Mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Green Mountain Iron Dog!  This is always a fun day for dogs and humans competing in this 1.5 mile obstacle/race that simulates what Police K9 Teams come across in their deployments.  Taking place on Saturday, September 9, 2017 along the shores of Lake Champlain at Camp Dudley, in Colchester, VT, the Green Mountain Iron Dog is open civilians, Police, Military Teams, children, and all dog breeds – proving any dog can be an Iron Dog!  Last year almost 150 teams competed in this fast pace event, making it a great day for spectators too!

Hosted by the Vermont Police Canine Association, the course is filled with challenges which in the past has included walls, tunnels, ramps, uneven terrain, water crossings, shooting (pellet guns), building searches, and more.  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).  Think of it as a dog agility course combined with an obstacle course for humans.

Pre-registration is required for those competing in the Pro category, and strongly encouraged for everyone else.  The Open and Junior groups will also be accepting registrations day of starting at 12 Noon.  Discounts are available for those planning to do the course more than once with multiple dogs.  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 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.  There you can watch a fun video from the 2016 Green Mountain Iron Dog of the competitors including a few dogs that made up their own rules along the course.