Official Rules – Largest Simultaneous Dog Stay
Barkham – Jun. 19, 2010

The record for the largest simultaneous dog stay is based on the number of dogs who ‘stay’ successfully for 2 minutes.

1)   A ‘stay’ means the dog can either be sitting or lying down in the upright position, i.e not on its side or back.

2)   The ‘stay’ should last for 2 minutes exactly.

3)   Verbal commands from the handler are allowed throughout the attempt.

4)   The handler is not allowed to touch the dog once timing has started. The handler will stand slightly away from the dog, to help the witnesses see that they are not touching the animal.

5)   Every dog will be on a leash during the attempt. The leash must clearly be slack throughout the 2 minutes of the attempt. The slack leash must be visible to the observers.

6)   If any dog stands up or changes location during the 2 minutes, they will not be counted in the record attempt. ONLY the dogs who successfully stay for the 2 minutes will count.

7)   If the dog changes from a sit to a lying position, or lying to a sitting position, during the 2 mins, this will still count, as long as the dog does not change location in between. The dog must remain on the same spot.

8)   Station Captains will be watching the dogs the whole time and will record the number of successful stays.

For Participants - General Info

1)   The safety and well-being of you and your dog are of primary concern.  We do not know yet what the weather will be like.  We have placed our order for a beautiful day but, in case it is horribly hot, please be sure you and your dog are safe.  Do not participate if you feel the conditions are not safe for you or your dog.

2)   You must be registered to participate.

3)   We are going to have a practice on Friday evening (see schedule below).  We hope you can join us, but it is not mandatory.

4)   Check In for registered participants opens at 10am and closes at 11am.  You must check in to participate in the official count.

5)   The event will be held right on Main St. Markham, just North of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, which is located at 143 Main St. Markham.   Just go to this location and look for the signs.  Click Here for MapQuest Map .

The Day of the Event

1)   When you check in, you will be given a sticker with a number.  The stickers will be numbered as 1 - 1, 1 - 2 ......  2 - 1, etc.   The number BEFORE the dash is the Station number you are assigned to.

2)   At 10:35, please give your dog a chance for a last potty break.

3)   At 10:40, please begin to gather in the holding area beside each station.  If you have been assigned Station 2, then proceed to the sign for Station 2.  

4)   At 10:55, the announcement will be made to move into position with 5 minutes to go.  If you have brought a mat for your dog, you will place the mat on the road at this time.  The station captain should move down the line and record your number and where you are in the line.

5)   At 10:58, a two-minute warning will be announced ... Station Captains will all shout, "Two minutes to go".  Do not place your dog in the stay yet.

6)   At 10:59, a one-minute warning will be announced ... Station Captains will all shout, "One minute to go".  You should still not place your dog in the stay yet, but get ready.

7)   At 10:59:30, the 30-second countdown will begin ...  Your dog should now place your dog in a sit or a down depending upon which your dog is best at staying.

8)   Station Captains will join in when we reach the 5-second mark. With  4, 3, 2, 1 

8)   At precisely 11:00 am, the emcee and all handlers will say, "STAY!" and use the appropriate stay hand signal if you wish.  

9)   During the stay, if your dog stands or changes location, do not move or leave the area as it may disturb other dogs.  Do your best to keep your dog still for the remaining time.  If you can, remove the card from your armband so the observer can clearly see you are out.  If you have two dogs, make sure you remove the correct card.

10) When the stay is complete, please do not move!  The Station Captains will come and collect your sticker if you are successful and give you a special sticker.  IF YOU MOVE WE MAY MISS PROPERLY RECORDING YOUR DOG.

11) Upon completion, we will try to get a group shot with everyone close together in one photo.

What to bring?

1)   Water and a container for your dog.  We should have water and bowls available, but you should be prepared just in case.

2)   A mat or towel for your dog to sit/lie on for the stay.  We will be right on the road, and the pavement could be quite hot, depending on the weather.  No beds please.

Where to Park?

Parking is free and there are various lots around. This page has parking and other information near the bottom.

Schedule

If you are on facebook, please join the event by clicking here.