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Epic Dog days in Ocala

Ocala Dog Ranch and International Dog Sports hosted an epic event.


International Dog Sports and Ocala Dog Ranch, hosted three days of dock diving and vendors at the 2024 Epic Dog Days in Ocala, FL. 31 Aug- 1 Sep [galleries below]


Ocala Dog Ranch (ODR) joined the International Dog Sports (IDS) Mobile docks first Florida event and part of Equine Performance Innovative Center: EPIC first annual Epic Dog Days event. Dozens of vendors and multiple food trucks were part of the three day event.


Dogs and handlers/owners came from as far as Ohio to play and compete in the dock diving this weekend. The mobile dock offered first time dogs fun experiences under the guidance of IDS judges for a memorable and safe first splash.



Dock Diving

Dock Diving may be one the the U.S.A. most original sports. Although international interest is growing, this is a dog sport born in rural America and first seen by the general public as an oddity on old cable hunting and fishing channels as a novel story piece to break up endless discussions on best camouflaged and newest lures. Since then a few "official" leagues have merged and standardized the game.


When once the docks were actual docks and the dogs were jumping into ponds, todays Dock Diving it typically a forty foot dock and forty foot long by five foot deep pool. Ever evolving efforts have been made to ensure safety for the dogs competing and some standard of measures to allow for fair competition between various dogs. Every league has their own standards and it is a widely debated topic.


Ocala Dog Ranch

Neil Hennessey and partner Sally Saxton opened the ODR in 2017. Providing boarding, training and hosting multiple dog sports from Disc Dog to Dock Diving, the facility quickly became incredibly popular and that may be well organized events and welcoming atmosphere Sally and Neil have provided to visitors of their facility and home.


One of the few Dock Diving locations in the S.E. that offers ADA compliant "porta-potty" and with Neil as a retired Royal Marine veteran, the ODR is very willing to accommodate disabled 1st responder and military veterans.



International Dog Sports (IDS)

National K9 Dock League

International Dog Sports and specifically their National K9 Dock League was born from the founders dissatisfaction with other Dock Diving organizations becoming so commercialized they had lost touch with the real reason for this games popularity. To have fun with your dog.


The league is only a year old and having some growing pains, but their focus on keeping the games accessible and light hearted has drawn a lot of attention.

Having such an established venue as the Ocala Dog Ranch switch teams to join them is quite an accomplishment and hopefully is a good portent for the league future.


Equine Performance Innovative Center (EPIC)

EPIC is a state of the art equine care and rehabilitation ranch near Ocala, FL. With over two acres and 20 stalls for horses in attendance.

At EPIC, we believe in rejuvenation through proven and innovative techniques, open communication, and a deep understanding of each animal’s needs. Our success is not just in the recovery and conditioning of our patients but in the enduring relationships we build with their owners and trainers. - EPIC

EPIC and Ocala Dog Ranch teamed up for the first EPIC Dog Days event this year. The staff were excellent to work with and the cooperation between the two main hosts led to a very successful event.


HERO DOGZ

More information for disabled 1st responder and military veterans.

Do your dog a huge favor and take them somewhere new!

Our core mission here at Bad Azz Dogz is about his simple idea. Helping disabled 1st responders and military veterans with dogs have full active lives!


The Ocala Dog Ranch is one of the very few Florida locations Bad Azz Dogz rates as a HERO DOGZ location.


- The facility provides ADA compliant toilets and is very responsive to accommodation special needs of those visiting their facility.

- With multiple games supported from Disc Dog, to Dock Diving, they also provide more general dog training and fun games like fun-run Lure Coursing, agility and more.


- The venues manager is a military combat vet themselves and can relate on a very personal level to your needs. MORE INFO. BELOW

Location and Contact information is at the end of this article.

We hope to see you and your best furry friends out their this year.


If you have further inquires, please contact us at info@badazzdogz.net



PHOTO-FEATURE

Enjoy our very special photo-feature of some Bad Azz Dogz and their humans! SHARE your favorites and please contact us at info@badazzdogz.net if a vet or first responder wanting to learn more.

CAUTION:

The Gallery is best viewed on a PC. The large file sizes and may burden any portable tablet or smart phone. ? [Need help downloading pictures] ?


 

More Information:

- Equine Performance Innovative Center: EPIC

- International Dog Sports

As with all events Bad Azz Dogz features, it is the hope you will consider coming out into our amazing Florida Bad Azz Dogz world of fun and activities near you.

 

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