Man’s best friend gets his day in the sun on Saturday.
Dog Days of Denton starts first thing in the morning at the fairgrounds, and promises the traditional contests, exciting demonstrations and lots of things for local dogs to do.
Organizers added two new features to the annual event. Alamar Farms will bring its four-legged star pupils to demonstrate herding techniques and practices. And if you’ve ever wondered how your dog knew you were making a turkey sandwich two rooms away, the Golden Triangle Dog Obedience Group will have volunteers on hand to explain “nose work” — that is, how a dog experiences scent, and how to use your dog’s keen sense of smell in an activity you and your dog can enjoy.
Competitive souls have the same host of contests to enter: most drool, longest ears, shortest ears, longest tongue, shortest tongue, longest legs, shortest legs, fluffiest hair, shortest hair, best dressed, dog-owner look-alike and dog who traveled the farthest.
Between contests and demonstrations, locals and their dogs can take “Glamfur” photos, shop among arts and crafts vendors, and visit pet care information and rescue group booths.
Admission is free.
— Lucinda Breeding
21st ANNUAL DOG DAYS OF DENTON
What: A day for dogs and the people who love them
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: North Texas Fairgrounds, 2217 N. Carroll Blvd.
Details: Keep your dogs on a leash, and take them home if they get overstimulated. Pets must be up to date on their shots.
On the Web: www.dentondogdays.com
SCHEDULE
9 a.m. — Introduction to Therapy Pals Program and Canine Nosework demonstration on main stage
9 a.m. to noon — Agility course open in field
9:15 a.m. — Demonstrations of canine sports in field, with demonstrations every half hour through noon or later
9:30 a.m. — Canine Couture Costume Contest on main stage
10 a.m. — Leader Dogs program, presentation on the Lions Club’s service dog program on main stage, with Tammy Freeman and her Leader Dog, Vince
10:30 a.m. — Dancing With the Dogs Contest on main stage
11 a.m. — K-9 arson unit’s Baltic and handler Brian Gilmore, Denton Fire Department
11:45 a.m. — 2015 Spokesdog Pageant on main stage
12:30 p.m. — Pet tricks contest on main stage
1 to 4 p.m. — Obedience rally course open in field
1:30 p.m. — Dog singing contest on main stage
2:30 p.m. — “How Obedient Is Your Dog?” Contest on main stage
3 p.m. — “Heinz 57” dog show on main stage
NOTE: Pets should be ready for contests 15 minutes prior to start.
Demonstrations and activities in the field:
9 a.m. to noon — Open agility course run by the Dallas Agility Working Group (D.A.W.G.) for a $5 donation for the Leader Dogs project
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Dallas Dog ’n Disc demonstrations
9 am. to 4 p.m. — Herding demonstration by Alamar Farms
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Nosework demonstrations and trial course by Golden Triangle Dog Obedience
1 to 4 p.m. — Open obedience rally by Golden Triangle Dog Obedience Group
All day — “GlamFur” shots, $5 per photo; arts and crafts vendors; pet adoptions; games and food booths; pet care products and information; dog rescue groups. Pet food donations accepted at information booth.
