Action dogs return to town June 11-12

What could be more fun to see than high-flying disc dogs in the park?
Not much, according to Dahlonega resident Rick Nielsen, owner of four Border Collies and a coordinator of competitions for Southeast Disc Dogs.
Teams from five southern states will be competing in Dahlonega with each other in the Skyhoundz Classic and DiscDogathon on June 11and 12 at the Multipurpose Field in Yahoola Creek Park.    
“This event will be one of the largest in Georgia,” said Nielsen.
The stakes are high, and the best in the region will be competing, including former World Champions, all vying for top positions. “This competition is great for spectators. World-class dogs will be playing,” he said.
Disc dogs compete in games that incorporate distance, speed, and accuracy at catching discs.  
These skills come into play in variations of the toss and fetch theme—that game everyone plays with their dogs in the back yard.
In addition, the more complex Freestyle competition showcases human/canine teams performing routines that incorporate tricks and acrobatics set to music.
Both days feature high-energy competition, but the Classic is what draws the big guns to town.
The Classic combines scores from multiple rounds of play, which reduces the role of luck that may accompany single round games.
Only the best win, according to Nielsen.
The DiscDogathon includes five different games, each testing a set of different skills.
The Classic and DiscDogathon are open to competitors of all levels. Newcomers are welcome, although inexperienced dogs should be able to work off leash in an environment with a lot of distractions, according to Nielsen.
The competitions start each day at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude approximately 3:00 p.m.  
Winners will be qualified to compete in the World Championship Finals held in September 2022.
Information and registration instructions are available at www.dahlonegaactiondogs.com.