Lumberman’s Park, next to the arena in 100 Mile House, went to the dogs on Aug. 26-28 – the agility dogs.
The local Cariboo Agility Team hosted its annual Dog Agility Trial, which is sanctioned by the Agility Association of Canada (AAC), so participants and their dogs can earn points as they work their way up the rankings.
So there are definitely goals set for the trials that are held around the province.
For an untrained eye of a spectator, however, it looks like everyone is just having a great time – dogs and trainers.
The dogs are obviously keen to please their trainers and they race around the runs, which change elements and challenges often during the day.
As they run from obstacle to obstacle, their eyes are fixed on the next hand signal or a vocal command. It’s great teamwork when it goes together well.
Sometimes, the dogs anticipate what the handlers want them to do and race off to complete a jump or a teeter-totter.
Sometimes that works, but all too often the dogs find themselves standing alone.
Then they run over to the trainer and start off on the correct path.
It happens to most of the dogs, but there’s no embarrassment, shouting or anger.
No, they just start all over again.
When the run is over, there is a show of love and respect between owner and dog, and together, they wait for the next run.
Local group treasurer Roxanne Ziefflie says there were 39 trainers running 65 dogs on the weekend.
There were 202 runs on Saturday and 242 runs on Sunday.
“So, there was a total 444 runs over the weekend and from those runs there were 135 qualifying runs. That means they ran the run in time and clean [no errors or deductions] for that particular event.”
Ziefflie notes thay got a little bit of rain during the weekend, which was the first time she could recall that happening.
“People don’t mind; they’re prepared for it. Generally, this is an all-weather sport, but we don’t run in the snow.”
She adds everyone loves coming to the 100 Mile House Trial because Lumberman’s park is within walking distance of everything in town.
The District of 100 Mile House always takes good care of us at the park, Ziefflie notes.
“People keep saying they love coming to our trials. We are very relaxed with a laid-back type of atmosphere ... they feel very welcomed.
Titles won
• Prince George resident Maria James and her dog Strutt, an All Canadian (mixed breed), got the Expert Gold Steeplechase, which means she has received 100 qualifying runs.
• Kelowna resident, Lisa Snyders and her dog Maggie, an All Canadian, won a Bronze Award of Merit, and an Excellent Standard Bronze.
• 100 Mile House resident Doris Embree and her dog Ecko, a rat terrier, got an Agility Dog of Canada Award for having three qualified runs in Starter Standard.
• Kelowna resident Denise Tarlier and her dog Kai, a Nova Scotia Ducktoller retriever, got an Agility Dog of Canada Award.
• Kamloops resident Lissa Porath and her dog Suki, a springer spaniel received a Master Agility Dog of Canada Award.
• 100 Mile House resident Terry Ziefflie and Forrest, a flat coated retriever, got an Advanced Agility Dog of Canada Award.
Anyone interested in agility dog training can contact Ziefflie at 250-791-7330 or terroxz@shaw.ca. Classes will be starting in October.