So for this event we are doing on christmas, the client wants a photo booth with 2 "eskimo dogs". The event is for 600 people and ideally should be set up in a way that everyone has the chance to take photo's with them. Originally the set-up was planned to be right in the entrance area, but after I raised some concerns, we changed it to a function room, so that we don't overwhelm the dogs.
So I was thinking, to get at least 4-6 dogs, so we can rotate them. That way, if one gets nervous, overexcited, or anything like that, we can exchange them. The set-up allows us to put most of these dogs (the ones NOT being used for the photo shoot at any time) in separate rooms, since they most likely won't know each other.
We will have 2 hostesses, dressed as eskimos each holding one dog. For them, I will make sure to chose girls that are comfortable with dogs and will give them an entire lesson on how to deal with them, as well as a few practice runs. I already volunteered for the dog-related part, so I will be there to supervise and organize everything.
As for what we need I was thinking the following:
- Leash and collar for each dog
- muzzle for each dog (I was thinking of a fabric muzzle, since that looks less scary to guests - only to be used, if I deem the dog overly anxious and he needs to pass by guests to be rotated out. ideally there should be no need for the muzzle. But you never know...)
- crate for each dog (ideally, if available, it should be the dog's own crate.
- water available for each dog
- LOTS of treats
- vet contacts in the area (just in case)
- at least 2 staff members/volunteers to look after the dogs, and several more to be available/on call if needed.
We also have to meet each dog beforehand and make sure they are of sound temperament and not aggressive towards humans OR other dogs.
I feel like I missed a LOT. Help me out here. What else do we need to think of? I will be contacting my trainer. I would be most comfortable, if she were to be there and help us out, as she is a LOT more experienced than me. But I am not sure if that would be approved yet.
Please don't flame me, for doing this. honestly I am not quite comfortable with this myself, but the client is going to do it either way, and I rather be involved and make sure it is done RIGHT.