Perhaps it’s the bond between human and dog that sparks excitement at dog shows. When months of dedicated training, meticulous grooming, unfailing patience and unconditional love result in a precision performance in the show ring, both competitors and spectators fall victim to dog show fever and excitement runs high.
At Purina Farms, a 1500 acre spread located 45 miles southwest of St. Louis, Missouri, in Gray Summit, dog events and competitions happen year round. With the facilities to accommodate both indoor and outdoor activities, Purina Farms hosts more than 60 canine events per year including conformation, obedience, agility, dock diving, flying disc, tracking, herding, lure coursing, and earthdog trials. So there’s always something going on.
Purina Farms is family friendly with free admission to all ages, though reservations are required. Occasionally an event may charge a fee. Area schools often schedule field trips here for students.
The Visitors Center
Obedience and grooming demonstrations as well as videos on humane treatment of animals, how pet food is made, and other interesting topics are available to visitors. Kids of all ages have the opportunity to interact with resident dogs and other animals of Purina Farms.
Outdoor Activities
Dog enthusiasts can watch purebreds compete in conformation or marvel at the talents of any breed or mix in obedience trials, agility, flying disc, tracking, herding, lure coursing, and diving dogs who love to work in the spacious outdoor amenities. Purina has a beautiful in-ground, heated, and filtered dock diving facility where water-loving dogs jump 25 foot lengths and farther to splash into the pool.
Special events such as the Purina Dog Chow® Incredible Dog Challenge national finals are also held here. Even when there are no competition events, resident dogs demonstrate their obedience skills and expertise in corralling farm animals.
Canine Event Center
Newly opened in 2010, the Canine Event Center is capable of hosting a variety of canine activities from conformation shows to performance events such as obedience and agility. This new and spacious facility features a state-of-the-art ventilation system and textured, padded flooring for comfort and safety.
Purina Farms Kids’ Summer Camp
In June 2011, Purina Farms hosted its first summer camp program for kids ages 8 to 12. The one day camp cost $35. Campers learned from trained rescued dogs about dock diving, agility, and flying disc along with grooming, nutrition, and other responsible pet care tips.
Purina Farms hosts all kinds of dog events every year. See the 2011 Events Schedule for upcoming shows. But Purina Farms is not just about dogs. Visitors also have fun interacting with farm animals, learning how to milk a cow, and playing in the hayloft.
Source:
Purina Farms, Accessed 9/14/11
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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