Come, sit, stay at the Rochester Minnesota Kennel Club Agility Trials. Held at the Olmsted County fairgrounds Sept. 3-5, more than 175 dogs and their human handlers are registered to compete. Dogs run through obstacles while racing against the clock to get to the finish line. Deductions are taken for exceeding the time limit or missing obstacles.
"The Agility Trials encourage people to be active with their dogs," says Caroline Baihly, who is participating in the agility trials with her golden retriever, Cree.
Although handlers can be any age (including kids), dogs must be 15 months or older. New this year, in addition to purebred dogs, the agility trials are also open to mix-breed dogs.
"AKC now has a new program where people can get a number for their spayed or neutered mix-breed so that their mix-breed dog can now compete," Baihly says. "There are a lot of people who compete with their purebred dog and have trained their mix-breed dog, now their mix-breed dog can compete, too."
The agility trials are hosted by the Rochester Minnesota Kennel Club. The nonprofit organization meets the second Monday of each month. Families can access the group for help in choosing the right breed for their family, demonstrations and seminars on training and dog care, and information on local obedience and agility classes.
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"First steps include a good obedience class to develop a good rapport and an understanding of basic commands," says Baihly regarding preparing your family's dog to participate in agility trials. "The club can help guide people and point them in the right direction toward good local classes."
Free admission. Held rain or shine. Bring lawn chairs, sunscreen and bug spray. Advanced dogs compete earlier in the day. Visit the AKC’s website for agility rules.
