The rules

1. Only dogs registered can race to be eligible for swag bags, prize baskets and trophies.
   
2. Four classes of racers:
   
   • Itty Bitties – up to 10 pounds
   • Mighty Mites – 11 to 25 pounds
   • Big Dawgs – 26 to 60 pounds
   • Maximus Racers – over 60 pounds
     
3. To be eligible to race, a liability waiver will be signed at check-in at the Registration Booth.  This waver states your dog is current on their vaccines, including rabies.
   
4. Females in heat are disqualified from racing.
   
5. Itty Bitties and Mighty Mites run a track of 30’ long to the finish; the Big Dawgs and Maximus Racers have a 50’ track to complete.
   
6. We do ‘heat’ racing.  We use this form of racing to insure each dog has enough time to recuperate before they race again.  Two cooling pools will be available at the race track and we STRONGLY encourage every owner to make sure their dogs are properly hydrated throughout the event.  There will be water bowls with ice throughout the event for the dogs to take drinks from. In other words:
   
   • Dogs A, B, C and D in class check in.
   • Dogs A & B race, B wins and moves onto the next heat
   • Dogs C & D race, D wins and moves onto the next heat
   • Dogs B & D race to determine either the winner or to move onto the next heat
     
7. Fastest dog in each category (total of four – one in each category) is entitled to a photo with their dog in TLC’s Pet Photography booth (no charge).  A second photographer will be at the finish line, taking photos as the dogs cross the finish lines.  These will be posted online and be available to you for your own bragging rights!  It is the winner’s responsibility to present themselves at the photography booth with their dog to have their photo taken on the day of the event.
   
8. Once the fastest dog in each category qualifies, the Itty Bitties and Mighty Mites will race against each other; the Big Dawgs and Maximus Racers will compete.  Each winner will then race the final race to determine the “Fastest Dog in Ventura County” for 2014.
   
9. When your heat is called, handler holds dog at the starting line and second handler positions themselves at the finish line.  Once the judge calls the race to begin, you can do whatever you need to in order to cause your dog to race as fast as they can – whistles, favorite toy squeaking, treats, etc. – as long as your actions does NOT deter the other dog’s racing ability.  In the case of a foul or complaint, see one of the two judges onsite for resolution (both judges have golf shirts and hats clearly indicating they are a judge).  Judges’ decisions are final in the event of an issue.
   
10. If you believe your dog will become overly excited and or somewhat aggressive during this event, we suggest you muzzle your pooch to prevent any dog fights.  An extra supply of muzzles will be available at the Registration Booth.
    
11. You MUST pick up after your dogs – if you do not have a poop bag handy, you can find extras at the registration table and other TLC booths throughout the event.