Dog Days of Winter

Bring your pups out for fun on the Whitewater Center’s one-of-a-kind ice skating rink.

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. The 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. Close-toed shoes or ice cleats are required for humans. 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 a 5K trail race or a 1-mile walk around the whitewater channel. The last day to Pre-Register is Thursday, February 13th.

Packet Pick-up: Friday, February 14th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Dickson Center.

Race Day Check-In Location: Ridge Pavilion

Race Start Time: Saturday, February 15th at 10:00am

Dog Jog 5K Trail Race Price: $37 (Pre-Register)  $42 (Day of Registration)

1 Mile Walk Price: $25 (Pre-Register) $30 (Day of Registration)

Dog Days of Winter features local pet brands and services at the Whitewater Center. Swing by the various tents to get your dog some 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 and improve the lives of animals. Shelters and rescue organization will be located throughout vendor village.

Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm

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

Location: River Jam Stage

Time: 11:00am, 2:15pm

Highly trained retrievers, doing what they were bred to do. From puppies to advanced competition dogs, watch K9’s  showing off their ability to retrieve and work as a team with the handler. The demonstration is organized by Avery Creek Retrievers.

Location: Dam (Next to Lower Pond)

Time: 11:30am, 1:00pm

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”. Happy Dogs Training will demonstrate what it takes to be a Canine Good Citizen and dog owners will have the opportunity to test their dogs on site with a chance to earn their certification. .

Location: River Jam Stage

Time: 12:30pm

Come create a masterpiece featuring your furry friend with StudioSRV. Send in a photo of your dog and artist Seann Vicente will sketch it. Then, show up to the class, and you’ll get to paint the sketch of your dog with the artist’s assistance.

This class will last two hours. You will be responsible for keeping an eye on your own pet or to find a friend to watch them. This class has a limited capacity and requires registration in advance.

Price: $55

Location: Overlook Barn

Time: 11:00am

Build a bowl made with healthy ingredients to reward your pup. View the menu here.

Price: $10

Location: Overlook Barn

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

Decorate a homemade dog treat with dog-friendly toppings.

Price: Free

Location: Big Drop Pavilion

Time: 1:00pm

Learn life-saving techniques in this 1-hour Pet Tech CPR and Rescue Breathing class. This class will be taught by Amy Hillis, CPACO, co-owner of  Social Pet Hotel and Daycare and certified Pet Tech instructor.  Pre-registration is required.

Price: $5

Location: South Conference Room at the Dickson Center.

Time: 12:30pm

Join the puppies from Kal’s Pals and Mutty Misfits for a 30 minute slow flow yoga practice. Puppy yoga features puppies roaming from one yoga mat to the next as you move, flow, and breathe.  All proceeds will benefit Kal’s Pals and Mutty Misfits.

This class has a limited capacity and requires registration in advance.

Personal dogs are not allowed in this class.

Price: $10

Location: Wharf

Times: 11:30am, 12:30pm

Join us for a Canine Acupressure Class to learn simple, hands-on techniques that promote relaxation, improve digestion, and address common concerns like anxiety and allergies. Led by a Nationally Certified Canine Acupressure Practitioner, this class is perfect for pet owners who want to take an active role in their dog’s wellness.

Location: South Ridge

Time: 1:30pm

Learn about the role of Spaniels in the field and watch a live retrieving demonstration by Dog Years Training and Boarding Center.

Location: Ridge Pavilion

Time: 3:00pm

Let your dog run and chase an avalanche of tennis balls. Space is limited and is first-come, first-serve.

Location: Levee

Time: 2:00pm

This demonstration is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the critical role that explosive detection K9 units and their handlers play in ensuring safety and security. Watch as the K9 unit performs pseudo explosive detection scenarios, showcasing their precision and agility in identifying potential threats. The demonstration will highlight the specialized training methods, operational procedures, and the science behind scent detection that makes the team effective. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A session with handlers who will share firsthand experiences and answer your questions.

Location: Dam (Lawn next to Lower Pond)

Time: 12:00pm, 2:30pm