Keeping your Dog Cool at Outdoor Agility Trials

k9kreationz said:
Which coat did you decide to go with? And definitely let us know how it works out for you.

Most people here tend to use EZ-ups. But I do see a lot of women who are there by themselves using a tent like the one you linked to, since it's easier to set up.

My suggestion, whatever you buy, make sure it that has a reflective coating to block the UV rays. I've been under tents w/o it and you can feel the difference. Granted, if it's really hot, any covering is good.

EZ-Up: This is the "name brand" like if we say Kleenex versus tissue. But there's a ton of brands out there for canopies. See the gray backing? That's the UV reflector. Makes a huge difference.

Oh, here's the one I see a lot of ppl with: Costco Sport Brella
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I bought the Saratoga Horseworks Cool Coat: http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=918&ParentCat=155 I saw a lot of people last weekend who had this coat on their dogs. I spoke to some and they really liked it. There was even a tri-sheltie who was wearing one. The dog's owner lifted up the coat and let me feel his fur. He was laying in the sun for a while and his black fur was not hot at all.

Most people use EZ ups over here too, but I've noticed that it doesn't block the sun at all angles because there aren't walls. I always see people adjusting their tents with the direction of the sun. I think you need to buy walls for them to block most of the sun, but then there is no ventilation.

I actually have that Sport-bella. I used it once last year and it was perfect for me, Bailey and a friend or bf to chill underneath. However, I tried to set it up last weekend and had some issues. It was a little windy and kept flipping over. I broke one of the stakes and the strap on the carrying bag. I just decided I'd rather have a pop up tent.


corbinam said:
I have that exact tent. I wish you lived close bc I would sell it to you for cheap! I think we have used ours maybe once or twice!

For one, We don't have a lot of outdoor trials around here. But, I think I would rather have an EZ Up, but I also have a helper (my husband). I wouldn't want to deal with one alone. I like the EZ Ups way better because you can sit under it too, and there is more room. You are more likely to congregate there with friends, eat, watch, etc. I found that at our outdoor trials I just sat with my friends under their tents.
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Did you not like the tent or have any issues with it?

I feel the EZ Up isn't worth it for just me and one dog. And I know I will have trouble setting it up by myself. Sometimes the bf comes to trials, but he usually meets me there because he doesn't want to get up at the crack of dawn.

I do like hanging out with friends. The last few trials, I kept Bailey under my friends EZ-Up, but I feel bad because Bailey barks at every dog that walks by. I figured I can buy that tent and set it up near or behind my friends and still be able to sit and hang out with everyone.

I was thinking of ordering this as well to cover the front of the tent where I would put Bailey's crate. http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=564&ParentCat=313 This way she won't see other dogs and it will block out more sun.

We've got 3 trials coming up in June, so I'm really trying to prepare.
 
*Caro said:
What I found worked heaps better was a couple of microfiber camping towels. I put Velcro on them to hold them on. Then I soak them in cold water and wrap them around the dogs' middle so it cools their bellies down, and they are easier to keep dipping into cool water.
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Speaking of which, I just saw this on Woot.com today. Is that what you're talking about?
 
Very cool on the cool coat. At least now I know the one I have will probably work for Koji, even if he looks like an alien. LOL. It's the same material as the crate cover you were looking at. I think it's not as dense as the one you purchased. Hmm...if I go back to agility, I may have to look into the one you got.

Because Bailey is reactive like Koji, I use that to cover you linked to, to cover Koji's crate too. But if it's not hot, I just use towels/blankets because he can see through the mesh and bark. Just not as much.

Also, that mesh thing you linked to, is what we all use as "walls" on the tents. It allows for a breeze to come through, but blocks out the heat a LOT! Yes, you do have to move it as the sun moves (or you buy 2, 10x10 ones). Also, I used to use clamps until a woman said, "use shower curtain rings", like these oval ones. OMG. easy peasy.

The tent that I linked to (EZ-Up Dome II) is on the smaller side and easy to handle. I can open it up myself. And I've seen a lot of women use that one and open it themselves too. If you choose to go the tent route, my two cents, look for one that is light and short when closed up. Mine is about 4 feet long. My old one was 6 feet long and heavy as heck. No way I could set that up alone. I just know there are long ones and short ones. The shorter ones are easier to set up alone and are typically lighter too.

I've also seen these little ones that women bring. And short too. But hey, really easy to set up alone. I think this is it. It's 7x7, when packed is a backpack, and comes with half wall on one side.
Oh, just an FYI. One reviewer said the dimensions are wrong. This is a quote:

The dimensions in the description are inaccurate and misleading. It describes it as a 7'x7' canopy and lists height as 71". No. On the actual box, it says 6'x6' and I don't think that's right either, it's about 5'6". The height is the issue though. You can't stand upright in this, even if you're just 60". It's about 4'6" high, with the legs fully telescoped out.
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That seems more about right to what I've seen. It's small, but hey, it does the job and is light and easy. Just be sure to stake it down.
 
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We have had a couple of scorchers one 2 summers ago where it was 110 degrees with 85 % humidity at 10AM in the morning Luckily there was a Lake on site and the dogs and people pretty much lived in it all weekend, No dogs were really running per say and some just down right refused, Cosmo took a nice jog around the course and he was one of the faster dogs that weekend, Honestly he got 3 firsts and a Q, LOL. Some of the top dogs there Just quit period in the middle of the run and layed down or ran off course to the nearest shade, it was actually quite comical at times. IT was like you want me to WHAT, NO Not today I don't think so. SMART DOGS :wink2:.

Usually I have the X pens under the easy- up with side panels or screens
depending on the sun and heat conditions I have both additional screens and solid panels for all 4 sides so I can pretty much block most sun and still allow for any breeze if there is any, at a couple of local trial they always put out 2 or 3 doggie Pools and change the water on a regular basis, I make sure they get lots of Cold Ice water to drink, and get to stay rested till they run and that's about it, after I will give them a dunk in the doggie pool and a good cold drink with Ice cubes from the cooler.

This is our typical setup without the screen panels in:http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/RRH_88/Storm%20Regionals/P1040185.jpg

As far as getting one Up when you are alone I am all way's giving some solo lady or Man a hand to pop up an ez-up or someone else is usually all it take is a excuse me could you give me a hand for a second, especially If I am already all setup to go.
 
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Hurtseverywhere said:
We have had a couple of scorchers one 2 summers ago where it was 110 degrees with 85 % humidity at 10AM in the morning Luckily there was a Lake on site and the dogs and people pretty much lived in it all weekend, No dogs were really running per say and some just down right refused, Cosmo took a nice jog around the course and he was one of the faster dogs that weekend, Honestly he got 3 firsts and a Q, LOL. Some of the top dogs there Just quit period in the middle of the run and layed down or ran off course to the nearest shade, it was actually quite comical at times. IT was like you want me to WHAT, NO Not today I don't think so. SMART DOGS :wink2:.

Usually I have the X pens under the easy- up with side panels or screens
depending on the sun and heat conditions I have both additional screens and solid panels for all 4 sides so I can pretty much block most sun and still allow for any breeze if there is any, at a couple of local trial they always put out 2 or 3 doggie Pools and change the water on a regular basis, I make sure they get lots of Cold Ice water to drink, and get to stay rested till they run and that's about it, after I will give them a dunk in the doggie pool and a good cold drink with Ice cubes from the cooler.

This is our typical setup without the screen panels in:http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp151/RRH_88/Storm%20Regionals/P1040185.jpg

As far as getting one Up when you are alone I am all way's giving some solo lady or Man a hand to pop up an ez-up or someone else is usually all it take is a excuse me could you give me a hand for a second, especially If I am already all setup to go.
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nice setup.

we don't worry about heat too much.
we practice in it all spring, summer, fall........:winkgrin:
I was amused when we went to the agility trial in PA last summer, everyone was talking about how hot it was (and for there, it was pretty toasty), it was nice for me. I really don't think my dogs notice too much but we do get the gradual warmup so they get acclimated. there really aren't many summer outdoor trials though- the few summer trials are indoors and not as close as I would like- so we haven't actually been to any yet.....
 
Looks like I'm going to get the chance to test out my new set up this weekend. It's supposed be 90 degrees in my area on Saturday & Sunday.

My new tent should be arriving today. I bought a cooling coat for Bailey, battery operated fan, and a new cooler. Will have lots of water and a spray bottle. Bailey does slow down in the heat, so we'll see how it goes.
 
take4roll10 said:
Looks like I'm going to get the chance to test out my new set up this weekend. It's supposed be 90 degrees in my area on Saturday & Sunday.

My new tent should be arriving today. I bought a cooling coat for Bailey, battery operated fan, and a new cooler. Will have lots of water and a spray bottle. Bailey does slow down in the heat, so we'll see how it goes.
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Sounds like a plan. Good luck and let us know how it goes. BTW, what tent did you go with ?
 
Another qestion for take4roll10.
How good are those cooling coats, and what brand do you use? My boys could sure use one! The girls are still young and don't have a big heavy coat... yet:uhoh:.
 
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