Dog Days of Winter

Check-In Location: River Center

Price: $12 per person

Dogs on Ice Opens: 10:00am

Dogs on Ice Closes: 4:30pm

Registration: Pre-registration is highly recommended. Day-of registration is available only if capacity allows it.

Once registered, you may come anytime during the Dogs on Ice open period (10:00am-4:30pm).

About this Activity: Activities at the Whitewater Center are inherently dangerous. Ice can be slippery, wet, or sharp, and it is recommended that dogs wear boots or other paw coverings. Dogs without paw coverings should only be on the ice for 40 minutes or less, and paws should be washed afterward to remove residue from the ice. Closed-toe shoes and ice cleats are required for dog owners. All dogs must be off-leash when on the ice rink and accompanied by their owners. Dogs must be on leash at all other times. No food or toys will be allowed on the ice rink. Capacity on the rink will be monitored for safety.

Grab a leash and hit the trails with your canine companion. Choose between a 5K trail race or a 1 Mile walk around the whitewater channel. The last day to pre-register is Thursday, February 5th.

Dog Days of Winter features local and regional pet brands and services. Stop by the various tents to get dog gear, treats and more.

Time: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

The Whitewater Center is partnering with pet adoption centers around the Charlotte area to find homes for dogs in need. Shelters and rescue organizations will be located throughout vendor village.

Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm

View the menu here.

Price: $10 or $30

Location: Overlook Barn

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

Price: $5

Location: Big Drop Pavilion

Time: 1:00pm

Charlotte Dog Training Club will demonstrate how dogs use their natural abilities to search for specific scents. Short, guided mini-classes will be offered to introduce the fundamentals of the sport.

Location: Levee

Time: 10:00am

Try out UltiMutt’s mini obstacle course featuring obstacles like hoops, jumps and more.

Location: Levee

Time: 10:00am-4:30pm

Charlotte Dog Training Club will present an AKC Rally exhibition demonstrating how dogs and handlers work together through a course of performance signs. Short mini-classes will give teams an opportunity to experience Rally skills and course flow.

Location: Levee

Time: 11:00am

Time: 11:15am, 3:00pm

Location: River Jam Stage

The Duck Dog Demo with Avery Creek Retrievers will showcase the capabilities of highly trained retriever dogs through game retrieval, following directional signs and working as a teammate with their handlers.

Location: Dam

Time: 11:30am, 3:30pm

Paint Your Pet is a relaxed acrylic painting experience celebrating four-legged friends. Participants will create a custom portrait of their pet, no painting experience needed. Prior to the event, guests submit a clear photo of their pet, which is used to prepare a personalized sketch on canvas. During the class, guided instruction is provided by local artist Aimee-Rose Wilson. All supplies are included.

This class will last 1.5 hours. Guests will be responsible for keeping an eye on their own pet. This class has a limited capacity and requires registration in advance.

Price: $40

Location: Big Drop Pavilion

Time: 11:30am

Want to put your dog’s manners to the test? Join Happy Dogs Training for AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing with professional trainers.

The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen program promotes training and responsible dog ownership. The Canine Good Citizen test involves 10 items that the dog and its owner must complete to earn their title, including a test of obedience, sit-down-stay and passing by a strange dog without saying “hello.” The CGC program evaluates essential real-world skills like polite leash walking, reliable responses around distractions, calm greetings and basic obedience.

Location: River Jam Stage

Time: 11:30am

Register at the Happy Dogs Training tent for $15 per dog. Availability is limited.

Charlotte Dog Training Club’s agility exhibition will showcase dogs navigating obstacles such as jumps and tunnels while working in partnership with their handlers. Mini-classes will be available for guests to explore agility foundations in a controlled environment.

Location: Levee

Time: 12:00pm

Learn simple, hands-on techniques that promote relaxation, improves digestion and addresses common concerns like anxiety and allergies, led by a Nationally Certified Canine Acupressure Practitioner with Poll to Pastern.

Location: South Ridge

Time: 12:00pm

Charlotte Dog Training Club will host a full Family Dog Manners class offering a real-time look at practical training for everyday life. The class focuses on foundational skills that support polite, confident companion dogs.

Location: Levee

Time: 1:00pm

A hands-on training workshop with Social Pet that covers, CPR, rescue breathing and must-have items for a pet first aid kit, ensuring dog owners are prepared in an emergency.

Location: Ridge Yurt

Time: 12:30pm

Agility is a fast-paced and competitive sport involving a course of 10-25 obstacles that the dog and handler navigate together for the fastest time. Watch dogs zoom through the agility course and get a chance to try it yourself (limited capacity). Presented by Happy Dogs Training.

Location: River Jam Stage

Time: 10:30am, 12:30pm

The Enrichment Clinic, hosted by Zoom Room, introduces what enrichment is and why it matters for your dog. The clinic will cover basics of scent work, canine fitness activities and at-home enrichment practices before opening the floor to questions.

Location: Levee

Time: 3:00pm