Some “Frequently Asked Questions” answered about the Woof Camp pup event held at International Mr. Leather (IMRL):

Where is the pup event being held?
This year the pup event and International Mr. Leather (IMRL) will be held at a new hotel location, the Hilton Chicago hotel, located at 720 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60605.

The event will be held in the Waldorf Room (3rd Floor).

Does it cost anything to attend the event?
No, the event is free thanks largely to our sponsor, SquarePeg Toys. SquarePeg Toy’s sponsorship and the money the San Francisco K9 Unit raises during the year helps defray the cost of renting the room, equipment, supplies, advertising, etc.

I see that there are two sessions, what can I expect to occur at Sessions A and B?

Session A
8:00pm – 10:00pm: Pups/Dogs and Handlers/Trainers Only

This session will be closed to the general public, to provide a safe, less intimidating space for those new to the scene and those already in it to meet other like minded individuals to play, learn, train, socialize and meet new pups/dogs or Handlers/Trainers.

For attending Handlers/Trainers, it will offer an opportunity to meet some pups/dogs or spend time with their own to focus on training, such as leash training, fetch and behavioral techniques (sit, stand, stay, rollover, etc.). There will also be multiple stations for those wanting to experience a 15 minute vet exam or grooming performed by a “Professional” or by their Handler/Trainer.

Activities offered will depend on the number of volunteers and Handlers/Trainers that show up to participate. We anticipate more pups/dogs than Handlers/Trainers and there will be two overflow areas for these pups/dogs: An Active Area for those pups/dogs wanting to play and a more subdued Quiet Area for pups/dogs who are new to the scene, for those who might be intimated by the larger and more aggressive pup/dog play area or for those who just want to rest, take a nap or nuzzle with each other or their Handler/Trainer.

Introduced at Woof Camp 2008, several puppy pinatas will once again be offered for the pups/dogs to tear into.
 
For Woof Camp 2009 a new event has been added ~ dog races! Can you catch that rascally rabbit? There will be multiple races held. We will have an allotted amount of pups/dogs for each race that will be lined up on one end and just a few feet ahead a volunteer with a rabbit on a string. Once the “release the hounds” command has been given, the pups/dogs will chase after the rabbit being dragged to the other end.


Another new addition we will be offering is pet portraits! We will have a designated themed space set up where participants can come and have their picture taken [we will have on hand a camera/laptop to email the finished pictures] or use their own.

Commemorative dog tags will be given to the pups/dogs attending this session.


Session B
10:0pm – Midnight: Open To The General Public
This session will be open to the general public. This is the session that is generally heavily attended by observers.

There will be background music, two designated areas for fun (and possibly more dog races), all monitored by volunteer staff. There will be an Active Area for those who want to romp around, interact with other pups/dogs and Handlers/Trainers and have some general fun and a Quiet Area for pups/dogs who may be intimated by the larger and more aggressive Active Area and want a way to test the waters first. It is also the area for those who just want to rest, take a nap, nuzzle with each other or hang out with their Handler/Trainer.

What if I don't have a Handler/Trainer, can I still attend Session A?
Absolutely! Pups/dogs without Handlers/Trainers [i.e., strays] are encouraged to attend Session A – this session is all about the pup community itself, and pups/dogs without Handlers/Trainers are still pups/dogs! Depending on the number of Handler/Trainer volunteers, pups/dogs without Handlers/Trainers may not have an opportunity to experience training, but can still learn and socialize with other pups/dogs in the the Active or Quiet areas. Also, you never know when you might just catch a Handler’s/Trainer's eye for training, grooming, etc. All pups/dogs attending Session A with or without Handlers/Trainers are expected to be participants and be in pupspace.

How do I indicate at the event entrance that I am a pup/dog or Handler/Trainer who wants to attend Session A and not just some “average schmo” wanting to get in and look-e-loo?
Access to Session A will be restricted by volunteers at the door, who will be asking what you are there for. Tell the person at the door exactly what you are there for. This year we are incorporating a secret code word to help with security at the door, which is “snausages”. Having a collar on is not a good sign for a stray. It would appear that the pup/dog is already collared. If a stray, bring a collar and attach it to your right side. Be prepared, as all pups/dogs in Session A are expected to be active participants and in pupspace (such as being on all fours throughout the session). People who sneak past the dog-sniffers at the door and try to crash the party as non-participants (on either end of the leash), will be asked by the volunteer staff to leave and return during the public session later in the night.

Is there anything I need to bring with me to participate?
Yes, there are several things you can bring for either session, the most important is your desire to participate and have fun exploring your pupdom or Handler/Trainer side. In addition to this, pups/dogs and Handlers/Trainers will want to bring some specific items inside a backpack, small suitcase or other small carrying case for travel and storage of clothes/gear at the event:

For pups/dogs: to help protect your knees, knee pads are highly recommended. If possible some form of hand/knuckle protection. Some form of bowl [metal, plastic, collapsible, etc] to hold water/liquid in and some water/liquid as you will get dehydrated very quickly from exertion. A towel to wipe off sweaty bodies, wet mouths or use to lie on or cover yourself when resting. A collar [leather, metal chain, etc] so you can be leashed or to help put you into your pup/dog head space.

For Handlers/Trainers: A leash [leather, metal chain, rope, etc] to assist with training, walks, etc. A collar [leather, metal chain, etc] to temporarily use on pups/dogs who want to participate in the activities. Some form of bowl [metal, plastic, collapsible, etc] to hold water/liquid in and some water/liquid for the pups/dogs as they will get dehydrated very quickly from exertion. A towel to wipe off the sweaty bodies, wet mouths or to have the pups/dogs lie on or cover them when resting. A bag of treats will certainly bring pups running to you.

If I have questions or need assistance at the event, how can I identify a staff person?
Volunteer staff will be wearing orange shirts and will be able to assist or answer questions you may have. You may also head to the front door where a staff member will be at all times or see any of the staff members overseeing the designated areas.

Will female pups be at the event?
Yes, but this is International MISTER Leather and as such Woof Camp is designed as a male energy event. We would ask both pups/dogs and Handlers/Trainers of both sexes to respect the others' preferences and signals (a growl or head turned to the side/looking away is usually a good sign to ease off or not interested).

Will there be any other pup/dog parties during IMRL?
Officially, no. But there will be plenty of private ones occurring either in hotel rooms or possibly in the vendor or lobby areas. Introduce yourself to others, meet people, ask around! Also be aware that a lot of pup/dog activities can happen simultaneously in various places – IMRL is famous for impromptu pup/dog romps in lobbies, hallways, bars, etc.

Is nudity allowed?
Full nudity is not  allowed by law, and anyone that does not comply with this will be asked by our volunteer staff to leave the event. Even though Woof Camp is held in a private banquet room and is a safe place to be yourself, the event is still subject to the laws of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago. As with the rest of IMRL, you will find woofy, real uniformed law enforcement folks walking around IMRL ensuring things don’t get out of hand. Pups/dogs and Handlers/Trainers are asked to use common sense, and to help keep this event fun for everyone.

Most pups/dogs at the party are in some form of rubber or leather gear though there are many in jeans, shorts, singlets or jockstraps. Puppy tail butt plugs, like the ones SquarePeg Toys sells, are acceptable. Remember no total nudity will be allowed. As a side note, it gets very warm and sometimes aggressive when playing in the Active Area. Dehydration and gear damage are real concerns, so choose your attire wisely and don't forget to hydrate!

More questions? Email: woofcamp@speakeasy.net