Greensburg woman featured in Prime Video series about Purina dog competition

Britney Imhof is no stranger to the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge competition. She has competed in the event with her older dog and now with her younger dog, a 3-year-old miniature American shepherd named Witcher.

But for dog and trainer, being followed by Amazon Prime Video camera crews as part of “A Different Breed,” a documentary series about the competition, was a new experience.

“There are cameras everywhere and drones,” said Imhof, 36, of Greensburg. “It’s a whole different circus from the typical competition.”

The Incredible Dog Challenge is an invite-only competition. Potential competitors attend regional events, and those who score well can earn a spot in the challenge. “A Different Breed” follows trainers and their dogs preparing and competing in disc, dock and agility events. Imhof and Witcher were filmed as they prepared for the agility competition.

Below, watch the trailer for “A Different Breed.”

Imhof and Witcher train at the B&D Creekside Activity Center, a dog training facility in Latrobe. But in the days leading up to the competition, Imhof’s older dog who is retired from competition, fell ill and nearly died.

“That’s where I was at, mentally,” she said. “I was with my dog for so long that I had to take a red-eye flight and got in at 1 a.m. the day of the competition. And it was the first time Witcher had ever flown.”

Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, Purina’s senior veterinarian, said the idea behind the documentary series was not just to showcase the competition, but to illustrate the tight-knit bond between trainer and dog.

“Part of Purina’s ethos is that people and pets are better together, and their lives become richer,” Lobos said. “The challenge has this 30-year history of bringing these people and their incredible dogs together, and we wanted to share their insights with people beyond the audience who attends the events.”

Purina officials reached out to Imhof in early 2024 about participating. Filming for the Incredible Dog Challenge took place in April 2024, then film crews traveled to Westmoreland County to do shoot some additional footage with Imhof and Witcher.

“Our episode really focused on what we were going through at the time (with my older dog) and how we were able to push through it and compete,” Imhof said. “I’ve gotten quite a few messages from people saying that our episode made them cry.”

Lobos said that even if people who watch the series aren’t quite ready to have their dog compete for a spot in the Incredible Dog Challenge, she hopes it will inspire them to do more with their pets.

“One of my personal platforms as a vet and sort of a micro-influencer on social media is the importance of physical and mental exercise — that chance to really have some bonding time with your pet,” she said. “Your dog knows the difference when you’re on a walk just to ‘check the box’ and on your phone or distracted, versus spending that truly dedicated time with them for their benefit.”

In the agility competition, Imhof said Witcher had the speed to win, but a mistake kept them off the winners’ podium.

“But it was his first big competition, and he’s only 2 years old,” she said.

Lobos said she hopes dog owners will be inspired by stories those of Imhof and Witcher.

“They have so much dedication not just to the sport but to the bond between them and their dogs,” she said. “And so the whole thing really highlights the importance of proper training, great nutrition and proper rest. All of that can come together to create a really great experience, and it benefits you and your pet.”

Watch “A Different Breed” on Amazon Prime Video.