The Tribune

THE Bahamas Kennel Club’s International All Breed and Obedience Dog Show will take place March 16 and 17 on the grounds of Bahamas Food Services on Gladstone Road.

The show features classes in confirmation, obedience, agility and junior showmanship.

There are also special classes for the Bahamian Potcake and neutered and spayed mixed breed and breed dogs.

The BKC will be offering a special handling class on Saturday, January 11, at the Retreat on Village Road from 9.30–10.30am.

“There are many outstanding dogs in the Bahamas” said Lynn Gape , vice president of the BKC. “However many owners feel that they do not have the handling skills to show their dogs. We are pleased to have AKC Judges Jon and Carol Mett join us on Saturday, January 11 offering a special handling class for dog owners.”

The BKC especially wants to encourage young dog owners between the ages of six and 18 years of age to attend the seminar with their dogs.

From 10.4-11.45am there will be a rally obedience seminar.

Rally is a fun and exciting team sport for dogs and their handlers, who navigate a course with numbered signs indicating different exercises to perform.

It is a brisk, continuous performance without direction from the judge. Handlers are encouraged to talk to their dogs during the performance.

“Rally provides dog owners the opportunity to compete with their dogs in a fun format without some of the more restrictive rules that apply in formal obedience trials. Handlers can talk to their dogs and the courses offer variety and challenge to the dogs and handlers,” said Tonya Gay of Follow the Leader Dog Training.

“We will be running a novice rally trial for seminar participants immediately following the training and we know from experience that many new dogs and handlers are able to qualify for a rally leg after the initial training.”

The seminars are supported by Bahamas Wholesale Agencies who represent Purina in the Bahamas. “Purina has been a terrific supporter of our training initiatives,” said Amanda Meyers. “Several of us as a result of the training seminars have competed in obedience and rally events in the US and our dogs have done well not only qualifying in the obedience ring but coming home with first and second place ribbons.”

Dog owners who are interested in entering their dogs in the march show are encouraged to come out on Saturday.

Entry forms will be available and club members will be on hand to give tips about grooming and getting ready for the show.

For more information about the Saturday seminars email: ccleare@hbslaw.com or borderskye@gmail.com.

Premium lists (entry forms) can be downloaded at www.bahamaskennelclub.org or collected from Fox Hill Nursery and local veterinarian offices.