The Dog Derby

What is the Dog Derby you ask? Let me Tell you!
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The Dog Derby is an all day family-friendly event like no other in Pittsburgh! The Dog Derby itself is a 5k that you can walk or run with your best friends (the dogs) and your family! There will be exciting obstacles along the way for you to complete with your dog, and provide a fun challenge for your four legged best friend! We've all seen the tough mudder, this is the canine version of that! (But not as strenuous or stressful, and a heck of a lot more fun, we can call it the Pup Mudder!) Down below we have a video describing the event, as well as a FAQ Sheet to answer any and all Questions that you may have!

Is the Derby just an amazing 5k event, or is there more?

Great Question, and there is so much more! We have awesome pittsburgh vendors at the Dog Derby for you to enjoy. Food Trucks, Beer Trucks, Ice Cream, Donuts, as well as pittsburgh businesses offering up great deals under their pop up tents. It's the atmosphere you want to be in if you are a dog owner, dog lover, or fun seeker!

Q: Do I have to run at the Dog Derby?
A: Absolutely not! For the brave souls that would like to run with their dog throughout the obstacles, more power to you. However, I will be briskly walking my pack and I’ll have just as much fun as the runners!

Q: Will there be dogs off-leash at this event?
A: No. All dogs must be on leash.

Q: How many people can come if we buy a one dog ticket?
A:  As many people can join in on the fun as you’d like with 1 ticket. We are selling tickets per dog, not per human, so we hope to see your whole family there!

Q: Can I bring my dog, or my family without participating in the event? 
A: Of course, we would love you to come. The Derby itself is going to be one of the coolest things you’ll ever do with your dog, but if you’re not ready for it, you will still have a great time with your dog checking out local vendors, watching dogs and people complete, and enjoying the atmosphere!

Q: Do I have to be a client of Say It Once Dog Training to come to this event?
A: Nope, we are open for everyone. Every single dog owner can come to this event, as long as they come on leash of course!

Q: Am I going to be extremely close to other dogs throughout the whole event?
A: This is a great concern for many owners of mildly reactive dogs, nervous dogs, and for those who aren’t comfortable in close spaces with many dogs. That is the beauty of this location, there is so much space that you and your dog can take all the time in the world, and space that you need in order to complete the Derby and still feel comfortable and in control.

Q: How many dogs are going per each heat?
A: We will have small heats of only 20-29 dogs. This ensures that every dog will have enough space to safely complete this course.
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Q: Where are all the proceeds from this event going?
A: Every single profit dollar will go to our new Say It Once Rescue League. The SIORL is a non profit that provides training to troubled and let down rescue dogs throughout the Pittsburgh Area, and beyond. Vinnie has also pledged to match up to $10,000 of all donations made prior to the Derby as well. 

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