ESPN is going straight to the dogs in the best way possible. On August 26, the American Kennel Club is proud to participate in ESPN Dog Day for the second time, with dog sports broadcast live on ESPN2 and the ESPN app.
What better way to spend a hot August day than by watching dogs run, jump, and splash? Tune in on ESPN2 or the ESPN app to catch ESPN’s Bark in the Park at 7 p.m. ET. Highlights from the Meet the Breeds event will be streaming on the ESPN App beginning at 6:30 p.m.
So, grab your best four-legged friend, crank the AC, and tell every dog lover you know to get ready for a dog sports-filled Thursday evening. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch ESPN’s Bark in the Park on August 26.
What to Expect
Over 90 dogs will compete in a variety of events including Diving Dogs, Weave Pole, Flyball, and Agility. Have a favorite dog from a Disney movie? The Disney-themed Meet the Breeds will highlight several of these dogs, including the Dalmatian, Cocker Spaniel, and more.
Schedule
6:30 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. ET– Meet the Breeds from ESPN Bark in the Park (streaming via the ESPN app)
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. ET– “ESPN Bark in the Park” (on ESPN2)
9:00 p.m.-11 p.m. ET–Disney movie “Turner & Hooch” (1989) (on ESPN2)
11:00 p.m.– 12:00 a.m. ET– 2020 AKC National Championship (on ESPN2)
Diving Dogs
Watching Diving Dogs for the first time is fun and exciting — but what are all the rules? The action happens so fast that it can be hard to keep track of who wins and why. We’re here to break down the sport of Diving Dogs. Learn the step-by-step rules to Dock Diving.
Flyball
You can feel the anticipation in the air as the dogs line up and wait for a Flyball relay race to begin. A set of drag racing lights signal the start of the race and as the last light turns green the first dog on each team races down the lane over a set of jumps towards a springloaded box, triggering the box with their paw to release a ball which they catch at lightning speed.
When you watch Flyball for the first time, it can be fun but confusing. The action happens so fast that it can be hard to keep track of who wins and why. We’re here to break down the sport of Flyball. Learn more about this action-packed sport.
Agility
Many people may not be familiar with agility competitions, where dogs navigate through an obstacle course while racing against the clock. Even for those who have heard of the sport, acting as a simple spectator can be a little intimidating.
We are here to fill you in on the basics of watching an agility event — including a breakdown of each obstacle and how scoring works. Who knows, you may just be inspired to start training your pup after this mini introduction. Learn all you need to do know about dog agility.
Meet the Breeds
Learn more about your favorite Disney breeds, including the Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Saint Bernard, Dogue de Bordeaux, Dalmatian, Old English Sheepdog, Chinese Crested, Poodle, Great Dane, Beagle, and more! This event starts on the ESPN app at 6:30 p.m. ET.
More
Close out the night with a movie screening of the 1989 Disney film, Turner & Hooch, and the 2020 AKC National Championship.
The Canine Flyball CanAm Classic is coming to your TVs! The nation’s largest Flyball event was held on October 22 in Indianapolis, IN, and premieres on ESPN2 on Sunday, November 5th, at 3pm ET. Don’t miss these speedy dogs in action!