Elsie Adamo
AGILITY skills were on display recently as local dogs and their owners showcased their obedience abilities at Mount Gambier’s markets.
The dogs with KAZ Agility Team attended the markets at the Cave Gardens after weeks and months of hard work preparing.
Team leader Karen Brooksby said she hoped the community enjoyed watching the demonstrations.
“It was the first time we had showcased dogs in the Cave Gardens with agility, tricks and obedience work,” Ms Brooksby said.
“It was a fantastic day; the crowd was great clapping and cheering as the dogs ran the course.
“While some of the high-achieving dogs in the group do compete, mostly the members are there to have some fun and learn some training skills.
“They are regular people with pets,” Ms Brooksby said.
“People mostly do it to have some fun with their dogs, and that is the idea, to try and help educate people to undertake some activities that enhance the development of their pet.”
The agility training is undertaken by the dogs and owners in eight-week blocks.
Ms Brooksby said she hoped the show would lead dog owners to consider further training with their dogs, whether it was with them or one of the other trainers or clubs in Mount Gambier.
“The showcase was trying to show people what is out there, and encourage them to try it out,” she said.
“There are so many great dog trainers in Mount Gambier.
“Dogs are very clever; they are looking for more otherwise they will start to get up to trouble in the backyard.
“Sometimes 15 minutes of training can be just as good for a dog as a walk.”
