By Theresa Shaw
May 13, 2010

Does your dog turn into an Olympian when you toss his favorite toy? Then check out a DockDogs event in your city or along your vacation route. DockDogs oversees and organizes canine sporting events that include such crowd pleasers as Big Air – the longest distance jumped from the dock, Extreme Vertical – the height measured when leaping for a toy and Speed Retrieve – the name says it all.

DockDogs is a perfect opportunity to get you and your pooch out of your yard and into the big leagues. Events are plentiful in the summer and novices are always welcomed. Successful handlers and their dogs have a rhythm to their throwing and fetching. DockDogs provides training tips if you want to test the waters at home first. Handlers can be as young as 7 years old. Though there are some regular participants that travel the circuit, the events are all about having fun with your dog, as reflected in the scoring categories that are inclusive of dogs of all levels. Shy pets can enjoy the events as spectators.

This Memorial Day Weekend 2010, Thursday through Sunday, the Royal Canin National Championship Series is at Clay’s Park Resort in North Lawrence, Ohio. For dogs who want to reveal their inner Michael Phelps, a new DockDogs event, Speed Swim, will be unveiled. As part of Clay’s Annual Bark in the Park Festival your doggie can also participate in the Strut Your Mutt fashion contest, a Weiner Race for Dachshunds or enjoy Clay’s nature trails that weave through the park’s 500 acres covered with 100,000 pine trees.

Admission is $6 per person with free parking. A $1 discount is available with a donation of dog or cat food.

Whether you plan a day trip or make a weekend of it, families can enjoy Clay’s water park, while dogs are welcome to splash in a stream that runs through the property and are even invited on the hayrides. Clay’s is a short drive from Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Columbus, while Pittsburgh is just 2 hours away. Camping and RV reservations are still available for those who want to sleep under the stars with their dogs.

Photos courtesy of Joan Moyes Stoll