Dog lovers from Indiana to California gathered this past weekend just outside of St. Louis to witness the Incredible Dog Challenge (IDC) taking place this year at Gray Summit’s Purina Farms.

On Oct. 1, the event kicked off with qualifying rounds in categories such as diving, Jack Russel racing and weave poll among others. Handlers and dogs who qualified made it to the nationally televised event on Oct. 2, where titles and awards were to be given.

All admissions were free for the IDC event.

Despite the gloomy Saturday weather, people and their pets started arriving just before 11:30 a.m.  to watch the first event, agility. The dogs were judged in the accuracy in their routine and speed. Small dogs dominated the agility course running smoothly in their technique, while the large dogs had a tougher time.

The next event was diving where dogs were graded on length of six jumps into the pool. Kids lined up on the edge of the bleachers in the “splash zone” waiting to get drenched by the dog dive team.

Competition was fierce on the diving platform. The 30 foot 10 inch world record was broken twice by two different dogs. First, VB landed a 31 ft. 1 in. dive beaten by “Air” Jordan’s 31 ft. 2 incher.

The next event was high-energy Jack Russell racing followed by the weave poll races. The show concluded with frisbee routines coordinated to music.  

All winners at Saturday’s event received a national title, a piece of dog artistry and a special appearance at Chesterfield’s Strassenfest on Oct. 3.

However, not all the fun was had by winners and participants.

The stadium and grassy knoll was lined with people and their dogs bonding over a time honored tradition.  Families discussed their shared love of specific breeds, and pets enjoyed meeting new play mates.

The IDC premieres Jan. 18, 2011 on Animal Planet.