Dogs display agility in Kawerau
29 November 2017
THE combined canine Agility Ribbon Trial and Jumpers Championship event held at Kawerau’s Prideaux Park over the weekend drew 220 dogs in 1520 entries.
Competitors came from as far afield as Whangarei, Auckland, Waikato, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Dog Obedience Club president Martin Bush said it was not unusual to have such a high turnout.
“That’s fairly typical for the show that happens in November,” he said.
The popularity of these types of dog obedience events speaks volumes for the special relationships that Kiwis have with their pets. Mr Bush said agility trials were especially prevalent.
“Competitions are held all over the country just about every weekend,” he said.
Mr Bush said dog agility required handlers to guide their dogs around a course set by the judge and complete it in the fastest time with the least number of errors.
He said agility classes ranged from elementary for the very new dogs to senior level for the most experienced dogs.
Jumpers classes are from Jumpers C (beginners) to Jumpers A, for the most experienced dogs.
The degree of difficulty and complexity of the course increases the higher the class.
Classes are generally split between dog heights so dogs of similar size compete against each other.
Placegetters among Eastern Bay club members were: Nikki Newport and Zac – second in elementary division; Ben Paddon and Fizz – second in novice division and fouth in jumpers C1; Tina Mitchell and Joy – first in intermediate division and first in senior division; Martin Bush and Tayghen – second in jumpers A2 level; Trish Bush and Lucy – first in jumpers B1; Sue Whitwell and Edge – second in jumpers B2; Una Forrester and Yay-Lo – third in jumpers B2.
The 2018 calendar has been set and competitions are scheduled for April 14-15 and November 24-25.
Source: Whakatane Beacon