Dock-diving event an exciting day for dog lovers in Farragut
Nancy Anderson
Shopper News
With more than 400 jumps, 150 competitors and a thousand visitors, Dog Daze VIII went off without a hitch in Farragut, attracting competitors from as far away as Florida, Ohio, and Maine.
The three-day festival, hosted by Dock Dogs International, was filled with fun, food, shopping and competition. The Town of Farragut and Shop Farragut CEO Steve Krempasky teamed up once again with Smoky Mountain Dock Dogs and Ricki’s Pet Depot to bring the nationally sanctioned regional canine aquatics competition to Farragut.
Dock Dogs (an events management company in Ohio) was established in 2000; its first event was at the ESPN 2000 Great Outdoor Games competition.
This competition attracted dog owners from across the Southeast. Last year there were more than 30 competitors and more than 5,000 visitors during the annual Farragut event. Registrants were
able to gain qualifying points toward attendance at the World Championships in October.
Friday seemed to be the most fun day as folks from all over Knoxville brought their pups out to see how they would do dock diving. Some puppies weren’t about it, while others loved the water.
Saturday saw fierce competition with Big Air and Speed Retrieve competitions.
Sunday brought Big Air finals and Iron Dog Rankings.
Special thanks went to First Utility District, a major sponsor, supplying more than 27,000 gallons of fresh Tennessee River water to fill the pool for the weekend.
Trent Steele, owner and head trainer of The Dog Wizard, gave a few helpful hints on training a dog to go after that “Big Air” leap.
“Well, the dog has to love the water and it has to be toy driven. I mean really toy driven. Virtually any dog who loves a toy and the water can be trained to dock dive, even the little ones. Start with the toy low to the water and gradually raise it until the dog is confident and will give their all to get that toy,” said Steele.
Dogs are divided by size. A Cavalier King Charles spaniel would not compete against a Lab or German shepherd.
Between qualifying rounds, spectators could check out the shops in the Village Green shopping center or visit the dozens of vendors, from groomers to trainers to veterinarians to those selling homemade dog treats.
The event continues to grow each year, but Krempasky said they have the whole event organized well, and pulling the big air show off every year is now a fine science.
“People come back year after year for this exciting event. We are thrilled to have Smoky Mountain Dock Dogs back again. They really know how to put on a show. Plus, folks came from all over to see the dogs perform or just brought their dog out for a day of socializing and hopefully shopping here at the Village Green shopping center,” he said.
Info: www.shopfarragut.com.
