Purina Incredible Dog Challenge 2014

It’s that time again! No, we’re not talking about shedding season or even the return of pumpkin spice lattes — we’re all atwitter about the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge!

We’ve attended in the past and had some amazing experiences, like going through the agility course ourselves, getting up close (and in the splash zone!) for the diving dogs and interviewing competitors. Here’s what to expect from the National Finals, taking place today and tomorrow at Purina Farms in St. Louis, Missouri.

When it’s happening: Sept. 25 and 26

Where you can watch it: It will be livestreaming on the Pro Plan website starting Saturday, Sept. 26 at noon EDT; this is also a great place to learn all about the competitors before the excitement begins. You can find out when it’ll be on a TV station in your area here.

Events taking place: Small Dog Agility, Large Dog Agility, 30 Weave Up and Back, Diving Dog, Freestyle Flying Disc, Fetch It! and Jack Russell Hurdle Racing.

Purina Incredible Dog Challenge 2013 Jack Russell Terriers

Why you don’t want to miss it: The event tagline is "Where regular dogs achieve extraordinary feats," and from what we’ve seen, this is entirely true. Seeing dogs compete in events they clearly love — seriously, just try getting those diving dogs out of the water without a proper reward — and watching the way they bond with their owners is truly spectacular. And if it encourages you to do a little extra training with your own dog, all the better!

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