| Sometimes you run into the pet owner who is so | | | | owner, agility tests the ability of a dog to negotiate |
| proud of his dog that he has their pictures in his | | | | an obstacle course quickly and accurately. Dogs run |
| wallet as if they were his children. In fact, some pet | | | | through tunnels, soar over jumps, and balance on |
| owners think of their dogs as their fur children. For | | | | teeter-tots like circus performers. Handlers cannot |
| this extremely proud pet owner, maybe it would | | | | touch the dog or course, only motion and give |
| make sense to funnel some of that pride into | | | | commands. Many organizations allow dogs of any |
| showing their dog competitively. But how does one | | | | breed to enter, as long as the dog is healthy. Dogs |
| get started showing one's dog, and what kind of | | | | are matched by size, and judging is based on |
| competitions are there for dogs these days? For pet | | | | accuracy and quickness. These shows are great fun |
| owners there are many options for showing off your | | | | just to watch. Expect the border collies to take the |
| dog's talents, all you need to do is look in the right | | | | cake almost every time. |
| place. | | | | Herding Trials |
| Conformation Show | | | | These competitions test the abilities of herding dogs |
| When people think of a dog show, this is generally | | | | to direct sheep. A flock is set on unfenced land, and |
| what comes to mind. The Westminster, for example, | | | | the dog has to herd the sheep through several test |
| is a conformation show. These types of shows judge | | | | elements before herding them into a pen. The handler |
| the dog based on its conformation to the breed | | | | uses voice commands, but much of the burden is on |
| standard, which is determined by the breed | | | | the dog. Scoring is based on pints given for each test |
| organization. This organization is in turn headed by a | | | | element and for time. Some organizations allow any |
| parent organization, such as the American Kennel Club | | | | dog that has been trained to herd to enter, while |
| in the US. For this type of show your dog must be | | | | others allow only herding breeds. This is a great |
| pure bred with AKC papers to be shown. He or she | | | | competition to show of the skills of a working dog. |
| must also be whole (not spayed or neutered). This | | | | Field Trials |
| narrows the candidates quite a bit, but for people | | | | These competitions test the abilities of hunting dogs |
| with a passion for a singular breed, this is a great | | | | in the field. Dogs are usually divided into four |
| arena of competition. | | | | sub-groups depending on function including: Retrievers |
| Obedience Trial | | | | and Irish Water Spaniels, Sporting Spaniels, Pointers |
| This type of competition tests the ability of a dog to | | | | and Setters, Breeds that Hunt, Point, and Retrieve. |
| obey the handler's commands. This includes | | | | Game is shot live in the field, and points are given for |
| commands such as sit, stay, and come along with | | | | how well the dog performs its specific function. |
| more complex commands. Obedience trials are held | | | | Some trials are hosted by gun clubs, while others are |
| by the AKC, which allows only pure bred dogs, but | | | | hosted by dog clubs. For a well trained working dog, |
| also by other organizations such as the American | | | | these competitions can be greatly stimulating. |
| Mixed Breed Obedience Registry. This means that | | | | There are many options for you if you want to |
| even if your dog is not pure bred he or she can still | | | | show your dog, and all are a great way to become |
| compete. Depending on the level of performance, the | | | | closer to your canine companion. Take the process |
| dog can earn a title ranging from "CD" (Companion | | | | with a light heart, and remember that if he doesn't |
| Dog) to "OTCh" (Obedience Trial Champion). | | | | win, your dog does not take the verdict personally. |
| Dog Agility | | | | He's just happy to be close to you. |
| One of the most fun competitions for both dog and | | | | |