World Dog Games – The Wrap Up

World Dog Games 2009 - Acer Arena Sydney

The weather was perfect, the crowds were large and enthusiastic, and the World Dog Games were a resounding success.

Eager audience members started gathering early at Sydney’s Acer Arena last weekend (31 October and 1 November), eager to get the most from two days of fun-filled, family-friendly action.

Even before entering the arena, visitors were able to browse their way past stalls that had all manner of goodies available, including dog food, treats, shampoo, leads, collars, toys, and even exercise machines!

Dr Katrina Warren’s presence at the Advocate stall (with the WonderDogs) made it especially popular.

Dr Katrina Warren and the Wonderdogs & The Ticked Off Quiz

In the Arena foyer, visitors had the opportunity to take a quiz to discover which pet treatment product was most effective against which parasite. Elsewhere, photographer David Darcy was on hand to sign copies of his book, and audience participation was also the order of the day as Katrina Warren took to the Advocate Stage with her troop of very clever ‘WonderDogs’.

The excitement mounted as the main event neared. Host Grant Denyer set the scene and 44 of Australia’s fittest and brightest canine athletes showcased their prowess across four sports – Agility, Flyball, Canine Disc and the eagerly anticipated DockDogs.

AND THE WINNERS WERE…

Agility – Marty in the Maxi Dog category; Sammy, a 12-year-old Poodle in the Mini Dog category;

Flyball – the 6Pak team of dogs Milo, Cooper, Pebbles, Arrow, Buddy and Dallas emerged victorious from this fast and furious relay race;

Canine Disc – with just about the last throw of the competition, made with mere seconds to spare, Jade beat the other canine competitors with an impressive 61 points;

DockDogs – the highlight of the whole event came when Joey, a three year-old Kelpie X Blue Heeler, jumped an impressive 7.2 metres to not only be named ‘top dog’ in the discipline, but also setting an Australian record into the bargain.
Matthew Lazerus-Hall, co-concept creator of the World Dog Games was thrilled with both the standard of the competition and the number of people who came along to watch. ‘We wanted people to realise how amazing every day dogs can be, and I think we’ve done just that,’ he said.

Keep returning to Dog Diaries for in-depth reports on the DAVID DARCY exhibition, DR. KATRINA WARREN and the WonderDogs, PHOTOS and much more!