Dogs at ClickerExpo

ClickerExpo is a new environment for many people and dogs. Here’s how to enjoy the experience more, while making friends and helping others “the clicker way.”

Please note: Service animals are always welcome in all areas of the conference.

Should I Bring My Dog to ClickerExpo?

Bringing your dog to ClickerExpo is entirely your decision. With or without your dog, you’ll have an incredible experience. Here are some things to think about:

What's best for your dog?

Dogs have long days at ClickerExpo, with most of the time spent indoors in close proximity to other dogs and with limited activity. Will your dog be comfortable and safe with others in this environment?

What's best for you?

Some people learn best by listening, watching carefully, and absorbing. Others learn best if they can practice right then and there. If you fall in the latter category, you may get more out of ClickerExpo if you bring your dog.

Consider "sharing" a dog.

Come with a friend and bring one dog between you. There will be less management work for each of you—and it’s fun and educational to work with an animal that you may not know so well.

You'll have plenty of company.

About a quarter of attendees come with their dogs, so you won't feel out of place no matter what you decide.

Should I Bring More Than One Dog?

We strongly discourage bringing multiple dogs to ClickerExpo. If you must do so, please take turns so that only one dog is with you at a time in the conference space. If you are accompanied by more than one dog, please do not let your dogs romp, play, or create a commotion with each other in the conference space and other indoor areas.

Bringing a Dog to ClickerExpo: What to Know

If you’re bringing your dog to ClickerExpo for the first time (or even the fifth!), make sure to review this important information.

Please watch this video about dog safety at ClickerExpo!

WATCH THE VIDEO

Does your dog always want to rush up to other dogs and try to play? You may think your dog is being friendly, but other dogs may not view it the same way. Your dog may be getting in the face of another dog that has worked long and hard to gain self-control in that situation, putting both dogs at risk.

In general, never let your dog approach any other dog unless the owner has given you explicit permission first. Keep your dog on a short leash in halls, aisles, and elevators so your dog can’t steal a sniff of other people’s dogs in passing.

Hint: Tie a knot in your leash about three feet from the dog’s collar (a shorter length for tall dogs). That’s where your hand should be holding on, firmly, in crowded situations.

Please do not use Flexi leashes indoors unless they are locked.

When you are training in Learning Labs and Dem-OH!s, feel free to take advantage of the fresh cut-up hotdog treats available. We cut each hotdog into 80 pieces; that’s one calorie per treat. The scent, taste, and feel of the treat are more important than the actual food. You’ll get peak learning for peak treats during these working opportunities. Let your dog enjoy what the other dogs are having!

Clicking is for teaching new behavior, not for maintaining what the dog already knows. Please put your clicker away during lectures. If you must mark some special event, use a mouth click, a word, or a treat by itself. Be especially thoughtful about training during videos or demonstrations, when others are listening for the teacher’s clicks. Even a single click from you can distract the people around you and make them miss something they wanted to hear.

Conference Etiquette

Dogs must be quiet, under control, and leashed at all times.

Tend to your dog's needs before your own.

Bring a water bowl with you to all courses.

To protect meeting room floors, dogs must be on a mat or pillow that you provide.

Keep your dog out of the aisles and pathways, and keep the area around your chair picked up and tidy.

Please do not crowd elevator doors waiting for the elevator with your dog. A dog getting off the elevator facing a large crowd when the doors open could result in unwanted confrontation.

Dominance-based training equipment such as choke chains and pinch collars are not permitted.

Hotel Room Etiquette

Giving your dog a rest? Great idea! Make sure that your dog is crated in your hotel room when left unattended.

Happy and quiet dogs are a hotel’s best friend. If there is a noise complaint, you will be given one verbal warning by hotel staff. A second offense will result in the cancellation of your hotel room, and your dog deposit will not be refunded.

Pet deposits and fees. Every hotel is different, so familiarize yourself with the hotel policy for pet deposits or fees before you make your reservation.

Upon check-in, please provide your mobile number to the hotel so that you can be contacted about your dog if necessary.

Please report any dog manners problems to the ClickerExpo Registration Desk immediately so that we may address the problem.

Potty Break Etiquette

Dogs are allowed to potty in the hotel’s designated outdoor areas only.

You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog. Bring plenty of waste disposal bags or purchase bags at the ClickerExpo store.

Please dispose of dog waste in designated trash cans located in the potty break area. Do not dispose of dog waste in any cans at the entrance to the hotel or inside the hotel.

Please watch your dog carefully. Hotels have zero tolerance for urination or defecation inside the building. Any damage fees will be assessed by the hotel and fined directly to the individual responsible.

Report any violations to the ClickerExpo Registration Desk so that we may address the problem quickly.

Meal Etiquette

We have found that both dogs and people can use a break away from the action, so we encourage you to dine without your dog. However, your dog may come to the meals offered by ClickerExpo (reception, breakfast, lunch and dinner), as long as the dog:

Fits under your seat or at your feet without disturbing others

Does not block aisles or passageways or paths

Sits quietly without disturbing other people or food areas

Keeps clear of buffet tables and food serving areas

Behaves in a manner that is consistent with other policies regarding dogs at ClickerExpo

Hotel policies and/or local laws prohibit your dog from eating with you at any of the hotel’s restaurants (service dogs are allowed).