The Vermont Police Canine Association’s Green Mountain Iron Dog will be held this Saturday, October 1, 2016 on the shores of Lake Champlain at Camp Dudley at Kiniya in Colchester, VT.  This event is farther away than most of the dog friendly events we recommend at Living with a Golden, but it is an exciting and fun filled day that is worth the extra travel time.

In addition to Military and Police K9s and their handlers, the Green Mountain Iron Dog is open to the public, and all abilities and dog breeds are welcome to compete.  In fact last year there were over 100 participants spread over the three categories of Pro, Open and Junior.  The 1.5 mile course is designed to reflect the different obstacles Police K9s and their handlers experience on a call through a variety of obstacles and various terrain.  In the past the course has included walls, swamps, hills, tunnels, water crossings, shooting (pellet guns), smoke filled houses, and more.  The best way I can describe it is as an extreme agility course for dogs and humans.

The morning will be devoted to “Pro” runners, who are there to compete with themselves and other teams.  The afternoon is “Open” for less intense teams, and for those interested in doing something fun and challenging with their dog.  The afternoon run will still be timed, and on the same course as the professional competitors.  There is also a “Junior” category for 7 to 13 year olds, which will be on the same course as the adults.  Please note all Junior competitors must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older, but the adult is not required to do the obstacles.  There will also be separate competitions for building and drug searches (Police only), as well as a 100 yard dash (dogs only).

Pre- registration is required for those competing in the Pro category.  The Open and Junior groups will be accepting registrations day of until the start of the race.  Proceeds of this event to benefit the Vermont Police Canine Association.  The VPCA is a nonprofit corporation that supports Vermont’s Police K9 teams with additional training, equipment and other needs.  They have over 40 members in all branches of law enforcement, and work with teams around New England.

Come on out to compete, try something new with your dog, or simply to cheer on the racers.  As we proved with our Lemmy many years ago, any dog can be an Iron Dog!  For more information or to register, please visit Green Mountain Iron Dog.