They say "every dog has its day," but throughout the weekend of September 18-20, many dogs will have their chance to shine, as the competitive Great American Dog Games are set to happen at JAX in Fort Collins. 

It's no surprise that Fort Collins has been chosen as the perfect place to host this event, as it's recognized as being such a dog-friendly city, full of open parks and businesses happy to welcome dogs inside. That's exactly what the masterminds behind the GADG thought too. After two years of hard work, organizing and planning, the exciting vision that Jake Lantendresse, Shannon Nardi and Eric Matijevich had in mind to create a dynamic sporting event, showcasing the amazing abilities of canines, is finally coming to fruition.

The weekend will be packed with entertaining opportunities for dog lovers and dog owners of all ages alike, as well as their furry, four-legged best friends. Viewers are invited to watch the two sporting competitions– Dogs on the Dock, in which dogs will compete in different levels of horizontal and vertical jumping events into a pool as well as the Retriever Trials, which is a simulated hunting event. Note that the retriever trials will be taking place offsite at the Waterfowl Haven Hunt Club. The dock will be set up in the parking lot behind JAX along with other exhibitions. If you think your retriever has what it takes to win the trials, sign them up as a competitor here. All dogs are welcome to participate in the dock jumping competition. Medals will be passed out to the winning dogs of each event.

The GADG will also feature a handful of other canine/consumer friendly events, including lectures provided by CSU Veterinarians, demonstrations, and access to leading canine performance products. On Saturday night, dog lovers are welcome to celebrate and have "dog talk" in the Odell Beer Garden and listen to music provided by TribU2. Plus, enjoy a delicious meal from one of the Fort Collins food trucks that will be on site.  Check out the full schedule for the weekend below.

With the amount of fun that the Great American Dog Games will bring to our community that already has a ton of love for dogs of all kinds, it seems as though there will be a bright future ahead for this event. The creators intend to introduce new sports each year and are thrilled to be able to showcase the most athletically talented sporting dogs.

Friday, September 18
8 a.m. – Series 1 & 2 Retriever Trials – Venue B – Waterfowl Haven Hunt Club – 3793 Bridle Ridge Ct, Fort Collins
12 p.m. – SRS Super Dock – Venue A – JAX Mercantile – 1200 N College Ave, Fort Collins
– Competitor Registration and Wave Check in (Limiting to 40 dogs per wave)
– Community Fun Jumps (for both competitors and newbies, we encourage you and your dog to come play)
2 p.m. – Wave 1 – Super Fly Elite, Super Fly Pro, Double Fly, Senior Fly
– Wave 1 – Amateur Fly, Junior Fly, Mini Fly
4 p.m. – Raider Run Wave 1 – All Dogs
5 p.m. – Competitor Meet and Greet
Saturday, September 19
8 a.m. – Series 2 Retriever Trials – Venue B – Waterfowl Haven Hunt Club
10 a.m. –  SRS Super Dock – Venue A – JAX Mercantile
–Competitor Registration and Wave Check in (Limiting to 40 dogs per wave)
11 a.m.
– Wave 2 – Super Fly Elite, Super Fly Pro, Double Fly, Senior Fly
– Wave 2 – Amateur Fly, Junior Fly, Mini Fly
12 p.m. – Community Fun Jumps (for both competitors and newbies, we encourage you and your dog to come play)
1 p.m. – Raider Run Wave 2 – All Dogs
1:30 p.m. – CSU Lecture – “ What you should know about Sporting Dog Injuries”  — Located at JAX’s Water Garden
2 p.m. – Wave 3 – Super Fly Elite, Super Fly Pro, Double Fly, Senior Fly
– Wave 3 – Amateur Fly, Junior Fly, Mini Fly
3 p.m. – Community Fun Jump
3:30 p.m. – CSU Lecture – “Maximize Your Dog’s Performance” — Located at JAX’s Water Garden
4 p.m.  – Wave 4 – Super Fly Elite, Super Fly Pro, Double Fly, Senior Fly
– Wave 4 – Amateur Fly, Junior Fly, Mini Fly
5 p.m. – Super V Qualifier (Top 6 to Finals )
6-8 p.m. – Tribu2 Concert

Sunday, September 20

8 a.m. – Series 3 & 4 Retriever Trials – Venue B – Waterfowl Haven Hunt Club
9 a.m.  – SRS Super Dock – Venue A – JAX Mercantile 
 – Competitor Check In and Practice
10 a.m. – Super Fly Elite and Super Fly – Semi Finals 12-6
11 a.m. – Junior Flyers Championship -Top 6 – 3 winners
11:30 a.m. – Senior Flyers – Top 6 – 3 winners
12 p.m. – Mini Flyer’s Championship – Top 6 – 3 winners
12:15 p.m. – Community Fun Jump
1 p.m. – Amateur Flyers Championship – Top 6 – 3 winners
1:30 p.m. – CSU Lecture – “Keeping Your Dogs in Shape”– Located at JAX’s Water Garden
2 p.m. – Super Fly & Doubles Championship Finals -Top 6 – 3 winners
2:30 p.m. – Super Fly Elite Championship Finals -Top 6 – 3 winners
3 p.m. – Super V Finals – Top 6 dogs – 3 winners
4 p.m – Raider Run Finals – Top 6 dogs – 3 winners

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