Dog Lovers Show, Melbourne 2018 - Review

Dog Lovers Show, Melbourne 2018 - Review

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Posted 2018-05-07 by Donna Sue Robsonfollow

Fri 04 May 2018 - Sun 06 May 2018



The Dog Lovers Show should be noted on every dog lover's calendar, as it is a well-rounded and comprehensive celebration of 'all things canine'. This year, the Exhibition Buildings were chocobloc with standard and innovative retail opportunities, dog education and information sessions as well as laughter-packed dog games and skill-agility displays. The Dog Lovers Show is real value-for-money from retail samples alone, and invaluable for the contacts you can make with rescue groups and other animal-care organisations. You need about 3-4 hours 'to see and hear all', so allow plenty of time. You are also advised to check session times so that you cover specific needs and interests.


If you love dog agility events, get there at about 10am and make a day of it. This year, Dog Games included: hurdles, discus throw, high jump, vaulting, barrel racing, soccer, weight pull and javelin dodge. Dr Katrina Warren opened the event, and medals were presented in the Royal Canine Area at the end of every day. Dog lovers marveled not only at the sporting prowess of the dogs, but also appreciated the hours of training and dedication that animal trainers put into their Olympic all-stars.

Dock Dogs, presented by Black Hawk, catered for dogs of all shapes and sizes that are united by their love of water. 'Big Air', 'Rapid Relay', 'Speed Retrieve' 'Extreme Vertical' and Duelling Dogs' showcased the versatility and physicality of water dogs such as retrievers, poodles or those from sporting or gun breeds. A real crowd-pleaser, 2018 Dock Dogs audiences became almost as wet as the dogs as 'virtual splash' and Melbourne's change-of-season rainfall hosed the outdoor forecourt.



All show exhibitors willingly gave chat-time, as well as expert and product information. The number of pet food exhibits was overwhelming, with most claiming to be the most natural, best and vet-approved. You need to do your homework if processed dog food is on your shopping list: read the packaging and compare notes. Better still, take advantage of small sample packs and take photos of the packets to do your own follow-up research at home.

The retail floor included large pet-care stores, most of which offered discount memberships and show specials (e.g., Pet Stock) as well as other smaller, lesser-known or exclusively online outlets. Take time to check out some truly innovative products, such as the 'LickiMat' and specialist dog food bowls for dogs that snort and scoff their food, or designs that clean tongues and promote oral health. There were some great new jump ropes, balls and other eco-friendly, long-lasting toys, as well as designer dog beds that are easy to clean and maintain. For look-good bedding, you can save as much as $100 if you buy at the show.

The Pet Circle Stage presented talks from pet-care professionals. Dr Harry Cooper, spoke about 'Solving Common Health Care Problems and 'Choosing the Right Dog for Your Lifestyle' while Dr Katrina Warren and Kelly Gill, contributed to 'Easy Tricks you can teach your Dog at Home' and 'How to give your Dog a Happy and Enriched Life'. The Pet Circle Veterinary team was available to 'bust common dog myths'.

The Best of Breed section was staffed by dog clubs and peak organisations for pedigree and other recognised breeds, with representation rotating over three days. If you are thinking about getting a new dog, 'Best of Breed' needs to be on your visit list because you can talk to owners who are not trying to sell you something- they are just breed enthusiasts who know about the day-to-day reality of living with certain breeds. There are dogs to meet and enjoy.



Rescue dogs, volunteers and organisations were also on the second floor. Rescue organisations also rotated throughout the three-day festival, so check your program guide if you want to check out a particular group. Volunteers from rescue groups give in-depth, hands-on and honest answers, because even though they want to find homes for rescue dogs, they are dedicated dog lovers who are committed to finding the right home for all in their care. Finding your new dog is not the only reason why you may choose to visit the rescue area: have a chat about ways that you can help, such as transportation, fund-raising or becoming a foster-carer. Andrew Morley spoke about 'Guide to Dog Adoption' on the Pet Circle Stage, which reinforced The Dog Lover's Show commitment to rescue dogs and responsible pet ownership.



The Australian Working Dog Rescue International (AWDRI) transformed the outdoor forecourt into a giant sheepdog herding zone. Recreating farm paddock conditions, the sheepdog trials demonstrated that 'speed herding' is a vital skill to have in cases of farm emergencies. Here, the focus was on low-stress handling, efficiency and animal safety. It was inspiring to see working dogs and sheepdogs in their element.

A more light-hearted pavilion was the Furbo Insta-Pooch Zone (famous Instagram Dogs) which was a whole new level of 'dogs-on-show' that has given both owner and dog social media celebrity status. The Dog Lovers Show also had bragging rights to other media personalities whose fame has been boosted by their canine connections, such as Ryan Anderson (2017 Cosmo Bachelor of the Year and RSPCA Inspector), Western Bulldog's Bob Murphy and Wayne and Tom from Gogglebox.



The Dog Lovers Show 2018 brought dog lovers 'off-lead' and into Melbourne's Central, lapping up new ideas and purchasing products to bestow upon their beloved pooches. This event, owned and organised by Event Management International, has a mission to raise awareness for local shelters and helping to re-home displaced dogs.

Event Management International will also be presenting the Cat Lovers Show on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September, later this year.

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!date 04/05/2018 -- 06/05/2018
%wnmelbourne
185301 - 2023-06-16 02:34:05

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