Fetching up a good time, dog expo Saturday at fairgrounds

Saturday may very well be going to the dogs in Kalispell as the Flathead Kennel Club hosts its 2022 K-9 Expo at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

“It’s a day about the dogs and we try to have fun,” said Vickie Maeckle with the club. “There will be dogs of all sizes — from small to great big.”

The expo features a list of speakers, demonstrations and vendors all focusing on dogs. It runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Trade Center. Admission is $2 per person or $5 per family.

The Flathead Kennel Club is a member of the American Kennel Club. The club is a nonprofit organization that encourages responsible dog ownership and competition and looks to increase interest in purebred dogs and help the cause of dogs in general. They have about 50 members.

Maeckle said the club hosts an event every year alternating between the expo and seminars for club members.

“With the expo, we like to introduce the valley to the professional pet services available,” she said. “We also want to promote responsible pet ownership and encourage people to get involved with their dog because creating camaraderie and teamwork means they’ll treat their dog well.”

During the expo, there will be several speakers focusing on topics related to acupuncture and chiropractic care, responsible breeding, explaining the difference between dogs for service, therapy and emotional support, and canine nutrition. Demonstrations include 4-H handling, scent work, search and rescue, and information from Mountain Disc Dogs.

“We have several veterinarians providing information that people need to know,” Maeckle said. “Along with different demonstrations about the different sports people can do with their dogs.”

Audience participation demonstrations include canine good citizen, trick dog and rally. Friendly dogs are allowed in the main area of the expo, but must be on a fixed, not a retractable leash.

There are also more than 25 vendors focusing on dogs set to participate, and a handful of food trucks.

As part of the expo, there will be a Meet the Breeds event allowing expo goers to meet and learn about 24 different breeds of dogs represented. This portion of the event will provide information about selecting a responsible breeder. Outside dogs are not allowed in this portion of the event.

“We want to educate the community on how to find responsible, legitimate adoption resources,” Maeckle said.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s expo will be donated to Dog Tag Buddies, which provides veterans with rescue dogs, and the Flathead Warming Center, which assists homeless individuals who have dogs.

For more information, visit https://flatheadkennelclub.org/

Features Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or hdesch@dailyinterlake.com.