Porky invited to a daschie race..should we go???

[doxielady5569128]

I have a question.  I have heard mixed opinions on this topic so I was wondering what all of you think.  A nearby town has a wiener dog race every summer at a town celebration.  It seems to be quite a popular event.  Porky got invited to participate in it this year and I was wondering if that would be a good idea or not? 

Porky loves to run and the "course" is just a small patch of grass where the dogs run across from one owner to the other who stands about 50 yards away.  The winner receives a gift certificate or free dog food usually for their prize.

My main concern about it is...I have heard these races are a bad thing for the dog. Also, last year they had another race going on right next to wear the dogs were that was loud and quite frightening for most of the dogs.  If they are doing that again this year we will definitely not take Porky there.  They also do not have the race area fenced in so I am concerned that some dogs could run away if they got too excited about the race.  Right now, I am leaning towards saying no due to those concerns, but Porky does love to run and races our neighbor dogs all the time when they play together.   Do you think it might be okay to let him participate if he is praised whether he wins or loses or...should we just say no to the whole thing???

[Rich]

The great fear about dachshund races is that some commercial interest will pick up on it and turn it into something like greyhound racing, an enterprise that uses up dogs and throws them away.  Your event sounds like it is just a "fun run" but the proximity of frightening activity and the lack of an enclosure to keep dachshunds from racing away in pursuit of something would keep me from participating. 

[MindyKay]

I would not participate and would write a letter to the town's newspaper saying why you won't be participating.  Maybe they will change things the following year to make it a safer event for the little ones.

[doxielady5569128]

Thank you two for backing me up on this one.  I was pretty sure it was a bad idea to go, but wanted to get a second opinion to make sure I was being fair.  That is a great idea to write a letter to the town!  I never thought of that.  We watched the race last year and none of the dogs ran away, but many did venture off the course and seemed bothered by the loud noise of the other race.   The other race next to it was a riding lawnmower race.  I honestly sat there thinking the whole time, I hope not a single dog runs off this course towards the other track, because I dont think there would have been anything to keep them from getting run over if they did!  My husband and  I enjoyed watching the dogs, but spent most of the time worried about their safety, so I definately think a letter is a great idea.  I wonder if other owners who participate in this race are even thinking of the danger they are putting their dogs into.  We have breeders that have their dogs participate every year and I wonder if they just do it to advertise or if they really are abou having fun.  Anyway...thanks again,.