Sniff n Splash at Fairgrounds

CRESCO - How would you like to be part of history? Here is your chance. Attend the first-in-the-area Sniff n Splash at the Howard County Fairgrounds, and you can brag to your friends!

This weekend’s three-day event (June 1-3) is being sponsored by Upper Iowa Training Club (UITC) and features three different categories: North American Dock Diving (NADD) Trials, Barn Hunt Trials and Lure Coursing “Try It.”

Jill Dunham, treasurer of UITC of Decorah, is excited to be part of the Sniff n Splash. “You don’t have to be part of the club to participate. You can just show up and do the ‘Try It’ events.” Then if a pet has a knack for a portion of the activities, he or she can be entered.

The “Sniff” part of the weekend function is the Barn Hunt, where dogs hunt for rats hidden in the hay in a barn. The rats are not harmed in any way. They are confined to PVC pipe. Brittany Allen, UITC president, stated, “My dogs go crazy for this event. Barn hunt is very beginner friendly and great for new dog and handler teams. If entering barn hunt for the first time, you will need to register your dog on the barn hunt website to get a number. The hunt premium can be found on our website at upperiowatrainingclub.com.” The club’s origins go back to before 1990. 

The “Splash” part features dock diving. Dunham explained, “A big pool is set up. The Cresco Fire Department has offered to fill the pool with approximately 28,000 gallons of water.” Several different competitions take place in dock diving, including distance splash and height splash. Owners can even get in the pool with their pet.

The last event is the Lure Course, a practice event. Dogs can chase a plastic bag or toy and race. 

An extra sport will be UpDog, which is a Disc competition.

To learn more about the weekend competition, go to upperiowatrainingclub.com, check them out on Facebook, or check out the links to NADD.

A person doesn’t have to have a dog to have fun at Sniff n Splash. Come on out to the Fairgrounds and visit with other pet enthusiasts or check out some of the dog-themed vendors. Human food supplied by Reno’s Roadkill Smokehouse!