Dog trials test obedience
March 8, 2010 by Laci Holcombe · Leave a Comment
The South Plains Obedience Training Club of Lubbock hosted two American Kennel Club All Breed Dog Obedience and Rally Trials from Feb. 27-28 at the Panhandle-South Plains Fairgrounds Merchant Building.
There were more than100 purebred dogs from six surrounding states that participated in the rally and competitive obedience trials.
Each dog team was judged at one of the three different levels of competition: novice, open and utility.
Dogs performed heeling, high jumps, broad jumps, retrieving and scent discrimination.
Dr. Ronda Clark is a local veterinarian and three of her dogs participated in the event.
She has a miniature poodle and two Australian Shepherds that each won awards in their classes of competition.
“Rally is a good stepping stone for competitive obedience because it builds confidence by being in front of other people and strange dogs,” said Clark, “and it gives opportunity to practice their skills with us being able to talk to them.”
According to the South Plains Obedience Training Club of Lubbock Web site, the group is a nonprofit organization that promotes the sport of training dogs and responsible dog ownership through donations to canine causes, public education projects, pet therapy and year-round obedience training.
More than 9,000 people have used the club to train their dogs to become good canine citizens of the South Plains, according to the group’s Web site. The club also offers educational and pet therapy programs, in addition to hosting American Kennel Club licensed agility and obedience trials.
“Anything you and your pet learn to do together is just one more thing that builds that companion dog and human relationship,” said Clark.
