Town aiming to host largest dog obedience class at Paws N' Claws

By L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review

Whether in sports, temperatures or otherwise, records seem to be broken just about every day.

Not to be outdone, the Town of Apple Valley is seeking to break a record of another kind in less than two weeks.

When the Town hosts its 10th annual Paws N’ Claws Pet Fair, officials are hoping pet owners from across the High Desert will come out to help break a world record for the largest dog obedience lesson ever held.

A recent study by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy indicates 96 percent of dogs relinquished by their owners to a local shelter had not received obedience training. Apple Valley Animal Services hopes to break this cycle in breaking the world record.

“Many dogs are turned into the shelter by their owners for behavioral reasons,” said the Town of Apple Valley’s Animal Services Manager, Gina Whiteside. “We want to send the message that obedience matters and that seemingly bad dogs can become loving family pets with proper training.

“Apple Valley Animal Services has always been committed to bettering the lives of animals, not only in our own community but in the entire High Desert region. Not only does this event further that mission by providing a wide variety of information but it is also a safe environment where pet parents can safely socialize their animals and interact in a setting with large groups of people and other animals.”

The pet fair, which was founded in 2005, offers animal owners everything from demonstrations and vendors to low-cost vaccinations and microchip services.

Whiteside said the pet fair grew from a small activity at a nearby park to the largest celebration of its kind offered in the High Desert. It features dozens of vendors, as well as activities for dogs like races, snake avoidance training, fly ball demonstrations and a fashion show contest.

The pet fair’s World Record-breaking dog obedience training session is aiming for 500 people and their dogs to participate. Pre-registration will include animal handling instruction through the Town’s partner, InsideOut Dog Training.

“Our goal is to provide resources to dog owners before these pets become a statistic," Whiteside said. "Further, we want to show adopters that shelter dogs have potential and should not be overlooked.”

All handlers must be at least 18 years of age and dogs must be a minimum of 1 year old. In addition, they are required to be spayed/neutered, have current vaccines and be social. The participation fee is $10 for individuals and $8 per person for groups of two or more.

The fee includes a free AVID pet microchip (while supplies last). Participants are eligible for an exclusive prize drawing.

For those looking to add a new pet to their family, Paws N’ Claws Pet Fair will have a variety of animals up for adoption. The Town, the City of Victorville and San Bernardino County also will have personnel on hand to license dogs, which is mandatory in California. For $20, Apple Valley Animal Services will microchip animals.

“It’s so amazing to see all the great things that have come about in our community through this pet fair,” said Whiteside. “There always had been a lot of family friendly activities offered in Apple Valley but they weren’t pet-friendly. Now, people can come out with their children and furry friends and experience something really special. “

The fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Civic Center Park, 14955 Dale Evans Parkway. Whiteside said space for vendors of all types is still available for $25. Upgraded spaces are $50.

For more information, visit www.avanimals.org, email avasevents@applevalley.org or call 760-240-7000, ext. 7555.