Pet Expo 2011

Shanao

I know, I know, extremely early to be planning, but what the hell. Thinking of heading up this year, but want to bring the dog. Anyone know of petfriendly accomodation in Dublin that would be close to the RDS? At least I can start looking into it early to make sure we'll have a place.

ISDW

Shanao wrote: »

I know, I know, extremely early to be planning, but what the hell. Thinking of heading up this year, but want to bring the dog. Anyone know of petfriendly accomodation in Dublin that would be close to the RDS? At least I can start looking into it early to make sure we'll have a place.

Has it been announced? I don't know if its going to be on again.

Shanao

Thought I saw something about it somewhere... not sure where. Eh, good point, I should probably wait to be sure its on huh?

Zapperzy

ISDW wrote: »

Has it been announced? I don't know if its going to be on again.

Oh no where did you hear that? I thought it has been a success every year they've ran it?
I actually can't find anything about it, usually the website is updated but that still has 2010 on it. When did they announce last years?

boomerang

You could stay in the Travelodge in Rathmines - Travelodge have a sale on at the moment with rooms from just €19 plus a €10 supplement for your dog.

miss_daisy

boomerang wrote: »

You could stay in the Travelodge in Rathmines - Travelodge have a sale on at the moment with rooms from just €19 plus a €10 supplement for your dog.

are you serious? how darn cool is that?.....:D:)

miss_daisy

Ive never been to the Pet Expo ( i so will go this year if its on!) but ive just found something that says its on in the RDS Sat 8th -Sun 9th of October, 2011??

Heres the link

http://www.guidedogs.ie/iopen24/events_calendar.php?eID=12

is this it?

Zapperzy

miss_daisy wrote: »

Ive never been to the Pet Expo ( i so will go this year if its on!) but ive just found something that says its on in the RDS Sat 8th -Sun 9th of October, 2011??

Heres the link

http://www.guidedogs.ie/iopen24/events_calendar.php?eID=12

is this it?

Sounds like it, but that link says it's a three day event (as it has been every other year from what I can remember) yet the dates say Sat 8th to Sun 9th 2 days. Petexpo.ie hasn't been updated yet either.

ISDW

I didn't think that it had been particularly successful last year, and there was talk about it moving to citywest. It was just gossip though, amongst stallholders there etc.

Cherry Blossom

Zapperzy wrote: »

Sounds like it, but that link says it's a three day event (as it has been every other year from what I can remember) yet the dates say Sat 8th to Sun 9th 2 days. Petexpo.ie hasn't been updated yet either.

Possibly these are the 2 days that guidedogs Ireland will be present. Has anyone e-mailed any of the contacts on Petexpo.ie?

koneko

Blergh. Last year was the one I enjoyed the most as i got to bring some of our dogs to it. If they make it an indoor one again it'll go back to being the way it used to be, and I don't know if I'll bother

bookerboy

Hope they don't move to Citywest.This place is run by Muppets.
Made the mistake of going to Top Gear Live there last year.
From the time you drive in the gate it is so badly organised.I'd say Citywest have killed off Top Gear live in Ireland.Pet Expo is a great show and hopefully it runs for many years to come.
It's the highlight of the year for my kids,always go home with loads of freebies.

Cherry Blossom

Well I've decided I'm going, have booked the Friday and Monday off work and need to find accomodation for me and the mutt now. Think I'll go early on the Friday and check out Marley Park, any other recommendations while I'm there? And where can I leave the dog for a few hours while I go shopping in Dundrum on the Monday ?

EGAR

From the horse's mouth: "Pet Expo is taking place in the RDS from 8th - 9th October 2011. "

andreac

All the Travel Lodges are pet friendly, so is the Ibis at the Red Cow roundabout afaik. I would try check out the Phoenix Park too.
What part of the country are you in again AJ?

Aishae

this was on the rds site but its been removed - the expo site has it now though
Expo 2011 will be taking place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th Ocotober 2011.
thats at the rds, its a 2 day event though. maybe they removed it when dates changed or that.

Cherry Blossom

andreac wrote: »

All the Travel Lodges are pet friendly, so is the Ibis at the Red Cow roundabout afaik. I would try check out the Phoenix Park too.
What part of the country are you in again AJ?

I'm in Donegal, but lived down that way this time last year so will be expected to make a few house calls I'm sure . Will probably be exhausted by the end of it but it's like me to squeeze as much as possible out of things, maybe the shopping might be better as a day trip without the dog at some other time though .

andreac

Ah im sure you would fit in a shopping trip, Dundrum car park is very secure too.
Theres a chance im going to be there with my 2 rottweilers promoting the breed on a stand but its not def yet.:)

Cherry Blossom

andreac wrote: »

Ah im sure you would fit in a shopping trip, Dundrum car park is very secure too.
Theres a chance im going to be there with my 2 rottweilers promoting the breed on a stand but its not def yet.:)

Ah, I see, well I intend on spending a bit of time in that area seeing how I can't decide what I want for doggie no. 2 :rolleyes:. I'll be the person with the stone-mad terrier that really loves strange men .

Kali_Kalika

Sorry to drag up an old thread - but the only other recent-ish one about the pet expo is more about the breed village so I didn't want to hijack that thread

Just wondering to anyone who's bought tickets for it - do they have to post them out or are the tickets ones you print yourself?

I completely let this slip my mind and I do really want to go so planning on buying tickets tonight but since I'm planning to go on Saturday I know they will not arrive in time - so just wondering what happens in this situation? Any guesses or solid info appreciated!

Also - what is the parking situation like for the pet expo? Is there on site parking?

Thanks for any info anyone can give!

TaraR

Kali_Kalika wrote: »

Sorry to drag up an old thread - but the only other recent-ish one about the pet expo is more about the breed village so I didn't want to hijack that thread

Just wondering to anyone who's bought tickets for it - do they have to post them out or are the tickets ones you print yourself?

I completely let this slip my mind and I do really want to go so planning on buying tickets tonight but since I'm planning to go on Saturday I know they will not arrive in time - so just wondering what happens in this situation? Any guesses or solid info appreciated!

Also - what is the parking situation like for the pet expo? Is there on site parking?

Thanks for any info anyone can give!

You can buy the tickets on the day there. And last year there was a car park expecially for Pet Expo last year across the road

SlinkyKittin

Have to say parking at the RDS is always a nightmare! Get a bus if possible. For Pet Expo I'd say you could get tickets at the door, my sister has a stand there this year Positive Dog Training Ireland :P

Chris_Heilong

To Answer your question, If you book tickets now then they will be poster out to you but there is no reason not to buy at the door, they wont sell out:rolleyes:

Parking is available in the RDS and it wasn't too full last year, I went both days and there was plenty of space which reminds me, I need to start ringing around to find a taxi willing to take me and my Malamute.

Sigma Force

We'd no problem..once we eventually found the car park..but then again last year we went ridiculously early and ended up waiting around for ages..I like to be on time hehe. Would all buses take dogs on that day I wonder, it'd be much handier for us to take the DART in but those mean sh*tes don't allow dogs on it grrrrrr. So braving the scary Dublin roads please don't beep at me..

Chris_Heilong

Sigma Force wrote: »

We'd no problem..once we eventually found the car park..but then again last year we went ridiculously early and ended up waiting around for ages..I like to be on time hehe. Would all buses take dogs on that day I wonder, it'd be much handier for us to take the DART in but those mean sh*tes don't allow dogs on it grrrrrr. So braving the scary Dublin roads please don't beep at me..

This is something I have been thinking about for a while, I was thinking of writing to the Minister of transport and requesting pets let on buses and trains for the day as an experiment and if all is OK let them on outside of rush hour like they do with bicycles on the Dart, unfortunately I didn't think they would listen so I didn't bother. I actually saw a golden retriever on the dart going to Bray today and it wasn't a service dog.

anniehoo

If anyones bringing their dogs ( petsitting one for me) park in UCD and walk down. 20-25 mins. Will save the drama of finding a spot,fees, will tire them out a little bit, get their pees/poos over and done with before ya get to the RDS...then the walk back will totally knacker them for the journey home then.

Park in Carpark 2..in the Stillorgan gates, first right..then left

bookerboy

Parking at the RDS will cost you at least €6
I don't know of any free parking in the area.

Sigma Force

You can get parking for 4.50 if you put your car reg. and print out the vouchers online the links on the expo. page. We'll be there for a looooong time so I don't mind the parking fee it's cheaper than some places down the country for a full days parking.
Is parking in UCD free?

Chris_Heilong

Now I dont mean this to sound overly negative but compared to last year it just wasnt good, Last year the had the entire open area and plus the inside to walk around, sure there was a lot of wasted space but with the scale you really felt you got your monies worth, also there where a lot less stands in the place, Last year it was all about the freebies(dog bowls, toys and bags of food) which I came home with 2 full shopping bags of, this year I came away with only one free thing which made me feel lack of value for money.

For the kids last year it was better laid out and interesting, they had the pony riding at the gate as well as a farm world where you could meet horses and farm animals and the setting was really authentic, then you passed the tails'n'trails crowd and in to an area with carnival rides and candy floss for the children as well as a large field for walking the dogs and gradually meeting them and their owners, this was sorely missed this year and it was as I feared, lots of dogs in a confined area being forced to pass each other, many of them looking afraid of the loud music and strange dogs and seemed on high alert, others where calm and a few were narky.

This also proved a problem for me, As Titan is still a young dog and had yet to meet any aggressive attitude from other dogs, so the good news is the breed village is a vast improvement over last years with many breeds being represented, a highlight was meeting Andrea from the boards and her Rottweilers. All the people at the village were nice and Titan meet most of them with no problem, the issue came when a big Black Newfie started growling at my dog and showing teeth, after this any black dog seemed to affect my guy and Titan even started growling back but strangely only black dogs as many dogs growled at Titan be he didnt retaliate to the ones who were not black, the only dog we knew was the guy who owned the Leonberger and the two dogs played well together, later we passed trough a door where the Leonbergers were and a new large Male was at the stand in 3 seconds it was at my dogs throat, luck I pull my guy away before any damage but Titan was disoriented and growled at any dog close by for the first few seconds, as I was calming him down before leaving one of the stands where shouting "Take your dog outside!" which I planned to do but obviously they assumed my Large dog was the problem, I was more worried about getting outside before my dog was attacked again. I ad planned to write the first two paragraphs when I returned home but this was a bad end to a not so great day, my feelings are that if it was more like last year it would being easier to avoid problems like what I saw today.

I know its more of a rant but I would like to hear what people experienced this year?

star-pants

Threads merged, as there seems to be a few on PetExpo 2011

tk123

DTI asked us to join a demo... He wee'd and poo'd in the ring! The shame

Chris_Heilong

tk123 wrote: »

DTI asked us to join a demo... He wee'd and poo'd in the ring! The shame

Ha Ha, you just cheered me right up, thanks:D

tk123

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

tk123 wrote: »

DTI asked us to join a demo... He wee'd and poo'd in the ring! The shame

Ha Ha, you just cheered me right up, thanks:D

Chris I brought him out loads of times and and nothing!! I think if there had of been in and outside areas like last time he would have had a grassy area to go in. He was a bit unsettled with the crowds and some of the dogs that had haltis on for some reason but he's afraid of loads of things so no surprises..Anyhoos he was delighted to see his DTI buddies and after a while he was getting used to random people petting him, passing all the different dogs in the breed village where we also met Andrea and walking in the crowds so I was treating it more as a socialization exercise than anything else as he wouldn't really be out in crowds like that. DTI asked us to join in so i took him out again twice and nothing. 1 min in he has a wee then a minute later he poo'd as we were walking - in fairness the lead was loose lol. The guys were fine about it - these things happen, don't worry about it etc but I was mortified as there was a crowd around the ring

toadfly

Haha tk that's hilarious! I seen a demo from DTI this morning but dont remember a retriever in it. I enjoyed today but thought it was better last year where there were stalls outside and a nice grass area to give the dogs a chance.

Lexi had the best time, was so well behaved and loved all the attention. I went early so it wouldnt be too busy to give her a chance to get used to the crowds as she wouldn't be used to anything like that but she was an angel. Wrecked now though!

Bought 30kg of luath for €80 and a sheet of vetbed plus a cut off for €20. My mam is good at haggling!

Was lovely to meet Andrea and her two dotes. Loved the two staffies in the breed village, so cute!

lrushe

Chris I agree pretty much with everything you said except I didn't have any agression from other dogs. Brook was in a bit of a mood from the start as she doesn't like wearing her headcollar but it looks like a muzzle so she had to have it on, then with everything being so cramped she really wasn't enjoying herself. As said last year had alot outside so it was great that your dog could have a breather while you still had things to see.
Highlight for me was the breed village, some of the breeds I'd only ever seen in pictures so seeing them in the flesh was great. Of course the Rottie represntatives were gorgeous but I am bias ;-)
All in all a good day out but it did fall short of last years.

tk123

I got a fiver off the vetbed thanks to Andrea suggesting I haggle lol - better than nothing I suppose! I needed the big sheets for his new crate for when he's on crate rest. The guy offered to take it out to the car for me - bloody hell I wish I had of said yes - I forgot I was parked in the overflow at simonscourt road so had the madra, a bag of robbies and 2 of the large sheets of vet bed in a plastic bag to bring over!! My arms were killing me when I got to the car lol!!:rolleyes:
Anyhoos it was the afternoon loose lead demo he pooped in - at least it was nuggets I suppose and not a giant turd! :P So embarrasing thou - everyone was cooing over him and calling him over as we walked near them - oh he's so cute then BANG - bombs away.

lrushe

Oh and forgot to mention Brook kept rubbing her face off passerbys legs cos she dislikes her head collar. So just to say if you thought a woman with a Rottie groped you today it wasn't me it was my dog!!!!

gidget

First time to go to this! Couldn't take the risk of bringing our dog unfortuantely as he would have tried to get at the smaller animals but got a few prezzies for him that he's now in the process of examining couldn't believe it when i saw that cockroaches are being sold as pets now!

Zapperzy

tk123 wrote: »

DTI asked us to join a demo... He wee'd and poo'd in the ring! The shame

Did you pick it up?

gidget wrote: »

First time to go to this! Couldn't take the risk of bringing our dog unfortuantely as he would have tried to get at the smaller animals but got a few prezzies for him that he's now in the process of examining couldn't believe it when i saw that cockroaches are being sold as pets now!

Thats mad! How could you call a cockroach a pet. :eek: I currently have 2 very large wolf spiders called Arthur and Guinness in lunchboxes waiting until I can release them into a field or somewhere far away from the house so I suppose anything is possible! Their a very good solution to my current earwig problem!

Was going to go up to it but decided not to as it would have been an expensive day.

tk123

Zapperzy wrote: »

Did you pick it up?

Yes lol - I always have poo bags at the ready! ;)

Here's what he was like afterwards - after 30 mins of laughing at him doing this non stop I woke him up, led him out of the bed and then back in :rolleyes::pac:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LHvr5XOb1U

andreac

Hey guys, home chillling after a long day at the pet expo. Was lovely to meet all you guys today:)
Tilly, sorry for Flo being a big grumpy with Lexi, she can be a bit of a madam with bitches sometimes, so sorry about that:o

Chris, Titan is fab, was great to meet you and your family. Sorry to hear about poor Titan, that wasnt nice at all.

Tk123, nice to meet you and Bailey, great news about the vet bed, no harm in asking, thats what i say

Irushe, nice to meet you and the lovely Brooke and Cleo and your partner.

Can i ask anyone who brought their own dogs today, were you asked to produce your vaccination certs when you came in? I know someone who wants to bring their dog tomorrow but they cant find the vaccination card and someone told them they are meant to have it but i hadnt heard of anyone being asked.

marley123

Spent the bulk of today & overall very very happy, we all had a great time.
Took the kids & our Fab Retreiver.
Couldnt get over how well behaved he was, not bothered by all the noise & people coming up to him. Loved the Breed Village, most people happy to chat - Loved the ROTTIE, a complete dote & also the St. Bernard - the 2 people looking after these were superb, happy to chat & very good with my little girl who is 4. However I did find a few not interested in engaging with a bit of chat - obviously not fond of kids:)
Some good deals to be had on the stalls & got a €20 discount voucher from one which will definately be used BUT ZERO Freebies - last year went home with 2 rucksacks full!
Was disappointed with the outdoor area, they should have had some of the grass areas open for the dogs to chill out on ( & go to the toilet ) also couldnt see any fresh water supply & ended up giving a couple of people water as their dogs needed some. also missed the outdoor training classes & displays - great way to get the kids to let off steam with a run around outside which wasnt possible this year.
My little girl loved the fun dog show & we came away with 3 Certificates including 1 for best Rescue Dog which we were thrilled with.
Great concept with the adoption Centre & hope with all the attention on it many dogs will be rehomed.
I had an issue with one teenager today who elbowed my Retreiver in the face on purpose ( which hurt him ) because he put his head on her lap to be petted - was so so mad - why go to something like the pet expo if you don't like dogs!!!
Was very very impressed with the volume of kids & parents who asked before petting Cody - but equally unimpressed with the couple of dogs who snapped for no reason at Cody & once @ my little girl - if your dog is unpredictable why bring him/her to a place surrounded with other dogs & people ( all of the dogs whos snapped - all owners admitted they can be hit & miss with other dogs )

On the back of Codys Behavior & laid back attitude he is being assessed by the Irish Therapy Dogs next wk - Proud as punch of him:)

Looking forward to next year but bring back better facilities outside

andreac

Hey Marley, was i chatting to you at the Rottweiler Stand, if so that was me and thanks for the compliment:D I was chatting to so many people all day. Cooper was loveing all the attention, he was so well behaved and im so proud of them both.

marley123

only putting 2 & 2 together now:) yep that was you & you were so nice about my 4yr old being very friendly towards Cooper - Cooper seemed to have a permanent smile of his face ( Passed your stand a good few times & he always seemed to be smiling:)

andreac wrote: »

Hey Marley, was i chatting to you at the Rottweiler Stand, if so that was me and thanks for the compliment:D I was chatting to so many people all day. Cooper was loveing all the attention, he was so well behaved and im so proud of them both.

scudzilla

Brodi's goin up tomorrow wit my wife, not gonna be making it myself this year as working.

So if ya see a Boxer wit a bit of white on her face and a tail go say Hi, and remind my wife to wake me at 5!!!

andreac

Awh thats lovely, he met lots of lovely children today, he was in his element. He absol adores kids and lots of them got free kisses and hugs from Cooper, and he got the same too off lots of people. Im just glad to see people getting to see what rotties are really like and how great they are with all people including children once they are handled well.

SillyMangoX

Just back from my first time at the pet expo and I have to say I enjoyed it so much! The breed village was fantastic, loved getting to meet dogs in the flesh rather than in pictures. I was particularly besotted with the great danes, min pins, shar peis and the rotties! Got a great deal on the vet bed too, only a tenner for the biggest one cut down. I really really loved it but would have liked a bit better area with the cats, very few breeds there and I was extremely annoied to see people bringing their dogs up there because they are ''small and harmless'' grrr. Cant wait for next year

sassychick

This was the first year i went to pet expo and i have to say i wasnt overly impressed at all..although i do have to say i did love the breed village all the dogs were all so well behaved and so cute...was dissapointed to see boxers and german shepards werent representedtho....the only freebie i got was a pack of dog food!!And to answer about the vaccination cert i brought my boxer over today and wasnt asked for anything at the door so shudnt be a problem;)

lrushe

andreac wrote: »

Can i ask anyone who brought their own dogs today, were you asked to produce your vaccination certs when you came in? I know someone who wants to bring their dog tomorrow but they cant find the vaccination card and someone told them they are meant to have it but i hadnt heard of anyone being asked.

I know it's been on their website but for the 3 years that I've brought dogs I've never been asked for certs.

andreac

Thats great guys, thanks for letting me know. I didnt think they checked but just wanted to make sure.

Yeah Sassy, overall i didnt think its great either, not really much to it, thought there would be more at it myself. #Glad to hear the breed village impressed you.

Most breed clubs, or people involved in most breeds were asked if they were interested, im guessing as they werent there, they either couldnt or didnt want to attend...:(

tk123

lrushe wrote: »

I know it's been on their website but for the 3 years that I've brought dogs I've never been asked for certs.

Yeah I wasn't asked this year or last year.

+1 on your post marley123. We had a few people unimpressed when my guy went to say hello to their dog - the leonbergers owners seemed to be a bit nervous of me even petting the therapy one - which I would assume is part of it's job description?! Also some people didn't seem to want any dogs even passing by them let alone asking for a pet. Saw a few dogs fighting with each other too any some kids getting a fright with it all . We got water from the red mills stand - he was like goldilocks drinking from all their bowls!:pac: We saw lovely staffies/pitbulls but my eejit was afraid of their muzzles so I couldn't pet them. And lols lets just say the meercats display turned PG at one stage when we passed :pac:
I dont really bother with food sample freebies but I didn't see any treats going like last year - there was tables of free stuff to take? We got a handful of treats off dogfood direct who said they'll start stocking robbies salmon and potato , a frisbee off Allianz because I thanked them for the great service we've always gotten off them and that's it. I bough vet bed, 2 bags of Robbies, a fleece tug from dogs for the disabled and some cards off guide dogs. Last year there seemed to be people everywhere giving food samples and treats - you couldn't pass a stand without being given a goodie bag!