Pet Expo 2013 (Dublin)

tk123

So as crap as it was the last 2 years my friend wants to go this year so we'll go along too for puppy socalization...and the fact that it's a fiver in with a Pigsback voucher!:p;) Just wondering which day is quieter - Saturday or Sunday?


http://offers.pigsback.com/offer/96889?utm_source=DailyAlert&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=20131009

Knine

tk123 wrote: »

So as crap as it was the last 2 years my friend wants to go this year so we'll go along too for puppy socalization...and the fact that it's a fiver in with a Pigsback voucher!:p;) Just wondering which day is quieter - Saturday or Sunday?


http://offers.pigsback.com/offer/96889?utm_source=DailyAlert&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=20131009

I will be there on a stand with my dogs. We put a lot of work into it! I reckon Saturday will be quieter!

tk123

Knine wrote: »

I will be there on a stand with my dogs. We put a lot of work into it! I reckon Saturday will be quieter!

Yeah i thought saturday would be better! Obviously you guys in the breed village are all fantastic but the rest was a bit rubbish and sparse! There was a burger van inside setting of the alarm every few mins for example lol :pac:

Knine

tk123 wrote: »

Yeah i thought saturday would be better! Obviously you guys in the breed village are all fantastic but the rest was a bit rubbish and sparse! There was a burger van inside setting of the alarm every few mins for example lol :pac:

Ha ha yeah that burger van was driving us mad. Please come & say hello!

muddypaws

Wow, its late this year

Ms Tootsie

Ah gutted we will miss it!!! We are getting married that weekend. Wonder why it is so late this year?

DBB

kaza2710 wrote: »

Ah gutted we will miss it!!! We are getting married that weekend.

What sort of excuse is that?

:-p

Congratulations!

Ms Tootsie

Worst excuse ever. Very selfish of us not to postpone

Thanks!!!

SillyMangoX

Come visit me and the terrible 3 too, I'm going up promoting non pedigree show cats

Would anyone be interested in doing a forum meet-up? I'm going to be there both days anyway

tk123

SillyMangoX wrote: »

Come visit me and the terrible 3 too, I'm going up promoting non pedigree show cats

Would anyone be interested in doing a forum meet-up? I'm going to be there both days anyway

well I'll be there with 2 dogs so we won't be allowed near cat land! :P

SillyMangoX

Aw yeah it's a pity (but a good thing!) dogs won't be allowed up, Dude would love to make some new canine pals :P He befriended a wandering pointer that came into our garden yesterday, loves to go visit my neighbors husky (he always comes back covered in husky drool!) and has 3 retriever and retriever cross friends! He would just adore Bailey and Lucy :P

Knine

SillyMangoX wrote: »

Come visit me and the terrible 3 too, I'm going up promoting non pedigree show cats

Would anyone be interested in doing a forum meet-up? I'm going to be there both days anyway

I would because I will be there too!

baby and crumble

A group of the different rodent sanctuaries are planning a stand for education re: rats and rodents as pets. Can't wait to see it!!! Sadly everything else seems to be cat/ dog based, at least last time I went it was.

Raminahobbin

Really looking forward to this I feel optimistic about it this year, the last couple of years weren't great but here's hoping they've learned from their mistakes. Sure if nothing else, I get my fix of other peoples pets- well worth the money in

Knine

baby and crumble wrote: »

A group of the different rodent sanctuaries are planning a stand for education re: rats and rodents as pets. Can't wait to see it!!! Sadly everything else seems to be cat/ dog based, at least last time I went it was.

When it was in Naas there were lots of other animals there other then dogs, unfortunately there were very few cats.

SillyMangoX

I think it was at last years show, there was a corner for rabbits/rodents. I remember a particularly friendly rabbit climbing up me for a cuddle I'm hoping there will be some nice freebies there this year!

Jen Pigs Fly

Is the pet expo good for reptiles? Looking into getting a bearded dragon so want to talk to some experts!

SillyMangoX

The last few years the people from the reptile zoo have been there with a menagerie of reptiles and insects!

Inexile

Should be there with the greys and am really glad its back in the RDS the other place wasn't great.

The reason its so late is they weren't going to hold one at all this year and just do one in the UK but a few people complained and now its back on.

Knine

Inexile wrote: »

Should be there with the greys and am really glad its back in the RDS the other place wasn't great.

The reason its so late is they weren't going to hold one at all this year and just do one in the UK but a few people complained and now its back on.

I loved all the space at Naas though. Was handy for giving the dogs a break from the strand!

quilmore

never been to any
would it be dog groomers attending?

groupon running an offer for tickets
http://www.groupon.ie/deals/dublin/pet-expo-rds/27811634

JustAThought

Knine wrote: »

I loved all the space at Naas though. Was handy for giving the dogs a break from the strand!

That's about all it was good for. There were about two cat stands there last year, 4 of us went & paid about e40 entrance fees in between us, fir what was a dreadfully badly organised and barren event that comprised mostly of big standard goods being flogged that you could have gone to any pet shop , not paid in for, and bought without a long commute.

The breed village was so squashed & overpacked that it wasn't possible for more than 1 adult or small child to actually see the dogs at any time & as it was on the passageway leading from the Q to pay & enter into the rest of the event , this lead to long Q's, massive congestion & general chaos.

The place was stone cold freezing & no timetables for the exhibition events so most were missed . I remember the horrific miked kiddie " talent shows" blaring over the event& the oirish kiddie dancing competition/event& the teenage pop " shows" -again all broadcast at top volume throughout the day as " background" entertainment.

We all hated the day & swore we'd never go again. Not recommended at all. Expensive, badly run, & filled with " performing teenage & child stars' shrieking over everything as " free" entertainment ( e40 for 4 in) , with very little to justify the long drive, petrol costs & entrance fee & standing while eating overpriced fast food .

Knine

JustAThought wrote: »

That's about all it was good for. There were about two cat stands there last year, 4 of us went & paid about e40 entrance fees in between us, fir what was a dreadfully badly organised and barren event that comprised mostly of big standard goods being flogged that you could have gone to any pet shop , not paid in for, and bought without a long commute.

The breed village was so squashed & overpacked that it wasn't possible for more than 1 adult or small child to actually see the dogs at any time & as it was on the passageway leading from the Q to pay & enter into the rest of the event , this lead to long Q's, massive congestion & general chaos.

The place was stone cold freezing & no timetables for the exhibition events so most were missed . I remember the horrific miked kiddie " talent shows" blaring over the event& the oirish kiddie dancing competition/event& the teenage pop " shows" -again all broadcast at top volume throughout the day as " background" entertainment.

We all hated the day & swore we'd never go again. Not recommended at all. Expensive, badly run, & filled with " performing teenage & child stars' shrieking over everything as " free" entertainment ( e40 for 4 in) , with very little to justify the long drive, petrol costs & entrance fee & standing while eating overpriced fast food .

Well thanks for your opinion but I'm only actually responsible for the stand I'm on! I certainly did not find it squashed and none of us were cold either!

What exactly did you think would be for sale at a pet show? As for the overpriced food - ditto?

I don't think people realise the huge effort and amount of time breed people put into this event. I give up my whole weekend! As well as the preparation of dogs that started yesterday!

So I would suggest you take up your issues with the organisers. I also know plenty of people who loved it but you can't please everyone!

tk123

Knine wrote: »

Well thanks for your opinion but I'm only actually responsible for the stand I'm on! I certainly did not find it squashed and none of us were cold either!

What exactly did you think would be for sale at a pet show? As for the overpriced food - ditto?

I don't think people realise the huge effort and amount of time breed people put into this event. I give up my whole weekend! As well as the preparation of dogs that started yesterday!

So I would suggest you take up your issues with the organisers. I also know plenty of people who loved it but you can't please everyone!

Previous years have had toys, accessories etc at discounted prices. Also there were more exhibits. Last year the usually crappy hat stalls(why lol?), some dog food stands, same old agility displays and the breed village. The breed village is great and all but not everyone is interested in it? It's just one part of pet expo.

I know people with stands at it last year who agreed it was rubbish. I was there for an hour max and drove home - there was nothing to see! I know somebody who had a 'stand' the year before that cost him €750 for a small table which is probably why it was so sparse last year and why they were reluctant to have one this year.

baby and crumble

JustAThought wrote: »

I remember the horrific miked kiddie " talent shows" blaring over the event& the oirish kiddie dancing competition/event& the teenage pop " shows" -again all broadcast at top volume throughout the day as " background" entertainment.

Oh God I'd blocked the memory of that out. I felt so sorry for the guys with the snake that was right beside that bit.

Cocolola

So would this be worth the trek from Galway with a pooch who isn't the biggest fan of travelling in the car? I always wanted to go before to have a look around but wasn't sure what you actually do there. As an example, I'm looking to get him a new harness as he wears his all day now in day care so have been looking at Perfect Fit, would they be there and would they be discounted?

tk123

Cocolola wrote: »

So would this be worth the trek from Galway with a pooch who isn't the biggest fan of travelling in the car? I always wanted to go before to have a look around but wasn't sure what you actually do there. As an example, I'm looking to get him a new harness as he wears his all day now in day care so have been looking at Perfect Fit, would they be there and would they be discounted?

Maybe hold off until the Sunday and wait for from people who are going on the Saturday to post their reviews. Personally I wouldn't come all the way over from Galway from it!

I don't think you'll get the harness there anyways - mail them to be sure but I've never seen them over? I have pefect fits for both my dogs and got then online. The one for my puppy was their suggested size but too small - they sent the next size up free of charge for me to mix and match and send the bits that didn't fit back. (Use parcel motel for shipping if there's one near you)

Cocolola

Cheers for that tk, that's even better!

SillyMangoX

Sorry to drag this up again :P Just wondering what kind of things do people expect from the stalls? I've put together an information sheet on showing household pet cats.. but is this enough!? I dunno what to do :P At the moment I'm shopping for decorations for my cat's pens.. I'm thinking a Christmas theme would be fun

Knine

SillyMangoX wrote: »

Sorry to drag this up again :P Just wondering what kind of things do people expect from the stalls? I've put together an information sheet on showing household pet cats.. but is this enough!? I dunno what to do :P At the moment I'm shopping for decorations for my cat's pens.. I'm thinking a Christmas theme would be fun

Find out what size stall you have and then you will have some idea of how much you need. We have lots of pics of the dogs in action, conformation/breed standard, grooming information, feeding, exercise etc. We will have a grooming table with one of my dogs who is very happy to pose all weekend! We have our Club Name, logo. We will have a crate for dogs to rest in. A puppy pen. Books, some decorations, leaflets for people to take away. Mostly people just want to interact with the dogs I find.

Bring a chair for yourself!

Lemlin

Would this be worth attending with my four year old? He's mad into dogs and all types of animals. I'd be travelling up from Cavan though so a good two hour journey up.

SillyMangoX

I would say yes and no, yes in that it's very good to see loads of animals, but no in that it can get very crowded and if they don't like lots of crowds/noises it might not be the best place to go!

Knine

Lemlin wrote: »

Would this be worth attending with my four year old? He's mad into dogs and all types of animals. I'd be travelling up from Cavan though so a good two hour journey up.

Both my daughters were brought to it & really enjoyed themselves. I would bring some snacks though as the queues can be long for the food & it is not great.

tk123

Lemlin wrote: »

Would this be worth attending with my four year old? He's mad into dogs and all types of animals. I'd be travelling up from Cavan though so a good two hour journey up.

If you don't mind the drive I'd say yes - they usually have a petting zoo/pets corner for kids with all farm animals and then retiles, birds etc to look at Bring some snacks and drinks though - they cost €€€ inside the RDS! At least they have an ATM lol!

Lemlin

Thanks for the feedback folks. We live on a farm so he sees plenty of farm animals but the reptiles would interest him and he loves dogs.

fiacha

Hi folks,

Are any owners or breeders of Border Terriers heading to the expo this year ? I'm hoping to get some recommendations on where to source a pup and questions on how well it will fit with my lifestyle etc.


Thanks,
A.

tk123

fiacha wrote: »

Hi folks,

Are any owners or breeders of Border Terriers heading to the expo this year ? I'm hoping to get some recommendations on where to source a pup and questions on how well it will fit with my lifestyle etc.


Thanks,
A.

Knine will be there with her BTs!

SingItOut

Does anybody know if i can get tickets at the door?

tk123

SingItOut wrote: »

Does anybody know if i can get tickets at the door?

You can!

SingItOut

Yah! Happy days

Knine

fiacha wrote: »

Hi folks,

Are any owners or breeders of Border Terriers heading to the expo this year ? I'm hoping to get some recommendations on where to source a pup and questions on how well it will fit with my lifestyle etc.


Thanks,
A.

I will be there with my BT's . They are representing The BT Club of Ireland. Feel free to PM me any questions you have & I will do my best to answer. In the pictures thread there are pics of my dogs.

Kali_Kalika

Sorry to drag this up again but just wondering if there are going to be any displays this year? (ex: agility/flyball/anything) I was planning on going last year and had been looking forward to the displays (agility especially!) and I WILL be going this year (dog in tow! yay!) and was just looking at the site to buy tickets (or is buying them on the day just as good?) and cannot see any displays or schedules for them. Oh and since I'm here with annoying questions - what's it like bringing a dog (and yes, I know, all dogs are different!) but what are the conditions like for getting them out for potty breaks and the general chaos of it all. My girls gotten so amazing this year I'm thinking it'll be a joy to bring her (especially with the new harness!) and we were in a petstore the other day and she's gotten used to (ie - no longer goes mental ) the rabbits/guinea pigs who are usually there - but they'd a new treat of meerkats and she was facinated! A bit of joyous shaking, but not a peep from her so me think she'll have a blast at this! The boyfriend swears its HER day out not ours :rolleyes:

I know ye are all just stall holders and visitors - but any info from those who have been before would be great!

tk123

Well it says there's an agility arena so I'm sure they'll have agility at least and there's a stage too - hopefully no kids talent shows this time :rolleyes: They should have a timetable up soon anyways but it's not always set in stone! They had outside areas at any of the ones I've been at so you can go outside for a break if it's too packed/warm inside etc I've never had a problem but some people bring dogs in that should NOT be there and there's the inevitable snapping/growling etc. Also people will just come over and pet your dog so be prepared to step in if you think your dog is overwhelmed. ALSO some people going there will not like dogs/other dogs/dogs of a certain size so be prepared for dirty looks if your dog so much as looks at them! My dog got tired at it one year and leaned against somebody's leg while we were standing at an agility display and the got pi$$ed off at us... :rolleyes:
Oh and bring water/a bottle to fill in the loo as there always seems to be a shortage of water bowls!

My friend was supposed to be going with me but doesn't think she can now so I'm a bit worried about taking the 2 dogs Also a bit worried the pup won't make it out to the designated loo area and just let go inside...like her big bro did IN the agility ring a few years back!! The shame!

Knine

From a persons point of view who will have dogs at the breed village I will agree that there will be a lot of dogs there who would have been better off at home. One year one of the pigmy goats was grabbed by a dog.
Very regularly unsocialised dogs would jump at or on top of our dogs who told them off accordingly with bewildered owners wondering why!

baby and crumble

It's going to be weird going knowing there are boardsies about and not knowing who they are! Like a superhero convention or something!!!!

*Whispers randomly to person on border terrier stand* "Knine?"

*gets odd look*

Knine

baby and crumble wrote: »

It's going to be weird going knowing there are boardsies about and not knowing who they are! Like a superhero convention or something!!!!

*Whispers randomly to person on border terrier stand* "Knine?"

*gets odd look*

Oh that made me laugh! Ps here is a hint - the other people on the stand are guys. :-)

Kali_Kalika

Oh god! I've painted a horrible picture of my girl! God no, no goat attacks! She's just overly happy about life (and no, I'm not looking through rose glasses at my own dog!) the worst she'd do is sit down and shake and whine (ok, loudly!) but she'd never attack or do anything horrible! She's a wuss however, so I do plan on packing some paper towels for the inevitable "wee of infiority" But that's to be expected with some dogs and pups, so hopefully shouldn't get us barred! :rolleyes: - Overall she should be fine for toilets (she's a bomb in that sense, would hold till she burst) but was thinking a few minutes out here and there might be welcome to her as its all bound to be intense for their hearing and senses etc - so figured a look at the map to make exit strategies might not be the worst idea!

Great thinking with the water bottle as well - I'd have thought of it on the day and too late I'm sure! But that's why she's been taught since a pup to drink out of all types of things (paper cups, a shoe once out of desperation ) so she's fairly adaptable in that sense

Her biggest flaw WAS pulling on the lead but the new harness has eliminated that completely so am greatly looking forward to bringing her and she'll be delighted with all the attention from young and old - human and canine!

One last newbie question - what's the deal with parking? Is there parking at the RDS or where is good within a walking distance to the RDS to park. I've no bother paying, would rather pay than risk parking somewhere unwanted or unsafe!

I think those of us posting on this should have a secret "super hero" identification for the expo Something subtle that we can secretly spot another boardsie and give them the secret nod and wink - I'm crap at thinking these things up, but I dunno - something like a blue lead or shirt or I dunno - some version of that "I'll meet you there at blah blah time and I'll bet he one with the single rose" - lol something we can all spot! It would be like where's wally - but no wally and instead boardsies!

SillyMangoX

baby and crumble wrote: »

It's going to be weird going knowing there are boardsies about and not knowing who they are! Like a superhero convention or something!!!!

*Whispers randomly to person on border terrier stand* "Knine?"

*gets odd look*

I'll be the one with all the cats :P

tk123

They'll have parking at the main building and overflow parking around the corner too - think it was €5 last time. I plan on bringing some puppy pads - very handy for absorbing puddles fast!

Knine

Don't worry if there are any accidents. Just bring your poop bags & it will be grand. I would bring drinks for yourself too. The queues for food/drinks can be long!

Edited to add I like the superhero idea.

Raminahobbin

Knine should I assume your username is pronounced K9 as opposed to with a silent K? :P I'll definitely be introducing myself, and to you too SillyMangoX... I especially look forward to people hearing me say your username, lol!

I might recognise some of your pets before I recognise the people... that happened a few years ago at the RDS with TillyGirl and Lexi- I knew Lexi immediately