Every September the town of Parker, Colorado shuts down the pool to humans at O’Brien Park downtown on the weekend after Labor Day and opens it to all the local dogs and their families!
There’s also areas for agility contests and plenty of vendors on-hand to represent the variety of pet services available in Parker!
Worried about your dog in the water? Dog life vests can help make it easy for your dog to stay afloat as well as give you a handle to help him/her out of the water easier!
For 2019, the event is on September 7. Click here to check it out!
Pre-registration will guarantee your spot on the day, but if you show up at 11 a.m. without a registration, you might still be able to get in based on the current capacity.
It’s a fun-filled day, but if you’ve never gone you might wonder what it’s like and whether your dog would like it. As not only a local veterinarian but also a local resident, I can give you the lowdown on what to expect.
Here’s 5 Tips To Make Barker Days Great!
1. Make Sure Your Dog Is Sociable
How well does your dog (or dogs) get along with other dogs? Do they visit any local dog parks? Go to doggy daycare?
If they are a good canine citizen with lots of experience making friends, then they will be happy and comfortable in the crazy, hectic setting of Barker Days.
On the other hand, if your dog gets nervous even when on a walk in the neighborhood and doesn’t have much outside dog experience, then you’re better off not going.
Conversely, if your dog is always trying to boss other dogs around and dominate them, they will likely not be welcome at Barker Days.
In the end, what’s most important is that the dogs are happy and safe while they’re at the event.
2. Register Ahead And Know The Rules
Pre-registration is found here. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older! Your dog must have a collar on with an I.D. tag and a current rabies tag.
Abide by any visibly posted rules during the event! There is a Dog First Aid station in the vendor area if your dog gets injured playing.
3. Don’t Bring Any Extra Treats Or Food
There are a multitude of vendors that will be present during the event on the ball field. They have plenty of treats for your dog to try as well as lots of information about pet-related services found around Parker!
You also don’t want to attract a crowd around you if you do decide to bring your own treats. The dogs are always very excitable and eager to meet and greet everyone (and everything they can).
4. Don’t Try And Control Your Dog Constantly
Barker Days is an off-leash event. You should not plan on keeping your dog on a leash once you’re inside the blocked-off area. Dogs who need to be kept on leashes to keep under control should just not attend.
What I’ve witnessed at past Barker Days (and I’ve gone for many years) is that a dog on a leash will attract other dogs. That dog who is on a leash will feel confined and trapped because they can’t move very much. Give your dog the freedom to have all the fun he/she wants.
5. Leave When He/She Is Tired
For some dogs, they can only last for many an hour or two before they become exhausted. The excitement of the morning combined with some vigorous swimming can easily exhaust most dogs.
While some dogs make it very evident that they are tired by lying down and not wanting to interact anymore, other dogs might have to be monitored if they’re the kind to play until they drop.
Keep an eye on your dog while it is in the pool. The event does have plenty of human lifeguards on hand to prevent any water accidents, but nothing replaces keeping an eye on your own dog.
If they start to struggle while swimming and are having a hard time, it’s time to get out of the pool for sure!
At The End Of The Day…
You should have had a fun experience and your dog should look something like this…
