Return to the Canadian Pet Expo

This year marked a return to some old stomping grounds - the Canadian Pet Expo (CPE), held at the International Centre in Missassauga, Ontario on September 13 & 14.

All set up and ready for the tourists.

We had once attended this event faithfully on behalf of the Great Pyrenees Club of Canada (GPCC) for a number of years - until those running the CPE changed their rulings and determined that clubs should be paying for booths, regardless of the fact we were there for entertainment and education only; we did not sell anything or earn any monies from it. This, along with the battle of their allowance of underhanded sales of puppies/dogs from the sale, and the influence of people who crossbred their dogs (Bernadoodle or St. Berdoodle anyone? A cost of a mere $6500 for a puppy the one year we were there!) adding their misinformation to the public, caused us to re-evaluate the worth of the event, along with the loss of a whole weekend that exhausted not only us but the dogs as well. This consideration was especially driven home due to the cost of a booth was around $375 (if memory serves), for our club it was not a service we could feasibly provide. This was back in 2019 is I am not mistaken - I can only imagine the price increases for booths since then.

In April of this year, the CPE and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) reached an agreement that would be mutually beneficial. The breed booths had generated significant interest and activity for the CPE, while the CKC recognized that exposing the public to breed clubs and information encouraged not only the purchase of CKC registered dogs but also understanding what CKC registration entails. Some compromises were likely made to allow the CPE to accept that breed clubs do not have the funds or income to support payouts intended solely to enhance breed knowledge, rather than sales, which is certainly our perspective.

We were unable to attend in April, and were pleased to entrust the event to friends of ours, also members of the GPCC. They did a great job as the CPE got back into the swing of hosting a number of intact CKC breeds. This included making the layout change of ensuring that the breed booths were enclosed in a "breeder's village" that did not allow the public's dogs to access the area. This was done not only for health reasons for our dogs (as we do have to often be concerned of illnesses being transferred to our dogs remaining at home, which could include pregnant bitches, older dogs, or neonates), but also to reduce the stress. Although we bring dogs that are used to being around other dogs (often having attended dog shows) and not reacting, not all dogs like other dogs, and for many pets the CPE can be a stressful event leading them to be snappier or more reactive/fearful than usual. Not everyone is able to read their dog's body language or signals and do not understand they may not enjoy these events. To not have to worry about new dogs that would be looking at/smell different (especially regarding intact males) within booths could only be a positive change for everyone.

With all that said, we were happy to attend earlier this month for the Fall pet expo. We packed up our banners and stuffed sheep for display (much easier to transport than live sheep), and ensured we had dog beds, water and treats for the Pyrs. Being in a concrete building like the International Centre can be very drying - so lots of water is key, for both dogs and people; the concrete also allowed us to reduce dog beds packed to only two, as (like many of you are aware) Pyrenees prefer the cool of the concrete to the comfort of dog beds. We also packed food for ourselves as the food at the expo is expensive and typical fried stall food (or pizza - there is always pizza).

We arrived early on the Saturday with our friend Jessie to help. Bedlam as usual when we arrived - with the instructions having said gate 2 door 43 - which read as one location, but no no, gate 2 is the public entrance and "oh yes, where the dog show entrance usually is, with the big three bay brown doors" was NOT the proper entrance (thanks for the help sir) so we were forced to retrace our steps. We ended up where I had instinctively thought the entrance would be, but as it is an area tucked into the main throng of buildings, you cannot actually see the door numbers from the main thoroughfare, and once you drive down there there is no easy way out; therefore, I had been reluctant, especially with the gate 2 information. Once we found the right entrance and got checked in, it only took about three trip to get all our stuff and the dogs in.

After some inventive clothespin use, xpen set up (as a barrier around the interior of the booth so the Pyrs could be loose but contained), and careful display of banners - we were ready for the public. We also had a nice double seat fold out camping seat for when our legs got tired - if it would ever occur to us to sit. I find that at these events I never sit, I stand by the front of the booth to encourage engagement and discussion.

Engaging with the Public: A Day in the Life of Great Pyrenees Advocates

The main doors opened at 10am and the crowds flooded in. It was glorious. So many people who love their pets!

The morning was dedicated to addressing inquiries about the Great Pyrenees, dispelling myths, connecting with individuals who owned a Pyr or Pyr mix (and urging them to join the GPCC), making sure the Pyrs received plenty of attention, and helping capture good photos. By 11 a.m., my voice started to falter. I answered the usual "do they shed?" question with a calm demeanor and patience ("yes, it snows twice a year"), along with numerous questions about temperament, suitability, and feeding. We are also firm about ensuring people understand two things:

1. This breed is not like other breeds (ie. Golden Retrievers), they are very independent, too smart for our own good, and need routine/structure. They are not a "will do anything to please you" breed.

2. In this day an age, full of cars and well-meaning people, these dogs require AT LEAST a 5ft fence - as they can pull a Tigger and clear it from a standstill, or a King Kong and scale it like the Empire State building. We usually expand into an explanation why an Invisible fence does not work. There is an exception of using a physical fence back-up - if you run the wire for the barrier across the top of the fence, it prevents an adrenaline push/clear path which is how most Pyrs clear an invisible fence. This also stops Pyrs who jump or climb fences from getting close enough to address the fence.

It's intriguing how many people initially claim, "but MY DOG respects the invisible fence." However, as the conversation continues, it often turns into, "well, yes, there was this one time... and then he wouldn't come back over the line." At this point, you explain that this is understandable, as the adrenaline that drove them to cross and made any shock seem worthwhile is no longer present, making them reluctant to cross back over.

The first day we took Acadia, Cloud, and Troll. Once Troll got his knickers untwisted about the Portuguese Water Dogs (not like he hasn't seen that breed 100's of times before *eye roll*) and the Mudi, they had settled into their duties as PR reps - as Cloud had not been born the last time we were there, I was pleased she didn't miss a step. By the two o'clock - of the until 5pm day - they were beginning to fizzle out. Troll was the first to give up the ghost and lie down, followed by Acadia. Cloud was last, and she and I snuggled on the floor for a little bit as there was a bit of a lull in crowds. They could be revived with beef treats, and we began to tell people we had to "insert coins for activity" as it became a strong barter system of treats to get them to bother with the people; understandable, even rock stars get tired.

“Food me?”

Getting home the first day was a bit of a night mare.

Chaos in the Parking Lot: Navigating the Exit Frenzy

We had waited a bit as we knew there would be a mad rush to leave - but when we went out to the parking lot and were greeted with line ups of vehicles, annoyed people and honking horns - it did not bode well. We decided we would wait outside a bit on the grassy area with the trio, as our truck was somewhat blocked in by the crawling queue trying to leave. Jessie braved walking to the exit of the lot to see what was going on - apparently they had blocked all but two exits, the nearest exit was right turn only, and they have neither signs nor people to direct the flow.

As we watched the minor road rage incidents, we saw some ingenious gentleman shifting a rock that was part of the green area barrier (where we were marooned) between this parking lot and the lot of the next property over. It was just a smaller landscape rock, but it opened up enough room for a car to pass through. We watched with anticipation as the first Lemming in an SUV drove up. Once this vehicle had cleared, and no one rushed out to say they were reporting it, we looked at each other. Taking our big white dogs as pseudo pylons, Jessie and I assigned ourselves a specific car to approach, that would impede the truck's path, and politely asked if they would mind waiting a moment so we could move our car. The people, once they understood, were very kind and had no problem waiting a moment. James drove the truck out, over to the new freedom gap, and we watched carefully as our GMC Sierra 2500HD mounted the embankment. No trouble for the beast to clear it - couldn't have been more excited if we had been watching our horse at Spruce Meadows! We were free! Before the police could be called, packed the dogs and ourselves into the truck and left - praying the next day someone would have this sorted.

When we returned on Sunday morning, the scene was quite similar to the first day. Since we had left home late, I was glad we didn't have to carry our setup items and could dive straight into 'work'. This time, we were trading for the trio of Stachio, Ichabod, and Indie - a mother and her offspring. Ichabod and Indie needed some time to get used to the event, as they hadn't been born the last time we attended the CPE. Although Ichabod is almost a grand champion show dog, this wasn't his typical event.

This set lasted longer than those the day prior, as they seemed to adapt and learn to take the tiring active portion of greeting people in shifts, two on one off. They lasted until about 3:30pm solid, and not nearly as many treats were required.

Indie guarding her sheep.

We also had the pleasant bonus of being awarded best breed booth for the day - leading to two bags of swag including some big toys! Thank you Ian and the CPE ;)

This day ended earlier at 4pm, but again knowing the exodus that would occur, we took our time before we began packing up. James did multiple trips out to the truck as we gradually repackaged items, and the kids and I chilled out sitting on the floor watching the hustle and bustle of the vendors pack up and ship out. Finally, by about 4:40 we were ready to leave.

The traffic was much more fluid, and as we joined the river of cars, we learned that they had people directing the traffic and had opened up more exits. Much less stressful and we could turn left! Once again the event centre had adapted and realized they needed to take these occurrences seriously.

We were thrilled to participate in this event once more. We are passionate about giving the public the opportunity to see this breed firsthand and learn accurate information about them, such as the fact that they are not merely farm dogs and that they require handling from birth and exposure to people/new places (as Yoda would say, "Great working dogs, litters neglected in barns, do not make"). We're also consistently surprised by how many crossbreeds exist or how many people believe they have a Pyr until they see one up close.

Upcoming CPE Event Details

The next CPE is set to take place November 22 & 23, coinciding with the Aurora and District Kennel Club Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) show. This event is not only significant for its competitive nature but also for the vibrant atmosphere it brings to the local dog-loving community. As we approach the holiday season, this particular CPE event promises to be exceptionally busy, as Christmas cometh. We are optimistic that our crew will rise to the occasion, fueled by treats and all the pets. We encourage other GPCC members to contact us if they would be interested in attending/advocating for our beloved breed. The combination of the CPE event and the CKC show promises to create an unforgettable atmosphere; it's a time for dog lovers to share their experiences, stories, and affection for their furry friends. Share tips, tricks, and heartwarming tales about your dogs; let's create a sense of community for all the Pyr peeps.

Reach out if you would like to represent the GPCC! We look forward to seeing everyone there and making this event a memorable one for all involved!