BowWow Broomfield and Dock Dogs Are Not to Be Missed!

By Megan Mayes

Some of my favorite Broomfield Days memories are centered around the 40 foot long pool filled with dogs. If you have seen it before you probably know exactly what I am talking about. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, and that sounds crazy but also really fun, then get ready for the dog sport you’ve been waiting for: Rocky Mountain DockDogs (RMDD)!

With all of the other fun activities available throughout the day, the captivating energy of the competition speaks for itself. The infectious fun on the dogs' faces as they leap through the air can only be matched by the pride and joy on their human’s face. And don’t forget about the big splashes, which kids love as much as any pool or splash pad (speaking from experience)! This competition is tons of fun for spectators, first-time competitors, and national champions.

I have two sporty dogs of my own: Freddy is an Australian Shepherd and Chocolate Lab mix, and Billy is a miniature Australian Shepherd. Freddy loves his frisbee and Billy is a herding dog through and through. Now I think it’s time to see if I have a Dock Dog in my midst. I talked with Jerry Porter, the President of RMDD, to get more information about their Broomfield Days competition and how to get involved with the sport.

DockDogs is one of the fastest growing canine sports in the world, and RMDD is proud to have been a part of it all since 2008. Their memberships consist mainly of teams from Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska who host regional competitions and travel nationally. Club members and volunteers also help raise money for Chase Away Canine Cancer and the BAARK Foundation.

The Broomfield Days DockDogs contest will start at 9:00 a.m. on both Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., and first-time jumpers are welcome to join the competition. The categories are Big Air, Speed Retrieve, and Extreme Vertical. The Broomfield Days competition is a great first opportunity for new teams to try the sport. Visit the RMDD website at rockymountaindockdogs.com for more information on what to bring and what to expect. When asked what advice he would give first-time jumpers, Jerry said, “Patience. And you have to remember it is all for fun.”

If you end up experiencing “love at first jump,” then the RMDD website and e-newsletter are also good resources for training tips, practice facility information, and membership sign up. You can also visit them at Rocky Mountain DockDogs on Facebook. Jerry told me, “Any dog can be a DockDog… we say bring your dog out and if your dog likes it then we will make it happen.”

You won’t have to venture far from the pool to check out the tenth annual BowWow Broomfield event, which will be hosting a variety of pet-related vendors, adoption vans, and small dogs races. This pet friendly area of Broomfield Days is sure to be fun and entertaining for you, your kids, and your furry friends!