Thirty competitors from across the province and almost twice as many dogs turned out Saturday to showcase their talent, skill and training at the Cariboo Agility Team’s obstacle course.
Divided by skill and age, the animals displayed impressive athleticism nurtured by their owners at the annual agility trial at the baseball diamond beside the South Cariboo Rec Centre.
Roxanne Ziefflie, president of the Cariboo Agility Team and a competitor for 20 years, said they’ve been putting this agility trial on since 2009 with dogs competing in the starters, advanced and masters levels. Ziefflie said all the trainers love coming to 100 Mile House for the venue and the friendly faces. When she opened registration this year she said they filled up within two days and a waiting list besides.
“I think everybody is really enjoying it, everybody loves coming here because it’s a really easygoing event and we get support from the District and everybody,” Ziefflie said. “Some people are a little more competitive than others but everyone still comes to have fun with their dogs.”
As a sanctioned Agility Association of Canada event, dogs and trainers who scored highly may qualify for other events or win a title. Ziefflie said that this is the only AAC event her group hosts each year due to competing demand for the ball diamond and shortness of the season.
Ziefflie said that if someone was interested in getting involved in dog training that it’s best to find a good instructor first rather than the cheapest. In that same vein, she said it’s important to find a trainer who teaches only positive habits as the agility Cariboo Agility Team practices is all about having fun with them. She said you’re not allowed to be mean to your dog at their events and the training you put your dog through should reflect that.
Another nice aspect of the event, she said, is the social element which she was happy to say that, while they kept physically distant with spacing and masks, were still able to experience. Being around likeminded people and playing fun games with their dogs, in addition to improving their score, is what events like this are all about.
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