Incredible Dog Challenge FAQ

Show All
  • How can I enter my dog into the Purina® Incredible Dog Challenge®?

    The Purina® Incredible Dog Challenge® is an invitational event, featuring some of the best dogs in their sport. We generally scout these dogs through various sanctioned organizations, local clubs, and other national competitions. Local dogs, however, do have a chance to earn a right to compete in the sport of flying disc and diving dog along with the invited competitors for each show. These qualifying events are open to the public and typically take place the day before each scheduled event. The top two finishers in each qualifying event will be seeded with the invited competitors for Saturday’s competition. Registration for walk-on qualifiers usually starts around 9 am the day before the actual event (typically Friday).

  • When is the Purina® Incredible Dog Challenge® coming to my area?

    Each year we stage regional competitions around the country and our National Finals in St. Louis, the home of Nestlé Purina PetCare. Check the Schedule page for more specific information.

  • When was the Purina® Incredible Dog Challenge® established?

    Purina staged its first ever Purina® Incredible Dog Challenge® in the fall of 1998 in Gray Summit Missouri, the home of Purina Farms.

  • What does it cost to attend the Purina® Incredible Dog Challenge® as a spectator?

    All IDC events are open to the public and admission is either free or free with paid admission to the hosting venue, such as a state fair or festival. If the host venue allows, well behaved dogs on leashes are also able to attend.

  • Where and when is the National Championship?

    Our National Finals competition is held every year in St. Louis, the home of Nestlé Purina PetCare. This event is usually held in the Fall.

  • How can I train my dog to compete in the Purina® Incredible Dog Challenge®?

    There are many reputable dog trainers, dog clubs, and local organizations that you can work with in your community to bring out the best in your dog. And for those lucky enough to attend one of the events, our competitors generally share a few training tips with the audience.

  • What sort of events are featured at the Purina® Incredible Dog Challenge®?

    Events include:

    - Incredible Jack Russell Hurdle Racing
    Six Jack Russells (Parson Russell Terriers) start at once, chase a lure, negotiate three jump obstacles, and finish through a foam tunnel less than one foot wide. Set up in a tournament format, the top three through this tunnel from each heat advance to the next round.

    - Incredible Agility
    Small and large dog competitors navigate an obstacle course consisting of jumps, weave poles, tunnels and other obstacles. Dogs are timed, with penalty times added for faults made on the course. Each dog makes two runs on the course, with the fastest time winning.

    - Incredible Head-to-Head 60-Weave Pole
    Dogs compete head-to-head on a 60-weave pole course in a tournament elimination format. Eight dogs start in four quarterfinal races, with winners advancing to the semis and finals. A consolation heat will determine 3rd place.

    - Incredible Diving Dog
    Competitors run off of a 40' stage and dive into a pool of water. Distance is determined by placement of the dog’s nose when its body enters the water. Each dog gets two jumps, then the field is narrowed for a third and final jump.

    - Incredible Freestyle Flying Disc
    Highly trained dogs and their handlers perform routines of aerial maneuvers and tricks all set to music. Bonus points are awarded to dogs who catch discs thrown the entire field length into the Purina bonus square. Both dog and handler are judged on skill, originality and presentation.