The Incredible Dog Challenge: Surfing dogs in San Diego

Not sure how many of you are aware of Purina's Incredible Dog Challenge. I know I wasn't, before I started blogging for Purina. This past weekend, June 12-14th, there was an event in San Diego at the County Fair where they introduced the "newest" event: dog surfing!

Anyone who frequents dog parks and likes to do outdoor tricks with their dog (like teaching your dog to catch Frisbees), will love this national canine sensation. I talked to the folks who work on this fun event and I learned a few things, this weekend.

I learned that the Incredible Dog Challenge is 12 years old. It started with having dogs dive into the ocean... and has now progressed to having them dive into a huge pool...I can't remember how many gallons but let's say, lots. You can actually hear the two gals I talked to, Kaite and Lourdes, over at Scratchings and Sniffings, where I have a video podcast of our discussion. Kaite is the expert on the details of the continuing canine event, and Lourdes had the fun pleasure of being in San Diego for the dog surfing!

Here's the scoop - your dog can be an Incredible Dog, too. This is open to the public, once you get into the fair (many events are held at fairs, making it easy to attend as the cost is included in the fair ticket). After the events, I'm not sure if it's after all of the events or just some, folks are invited to bring their dogs in to try out - in the agility run, the high jump or dog dive, among others.

Make sure YOU and your dog are in peak condition! I'm not joking when I say these are true canine athletes! Which means their pet parents have to be in peak condition, also! You only have to watch one video to see how much fun these animals are having, and how close that pet and human bond is. The dogs are focused on whatever Mom or Dad want, and Mom and Dad are focused on showing off! Which is what Moms and Dads do, isn't it?

Just before signing off of our podcast, I did ask a loaded question... I asked Kaite and Lourdes if the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge will ever have skateboarding dogs. They said they wouldn't rule it out.

There's your chance...Tyson can't be the ONLY skateboarding dog in the world.