WHAT IS IT, WHERE IS IT, HOW DOES IT WORK, QUICK FACTS:
The VPCA's annual Green Mountain Iron Dog was initially designed to simulate real-world Police K9 deployments. It is now an approximate 1.5 mile course where handler and dog run through a variety of obstacles over various terrain. Competitors are a mix of military, Police, and civilian. All abilities and dog breeds are welcome.
NEW for 2019: As this is our 20th, and requests for the Tie Dye shirts have been a yearly thing, we are doing tie dye for this year only. With your registration fee you get a cotton hand made tie dye shirt, or for $20 more you can instead get a wicking tie dye. The choice is yours.
PRO VS. OPEN: The run times are divided into two sections, Pro and Open.
The morning runs are devoted to our "PRO" runners, those who are there to really compete with themselves and the other runners and their dogs. Teams (handler and dog) will be ranked by time to complete the course. Top times earn trophies.
The afternoon "OPEN" runs are still timed and on the same course, but will be for the less intense teams and for those who are just looking to do something fun and challenging with the canine companion. There re no awards for the Open runs
If you plan on running more than one dog, you will be required to register twice, but only pay once. Contact Dave for details. Only the first run counts for time.
There are also separate competitions to include building and drug searches, as well as a 100 yard dash (dog only). You do not need to pre-register for these two events.
Multiple runs: If you would like to run more than once, contact [email protected] for details and discounts.
TEAMS of Runners: If you would like to run as a team of more than one K9 team/handler/runner/etc, please note that on the registration form. TEAMS are available only for the OPEN runs. The form will guide you through the process.
QUICK FACTS:
Pro Heats and Open Heats are the same course. The PRO is for the more competitive crowd.
Pro Heats start at 830, with orientation beginning at 800. Pre-Registration one week before the run is required!
Open Heats, registration is open until the runs start. These start at approximately 1230.
There will be an opening ceremony/awards at 1200.
All times are subject to change, depending on the number of runners.
There are RULES. See details under the RULES page (to be posted as we get closer) Check before the weekend, as Rules can change.
Junior Course: 7-13 years old (Register on line or day of) AFTERNOON ONLY.
Juniors will run the same course as adults, but must have an adult runner (over 18) with them. The adult does not need to complete the obstacles (but they can if they want!)
Adult Course: 14 years old and up (Register on line or day of) ALL DAY. See above regarding PRO vs OPEN.
How dos this work: Runners will be spaced apart by only a few minutes. Most obstacles are designed so that slower runners can be passed by faster runners. Try the obstacle as many times as needed, but DO NOT give up. Keep trying.
RULES:
General Rules:
Disrespect for the Judges will result in disqualification.
Judges’ decisions are final. No retrial. No appeal. No whining.
Other rules may apply and can be added or changed at any time.
Rules for the Main Course:
All obstacles must be completed to the satisfaction of the Judges.
Teams who fail to complete an obstacle must perform 15 burpees or 25 jumping jacks
All evidence must be shown to a Judge at the finish.
One miss is allowed at the formal K9 obstacle section. One. (1)
Only the handler’s first run counts for time for awards and trophies.
Rules for 100 yard dash:
As soon as the dog crosses the line, time begins.
Use whatever means necessary to encourage the dog to the finish.
Dogs may run no more than two times. The best time counts for awards.
Rules for the Suspect Search House:
Handler must make appropriate announcement prior to the search. On or off lead.
As soon as the dog crosses the threshold, time begins.
The dog must make the find/apprehension without guidance other than initial command.
Dog must be called back to the point of entry (threshold) to end time.
The search is to be done only once.
Rules for Drug Search House: (Trained K9 ONLY)
Handler gives the find command from the doorway. On or off lead ok.
As soon as the dog crosses the threshold, time begins. Door open or closed ok.
When dog alerts and handler advises of a find, time ends.
Don’t false alert your dog. A false alert = disqualification.
The search is to be done only once.
WHERE IS IT:
Camp Dudley At Kiniya, 1317 Camp Kiniya Road, off of Clay Point Road, off of Rte 2 towards the Islands from Exit 17 off I-89. Colchester.
There will be signs.
There will be signs.