Agile dogs vault to the head of the pack

[Global Paw]

The dance with the Doberman ended in 32 seconds.

That's how long it took Kestrel to zip through a winding obstacle course during Monday's dog trials competition at the Lane Events Center.

And that's how Craig French of Woodburn, Kestrel's owner, sees dog trials: as a well-choreographed dance between dog and handler.

"Focus, attention and motivation are key," said French, a retired U.S. Air Force test pilot and a dog trainer for the past 32 years.

About 250 dogs came from throughout the West Coast to participate in the four-day event that concluded Monday at the Lane Events Center. The agility trials were sponsored by Eugene Kennel Club and McKenzie Cascade Dog Fanciers.

Craig French of Woodburn directs his Doberman, Kestrel, to the next jump during dog agility trials Monday at the Lane Events Center.



Chip, a sheltie owned by Karen Ten Eyck of Pleasanton, Calif., takes in the action at the trials. Herding dogs are said to excel in agility events.

Photos: Kevin Clark / The Register-Guard

Similar to equestrian steeplechase, the team that communicates most effectively takes home top prize, French said.

Lynda Hammond added that trials are about enjoyment, for both parties.

"Agility is all about praise, love and attention," said Hammond of Issaquah, Wash., whose blue Doberman, Indy, took part in the races. "The dog has to really like doing it for the two of you to succeed."

Agility involves handlers directing their dogs over a timed obstacle course. Between them and the finish line lie tunnels, jumps, poles they must slalom through and teeter-totters. Dogs receive only voice commands, sounds and signals from their owners.

Herding breeds such as collies, shepherds and Belgian sheepdogs excel in agility, Hammond said.

But then any breed can succeed at agility, Hammond said, as she watched a well-coiffed poodle clear a hurdle with the elan of an Olympic athlete.

If you are looking for a jack-of-all-trades dog, look no further than Lakota. A triple threat, the 4-year-old golden retriever has won tracking, obedience and agility competitions, said Lakota's owner, Ada McClory of Walterville.

Competing in the novice division, Lakota's biggest challenge was mastering the teeter-totter. But a nontraditional canine treat helped her conquer the contraption, McClory said. "I just slapped salmon cream cheese all over the teeter-totter," she said.

[Pinscher Mum]

Awee what an awesome article, isnt it amazing the things furkids can do and such a positive approach too.

I love the idea for training how to use the teeter totter, l must try that with Hera, ROFL

[Pugdawg1]

Salmon cream cheese.. my pugs would set up camp and never leave lol