Race and Contest Rules
The Rules of The Race
1. The number of qualifying heats will be dependent on the total number of registered dogs. For example, if 60 dogs are registered, there will be 20 qualifying heats with 3 dogs per race. The first place dog from each heat will compete in semi-finals until we are down to 3 dogs for the final race.
2. The races will take place on a 20 x 35 foot track and the win will be determined by the first dog to cross the finish line of said track. Line judges will be in place to determine who crosses first. Arguing with line judges will not be tolerated! You may be removed from the event if any such arguing occurs. In the case of a tie the dogs in question will run for a tie breaker.
3. You will need two people, a releaser and a catcher to race your dog. If you are alone and need help, Wiener Race Staff can assist you.
4. You are NOT allowed to throw your dog over the start line. If a dog is pushed or thrown the race will be started over. No exception.
5. A number of items are allowed to encourage your dog to the finish line. Squeakie toys, Treats, Balls, and any similar item will be allowed. Items must be in the catcher's hands. You may not throw any item down the track. Laser pointers and flashlights are prohibited.
ASIDE FROM SERVICE DOGS, ​ONLY DACHSHUNDS WILL BE ALLOWED IN TO THE VENUE - THE DOG MUST BE A DACHSHUND TO PARTICIPATE IN EVENTS. PAPERS ARE NOT REQUIRED AS WE ENCOURAGE RESCUE. **FOR THE ABERDEEN EVENT, ALL DOGS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE EVENT AND FOR THE COSTUME CONTEST, HOWEVER, ONLY DACHSHUNDS WILL BE ALLOWED TO RACE. THERE IS NO ADMISSION FEE for National Night Out.**
Contest Rules
Costume Parade – 3 impartial judges will be selected and each dog will be given a score from one to ten. Once the dogs have finished the costume portion of the parade, we will add up the totals and announce the top three. The crowd will cheer for their favorite and the winner will be selected based on the crowd’s noise level. Don't forget, if you decide you want to take part in the costume contest last minute, Down Under Dog Designs will be there if you would like to grab one of their awesome costumes!
Longest (Standard and Mini) – Dog will be measured from base of tail to the end of his/her nose… the longest wins. If there are enough standards as well as minis, we will have two separate contests. Should there be a tie, the crowd will cheer for their favorite and the winner will be selected on the crowd’s noise level. Standard is based on dogs 14 lbs and over and Mini will be under 14 lbs. PLEASE NOTE: YOUR DOG MUST BE ALL DACHSHUND TO ENTER THIS CONTEST!!! IF THERE IS ANY QUESTION OF THE DOG' BREED, AND IT LOOKS LIKE A MIX, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO PROVIDE PAPERS! Due to some controversy, and several complaints regarding last year's winner the rules have been changed for this contest.
Stupid Wiener Tricks – 3 impartial judges will be selected and each dog will be given a score from one to ten. Contestants will be called one at a time. Once all of the tricks have been performed, we will add up the totals and announce the winner. Should there be a tie, the crowd will cheer for their favorite and the winner will be selected on the crowd’s noise level.
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RETURNING in 2024!
Peanut Butter Lick - Have you seen the viral videos of dogs cleaning peanut butter off their parent's head? Here is your chance to see if your dog is the fastest licker in the West! Each parent will wrap their head in saran wrap, the officials will place the exact same amount of peanut butter on each head and when we say GO! your dog gets to lick as quickly as possible! The first dog to clean their plate, wins!
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WEEN HOLDING CONTEST - Owner will be placed on the track on their knees, while holding their dog with one hand under their chest and the other under their belly, the pair who's paws stay off the ground the longest wins!
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WHEN PRE-REGISTERING, PLEASE PUT YOUR DOG'S NAME IN THE NOTES TO SELLER PORTION!!
General Event Info
Cost?
Wiener Race registration does NOT include entry to Oktoberfest NW. Race and contest proceeds this year are being split between a few different local rescues . Registration does include a trinket from the event and a coupon page of savings for the day. PRE-REGISTRATION IS NON-REFUNDABLE!
Volume?
This event can get loud. We do not recommend bringing animals who are not used to being in a crowd. Please refrain from complaining to officials during races if the volume affects your dogs performace or your ability to race.
Where are the dogs allowed?
The dogs will only be allowed entry in to a small area of the indoor event. For general safety some areas of Oktoberfest Northwest are for people only due to the amount of people and food vendors.
This year will be a little different from past years. We will not offer the barn kennel sitting area. We will be offering a small supervised area set aside inside the venue for kennels (which you must provide) where you can leave your kenneled dog if you would like to take part in some of the Oktoberfest Northwest activities in areas of the building where the dogs are not allowed. PLEASE NOTE: You must retrieve your dog from the kennel sitting area no later than 5pm!
Please bring a small kennel if you don't have the extra hands to watch your dog while you enjoy some of the other wonderful events and activities Oktoberfest Northwest offers.
For detailed information on everything Oktoberfes Northwest has to offer, please visit their website below.
OKTOBERFEST NORTHWEST INFO AND EVENTS
****DISCLAIMER****
All Coordinators of this event are private individuals. As such, upon registering for this event you release any and all liability and waive the right to sue any party involved in the coordination of said event, their volunteers and agents from any and all claims, including claims of negligence, resulting in physical injury to myself or my dog, illness or economic loss as a result of participation in the activity, travel to/from the activity or any events incidental to the activity. I assume all risks either known or unknown to myself for participating in the activity. Should any medical attention for myself or my dog be required I assume all financial costs for these services. Pre-registration in non-refundable.
In addition
1st: This event is all about family-friendly FUN! Judges reserve the right to warn, disqualify and/or REMOVE any ill-behaved participant, whether canine or human, at their discretion.
2nd: We feel it is important for all of our participants to know that we independently coordinate and manage the races for Oktoberfest every year. We are not affiliated with any other area Wiener Races or the individuals who coordinate said races. Your support is greatly appreciated and if you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us directly!
What is the advantage of pre-registering?
Participants who pre-register will be in the first heats of the day, with a pre-determined heat number.
In-Person registration does not guarantee an early heat in the races.