October is perfect dog event weather and you and Fido can take advantage of the cooler weather to check out these Fall dog events. Don’t see your event? Email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com.

Check out the October/November 2019 issue of Dogster magazine for all your pet’s tummy troubles.

For more dog fun, events, obsessions and products, check out the latest issue of Dogster magazine — in newsstands now or available by subscription.

All Month: Animal Safety and Protection Month, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and National Pit Bull Awareness Month

October 1, 2019: National Black Dog Day

Photography ©Radoslav Radev | Alamy Stock Photo

“Black dogs are filled with light” is the motto of national blackdogday.com, and we couldn’t agree more. (See Dogster’s Bark Out Loud column’s Why We Love Black Dogs in the October/November 2019 issue.) Sadly, it’s harder for black dogs in shelters to find their furever homes, so get the word out about how wonderful black dogs are using #nationalblackdogday.

October 1 — October 7, 2019: Walk Your Dog Week

By walking your dog just 30 minutes a day, you and Spot can meet the national recommendations for heart health. More steps you can take at walkyourdogweek.com.

October 9, 2019: Pet Obesity Awareness Day

It’s OK, you can tell us … is Fido a little on the chubby side? He’s not alone. Many U.S. pets are. What’s important is that we get them back on track. Every year, Pet Obesity Awareness Day reminds us to make a few changes for the good of Fido. Plus, today help The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention by taking part in its Annual National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Survey. Find it at petobesityprevention.org.

October 13, 2019: Dogs on the Docks

Jump on this Dogs on the Dock event — where dogs leap from the town dock to the river to benefit local animal shelters.

The Connecticut River Museum’s annual Dogs on the Docks event has participating dogs leap from the town dock to the river to benefit local animal shelters. See which dog leaps the farthest, plus join in the dog-owner lookalike contest, the canine costume contest and a lawn parade. Event held in Essex, CT. More at ctrivermuseum.org.

October 19, 2019: 8^th Annual Pugtacular

Talk about a pugtacular event! This Halloween fundraiser brings in Pug owners from all over to take part in costume contests, silent auctions and good food.

Pug Nation — a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and placement of abandoned, neglected, unwanted and abused pugs — is proud to announce its 8th Annual Pugtacular. This huge doggie Halloween fest fundraiser draws in Pug owners from all over to take part in costume contests, silent auctions and good food. This fun Pug event helps to build the rescue community. Takes place from 11am to 4pm at Torrance Park, 2001 Santa Fe Ave, Torrance, CA. Tickets are: Presale — Adult $10, Children $5; Day of — Adult $12, Children $7. Go to website at pugnationla.org/events, or buy tickets at the entrance day of the event. More at pugnationla.org, info@pugnationla.org, (310)327-7871. 

October 19, 2019: Charity Gala and Doggie Fashion Show

Don’t miss Portola Hotel & Spa of Monterey, CA’s charity gala and Doggie Fashion Show.

The pet-friendly Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, CA, is hosting the ultimate Paw-ty to celebrate National Adopt a Dog Month.  Portola Hotel & Spa and Tito’s Vodka are hosting a charity gala and Doggie Fashion Show. Portola Hotel & Spa will donate 10% of proceeds to Animal Friends Rescue Project.  Tickets are $75 each and include admission to the doggie fashion show, a drink ticket, three-course dinner and plenty of dancing! Can your dog strut her stuff? Register your furry contestant for the Doggie Fashion Show here. Winners of each category will win a one-night stay gift certificate at Portola Hotel & Spa for you and your furry friend!

October 19, 2019: Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade

Evan Harding carries his dog Bella as they both wear super hero costumes during last year’s Annual Tompkins Square Halloween dog parade in New York city. Credit: Enrique Shore/Alamy Live News

See all the boo-tiful pups in the most amazing, creative costumes at the largest dog costume parade in the world down at the East River Park Amphitheater in NYC. Better yet, if your dog loves showing off his costume — join in on the fun. There is also a runway competition beginning at noon, plus raffle prizes. The event is free, no pre-registration necessary. Details at tompkinssquaredogrun.com.

October 20, 2019: Dog Leg of the Columbia Gorge Half Marathon

If you and your dog are physically fit runners then this is the event for you. Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and views at the one of the most scenic marathons out there. Your furry teammate will receive a “finishers” dog tag to along with the medal you receive. Although there is no special category placing, as pushing the dogs to be competitive is discouraged, there will be special random prizes awarded to finishers and a raffle. As the Columbia Gorge Half Marathon Dog Leg is presented by Ruffwear, there will be Ruffwear products given as prizes. Takes place in Hood River, OR. Want more? Run over to columbiagorgemarathon.com.

October 23, 2019 — October 27, 2019: Cynosport World Games Dog Agility Championship

Nearly 750 canine athletes from nine different countries are headed to Murfreesboro, TN, to compete in the U.S. Dog Agility Association’s prestigious Cynosport World Games Dog Agility Championship at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum. Competitors will be battling for the sport’s most coveted prizes, including the Grand Prix of Dog Agility World Champion title and the right to compete for more than $10,000 in prize money in the Dog Agility Steeplechase. The Tennessee Miller Coliseum will give spectators multiple rings of simultaneous competition. For those who want to participate with their own well-behaved dogs, there are fun events on Saturday and Sunday. Paws-on activities (for a small donation) include, herding (dogs in an enclosed area move or herd livestock) lure coursing (dogs in an enclosed area chase a rabbit-like lure) and Rally Obedience (combines agility and obedience). There will also be shopping opportunities for pet lovers. Those who cannot attend the event can watch the tournament competition live on cynosport.com. More details and information are available at cynosport.com or at 888-AGILITY (244-5489)

October 26, 2019: DogFest Bay Area 2019

DogFest Bay Area partners with Boo! Bark, Brews + Bites in this a not-to-be-missed event at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA.

Join the fun at this community-based festival that brings dog lovers together for a cause. All funds raised benefit Canine Companions for Independence and its mission of matching assistance dogs with children, adults and veterans with disabilities, free of charge. These expertly trained assistance dogs make a profound impact through the jobs they do like opening doors, picking up dropped items, alerting to sounds and much more. CCI will be partnering with Boo! Bark, Brews + Bites in making this a not-to-be-missed event at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. Last year more than 4,000 supporters enjoyed a great day at DogFest Bay Area, meeting assistance dogs and puppies in training, listenening to a graduate speaker, shopping from local vendors, enjoying great beer and food, pet caricatures drawings, face painting, a costume contest and more! Click here for more info.

Thumbnail photo of Justice © Melissa L. Kauffman

Read more about dog-friendly events and tips for having fun outside with your dog on Dogster.com:

• Raising a Dog in the Country

• Canine Concierge

• How to Become a Dog Fosterer