SPORTS + OUTDOORS

DockDogs returns to Discovery Green for its third year on Friday, July 2 to Sunday, July 4. This national tour dog jumping competition features four-legged athletes from across Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana in diverse jumping competitions. The DockDogs competition is free and open to the public.

The original Big Air competition showcases retrievers running from a 20-foot dock and leaping into a 40-foot pool of water, like the long jump for dogs. Spectators can enjoy these athletic feats as some dogs maintain jumps up to 24 feet in length. Dogs with the highest or longest leap are named the winner. Additional challenges include Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve, adding to the dynamic spectrum of athletic tricks.

DockDogs teams from the Houston area have flocked to the first DockDogs-sanctioned pool and dock in Texas – Meadowlake Pet Resort in Pearland. The training area opened in April 2010 and trains dogs in the long jump, high jump, and speed retrieve.

“We produce a number of annual events in the state of Texas and this is certainly one of the premier events we do” said Brian Sharenow, Vice-President of DockDogs® “This will be our third year performing at Discovery Green and each year the popularity grows by leaps and bounds.”

Anyone with a dog and fetch toy can participate. There is no age limit for handlers and any size, age, and breed of dog may enter. Visit the DockDogs website www.dockdogs.com  for details on how to register for the Houston competition.

DockDogs spectators can venture to Discovery Green over the three-day competition and enjoy the athleticism and talent of man’s best friend. On Saturday, July 3, stay at the park for Mix Movie Night featuring a free outdoor screening of a doggy-themed movie. Other free events taking place this Independence Day weekend at the park include the Urban Harvest Farmers Market and fitness classes.

Event Schedule:

Fri July 2, 2010
Onsite Registration/ Practice – 9:00 am
Big Air WAVE Competition # 1 – 10:30 am
Big Air WAVE Competition # 2 – 12:30 pm
Big Air WAVE Competition # 3 – 2:30 pm
Speed Retrieve Competition # 1 – 4:30 pm
Big Air WAVE Competition # 4 – 6:00 pm

Sat July 3, 2010
Onsite Registration/ Practice – 9:00 am
Speed Retrieve Competition # 2 – 10:00 am
Big Air WAVE Competition # 5 – 11:30 am
Big Air WAVE Competition # 6 – 1:30 pm
Big Air WAVE Competition # 7 – 3:30 pm
Extreme Vertical Competition – 6:00 pm

Sun July 4, 2010
Onsite Registration/ Practice – 9:00 am
Big Air WAVE Competition # 8 – 10:00 am
Big Air WAVE Competition # 9 – 12:00 pm
Speed Retrieve Competition # 3 – 2:00 pm
Speed Retrieve Finals – 4:00 pm
Big Air Finals start at 4:30 pm (Pro, Semi Pro and Amateur)

Check www.discoverygreen.com  in June for updates on the competition times and schedule.

Photo credit: detail of a photo by Gary Hunt.