🐾 BARK & DASH BASH

A TWO-DAY DOG ADVENTURE WEEKEND Hosted by Bitterroot Mushers Club

September 12 & 13

Learn • Play • Run • Explore

Bring your dog. Bring your friends. Make memories.

Whether you're a first-time adventurer or an experienced musher, Bark & Dash Bash is a weekend packed with fun, learning, and tail-wagging excitement.

📍 Hosted by the Bitterroot Mushers Club

SATURDAY • LEARN TO MUSH

🚴 Mushers Practice Morning

Watch or participate in:

• Canicross - Running

• Bikejoring

• Dryland Cart Mushing

• Skills, training & trail techniques

🐕 Musher Clinic & Expo

Learn: ✅ What mushing, canicross, bikejoring & cart mushing are, Learn about winter Mushing - skijoring, sledding

✅ Classes for Beginner and Experienced Mushers

✅ Introductory Classroom Style Course - What's it All About? How to get started with your dog 

🎪 All-Day Extras

🐾 Bitterroot Mushers Information Booth

🛍 Vendors, treats, gear & dog goodies

SUNDAY • THE MAIN EVENT

🏃‍♂️🐕 K9 + HUMAN OBSTACLE FUN RUN

Walk It. Jog It. Dash It.

Choose Your Adventure:

🔹 ½ Mile Fun Loop Perfect for families, kids & senior dogs

🔹 1 Mile Adventure Loop For teams wanting an extra challenge

Conquer Obstacles Together

🌲 Pole Bending

🪵 Low Logs

💦 Water Crossing

🕳 Small Ditches

🌾 Straw Tunnel

FUN AWARDS!

🏆 Best Dog & Human Costume

🏆 Dirtiest Team

🏆 Best Blooper

🏆 Team Spirit

🏆 Most Determined Dog

Plus friendly match races and plenty of bragging rights!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

❤️ No experience required

❤️ Any breed welcome

❤️ Great for families

❤️ Supports the Bitterroot Mushers Club

❤️ A weekend your dog will never forget

🗓️ Saturday, September 12th

⚡ Unleash the Fun: Dogs, Mushing Education, Food & Gear!

Looking for a high-energy, dog-loving, family-friendly day out—without leaving town?

Join us at Big Sky Horse Park, a gorgeous 100-acre multi-use park right in Missoula, for the Bark and Dash Bash - Musher Clinic and Expo! Watch real sled dogs in action, learn the basics of mushing, shop vendors, grab food on-site, and connect with the Bitterroot Mushers Club. 

🎪 More Than Just Classes: Vendors, Food & Community

💵 COST:  FREE ADMISSION! 

• Classes -
  • Pre-Registration - 5$/person/class 
  • Day-of Registration-7$/person/class
• (kids 13 and under are FREE- must be accompanied by an adult)

👥 WHO:   Mushers, dog lovers, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and the simply curious!

⏱️ The Day at a Glance

 8:30 am – 9:30 am | Dryland Mushing Practice (Perimeter Trail)
 9:30 am – 11:00 am | Passing Class (Beginner/intermediate Dogs & Mushers)
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Lunch & Vendor Browsing
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Beginner Musher Class (Classroom) 
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Line-Out Class (Beginner–Intermediate)
 

🎓 Class Breakdowns

🛑 8:30–9:30 am | Dryland Mushing Practice

Location: Perimeter Trail

For those of you with some mushing experience that want to just practice or try some new dryland disciplines, practice current discipline or both! Kick off the morning on the outer trail with an informal, hands-on dryland meet-up. No classroom charge or sign up - just show up with you and your dog(s)!

Run canicross
Try bikejoring
Work dogs on wheels and carts
No lectures, no pressure—just a friendly group sharing the trail, testing out gear, and trying new things in a spacious park setting.

Curious spectators welcome!

🐕 9:30–11:00 am | Passing Class

Geared toward Beginner/Intermediate Dogs & Mushers

Build trail confidence and manners in a safe, controlled environment.

Practice calm, head-on passing with other dog teams (teams of 1 to 2 dogs), up to 4 for more experienced mushers.
Learn how to cleanly pass a team in front of you without pulling toward them.
Make future trail passes smoother, safer, and completely stress-free.

🎯 12:00–1:30 pm | Mushing - What's It All About 

Location: Classroom - Casual Setting on the Lawn (bring your lawn chairs!)

Perfect for those who are interesting in dryland and winter mushing, brand-new handlers and curious dog lovers! All ages Welcome!! Kids 13 and under are FREE!

Note: kids 13 and under must be accompanied be at least 1 adult

Get a complete overview of dryland and winter mushing (canicross, bikejoring, cart mushing, winter skijoring, and winter sledding).

• See real sled dogs and mushing gear up close!
• Discover exactly what you and your dog need to get started safely or just learn about mushing in general!
• Turn “that looks cool” into “we can totally do this!”
• Plenty of time for Q & A so bring your questions!

🪵 1:30–3:00 pm | Line-Out Class

Geared toward Beginner to Intermediate Mushers- Spectators Welcome!

Sharpen one of the most critical foundational skills in dog-powered sports: the Line-Out.

• Teach your dog to stand at the end of the line, face forward, and wait calmly.
• Set the foundation for smooth starts, clean passes, and organized stops.
• Get hands-on coaching to reinforce focus and discipline in a structured, supportive setting.
   

🤝 Meet the Bitterroot Mushers Club!

Be sure to stop by our central information booth throughout the day to:

• Get details on upcoming local group runs, winter races, and clinics.
• Learn about who we are and what we do
• Connect with a welcoming, passionate local mushing community.
   

🙌 Who Should Come?

Active Mushers: Someone once said, "If you build it, they will come !" Our dream is to build it, and all will come!. We hope to make this a yearly event where mushers of all levels can come together and hone skills for the upcoming season.

Day 2 - Details

Welcome to the first annual Bark and Dash Bash Obstacle Fun Run!

This is not a race! Object of this experience is to complete the course and have a blast! Walk it! Run it! Dash it! 

Spectators Appreciated! Free Admission! Come Root for your Favorite Team!!

Grab your pup and your friends and join us for a Fun Run Dog & Human Obstacle Course designed for all ages and experience levels! Teams of one dog and one human will tackle either a ½ mile or 1 mile loop filled with low, dog-friendly obstacles and lots of dusty, happy moments.

You’ll weave through pole bending sections, step over low logs, navigate small ditches, splash through gentle water crossing, and crawl through a straw tunnel built for dogs and humans alike. Every obstacle is low impact and designed to be approachable for first-timers—this event is about fun, confidence, and teamwork, not elite athletic performance.

Choose the ½ Mile Fun Loop for a relaxed, family-friendly pace or the 1 Mile Adventure Loop for a bit more challenge. You can walk, jog, or run—whatever feels right for your team.

What to Expect:

• Low obstacles: logs, small ditches, pole bending, straw tunnel, gentle water crossings.
• Option to skip any obstacle if it’s not comfortable for you or your dog.
• Fun, supportive atmosphere focused on safety and enjoyment.

Who Can Participate:

• All ages welcome.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times - child may hold leash of their team-member but adult must be within arm's reach at all times and be ready to assist when needed.
• Dogs must be at least 12 months old, healthy, and generally manageable around other dogs and people.

Participants: Mandatory briefing and rules review at 9:00 a.m.

Course Options:

• 10:00 a.m.  ~½ Mile Fun Loop – ideal for younger participants, older dogs, or first-timers.
• ~1 Mile Adventure Loop – slightly longer with the same style of low obstacles.

Prizes & Awards:

• Best Dog & Human Costumes!
• Best Team Spirit!
• Most Determined Dog!
• Most Stylish Finish!
• Dirtiest Team!
• Gentlest Handler!

A team of non-biased judges from Bitterroot Mushers Club will determine winners 

Match Race Option:

• After successfully completing the course, teams may choose to run again in a Match Race.
• Two teams start side-by-side on the same loop.
• First team to cross the finish line together (dog and handler) wins bragging rights and a small prize.
• Match races are optional and purely for fun.

What to Bring:

• Non-retractable leash (harness recommended).
• Canicross belts allowed for humans- if wearing canicross belt must have bungi-leash
• Comfortable close toed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting muddy.
• Water bowl for your dog (event water stations provided).
• Optional: costumes for you and your dog!

Early Registration Cost is 25$

Registration on day of event is 35$

. Eligibility & Registration

• Age & Handler Requirements
  • Main dog handler must be 18+.
  • Children may participate only under the direct supervision of an adult - Child may hold the leash of their K9 team member but adult must be within arm's reach to assist when needed.
• Dog Eligibility
  • Dogs must be at least 12 months old and in good health.
  • Dogs must be up to date on core vaccinations as appropriate (consult your vet).
  • No dogs in heat.
  • Dog should be in good general health and not lame (older dogs with some arthritis welcome to walk the course).
  • Dogs should have endurance and physical ability to navigate ½ mile or 1 mile course.
  • Dogs should be generally friendly or at least manageable around other dogs and people.

2. Leash, Harness & Control Rules

• Dogs must be on leash at all times while on-site and on the course.
• Retractable leashes are not allowed. Use a standard, non-retractable leash.
• No shock or pinch collars allowed.
• Harnesses are strongly recommended for comfort and control.
• The handler must keep their dog under control throughout the event.
• No dragging, hitting, or harsh jerking of the leash. Any rough handling may result in removal from the event.
• Dog must navigate obstacles willingly, handlers may not drag or pull their dog.
• Handler’s may use treats as incentive.
• Dog Costumes, if worn, must not inhibit or restrict natural movement (rub or cause sores), breathing ability or potentially cause dog to overheat.

3. Dog Etiquette & Bandana Color Codes

To help everyone respect each dog’s comfort level, we use simple bandana etiquette:

• Red bandana = Nervous / Needs Space
  • A red bandana or collar indicates that the dog is nervous, shy, or easily overwhelmed.
  • If you see a dog with a red bandana or red collar:
    • Do not approach directly.
    • Do not allow your dog to rush up to them.
    • Maintain extra distance when passing or lining up near them.
• (Optional)
  • Green bandana = Generally Friendly: ok with polite approaches, but always ask first.
  • Yellow bandana = Cautious: may be shy or in training; approach slowly and ask the handler.

General Dog Interaction Etiquette

• As a general rule, do not approach or crowd another team
• Always ask the handler’s permission before you or your dog approach another dog.
• Do not let dogs meet nose-to-nose in tight spaces.
• If your dog seems stressed (tail tucked, cowering, barking excessively, trying to escape), give them space, slow down, or step off the course to rest.

4. Human Etiquette

• Be patient and kind to other participants and volunteers.
• Use polite language; no yelling, harassment, or aggressive behavior.
• If you need to pass another team, slow down briefly and say: “Passing on your left/right” and only pass in wide, safe sections.
• If a team has stopped, please move around them carefully and give them space.
• Listen to volunteers and follow all instructions at obstacles and on the course.

5. Course & Obstacle Rules

• This is a fun run, not a high-stakes competition. You and Your Dog’s safety and comfort come first.
• Obstacles are designed to be low-risk, but you may skip any obstacle if you or your dog do not feel comfortable or confident to negotiate it.
• If your dog refuses an obstacle, you may calmly walk around it.
• If your team appears unconfident obstacle marshals may:
  • Suggest a different route if your dog seems anxious.
  • Stop a team from attempting an obstacle if they observe it's not right for you at this time.
• No pushing, shoving, or cutting through other teams to reach obstacles faster.

6. Passing & Spacing Rules

• Keep a safe distance between your dog and the dog ahead of you, especially at obstacles.
• When passing:
  • Only pass on wide, open sections of the course.
  • Announce “Passing on your left/right” and wait for a clear opening.
• Do not attempt to pass in narrow areas:
• If your dog needs to stop:
  • Move to the side of the path so other teams can pass safely.

7. Health, Safety & Welfare

• Weather & Heat: We may shorten, modify, or cancel the event in extreme weather for safety.
• Hydration:
  • Water stations will be available for dogs and humans.
  • It’s your responsibility to ensure your dog drinks enough water and rests if needed.
• Signs of Distress:
  • If your dog is panting heavily, lagging, drooling excessively, or seems confused or distressed, slow down or stop and seek help.
• Medical Assistance:
  • In the event of emergency 911 will be utilized to transport to local hospital
  • For K9 emergencies, there are two emergency clinics within 10 minutes of the Big Sky Horse Park.
  • Inform volunteers immediately if you or your dog is injured or unwell.

8. Clean-Up & Site Respect

• You must pick up after your dog promptly and dispose of waste in designated bins.
• Keep all food, treats, and personal belongings off the course to avoid distractions and trip hazards.
• Respect the venue:
  • Do not damage property, landscaping, or equipment.
  • Follow any additional posted rules from the venue.

9. Prohibited Behavior & Grounds for Removal

We may remove participants from the event (without refund) for:

• Harsh or abusive handling of dogs.
• Aggressive behavior toward other participants, volunteers, or staff.
• Allowing dogs to roam off-leash.
• Ignoring safety instructions from staff or volunteers.
• Bringing a dog that is clearly aggressive or posing a safety risk to others.

10. Photography & Media

• Event staff or hired photographers may take photos and video during the event.
• By participating, you may be photographed; images may be used for event promotion.
• If you prefer not to be prominently featured, please inform the registration team.

11. Final Notes for Participants

• This is meant to be a positive, supportive experience for both humans and dogs.
• You and Your dog’s comfort and safety always come before completing any obstacle.
• Please respect red-bandana dogs and any dog that appears nervous or stressed by giving them extra space.
• If at any time you feel unsure, ask a volunteer—they are there to help you and your dog have a safe, fun day.