean and tidy when you show him. Nothing less will do!! Learning to cope during inclement weather is a necessity if you are to be a regular and determined exhibitor. If you are prepared for all weather conditions you will better be able to cope when the weatherman throws a zinger. If both you and your dog can stay as dry and comfortable as possible, you will endure. But that hot bath and special drink at the end of a lengthy wet day will go a long way to dispelling the miseries and discomforts associated with rainy dog show days. . And no doubt you will return the next day, hoping for sunshine but ready for a flash flood
Posted on: Wed, 20 Aug 2014 23:58:57 +0000
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