Central Aroostook Kennel Club hosts sanctioned Fun Match

    PRESQUE ISLE — On Saturday, Aug. 14, the Central Aroostook Kennel Club is hosting an AKC sanctioned Fun Match and More at Riverside Park.
    The club will be offering Therapy Dog International (TDI) testing. All dogs are welcome, Canadian dogs can also be certified. The tester will be Robi Boulier of Tail Waggin Training Center. The starting time will be at 8:30 a.m. and the cost will be $20.
    Canine Good Citizen (CGC) will follow the TDI testing. All dogs are welcome and the testers will be Robi and Lynn Boulier of Tail Waggin Training Center. The cost will be $15.
    Those interested in having their dogs certified in both CGC and TDI can be done at the same time. We will start with those interested in dual certification at 8:30 a.m. Both the CGC and TDI tests are open to purebred and mix-breed dogs. Canadian dogs can be TDI certified. If your dog is AKC or CKC registered, please bring your dog’s registration information.
    Rally will start at 9 a.m. All dogs are welcome and the judge will be Lynn Boulier of Tail Waggin Training Center. The cost is $5.
    The Breed Class is open to only AKC registered and intact dogs. The judge will be Crystal Boone. Starting time is 10 a.m. and the cost is $5.
    All-American Class will follow the Breed Class. All-American is for purebred or non purebred neutered/spayed dogs and all dogs are welcome whether they are registered with the AKC Canine Partners Program or not. Judging this class will be Crystal Boone and judging will immediately follow the Breed Class. The cost is $5.
     Obedience will start at 10 a.m. All dogs are welcome and the judge will be Kathy Hoppe. The cost is $5. Obedience will be at a novice level and dogs will be on lead.
    The first entry fee of dog for Breed, All-American, Obedience and Rally is $5, second entry of the same dog $3.
    Non-purebred dogs can now participate in all AKC performance events under their Canine Partners Program. The AKC Canine Partners is a listing service for mixed-breed dogs, purebred dogs not eligible for AKC registration, dogs not eligible for AKC Stock Service and dogs not listed in PAL at the time of enrollment in AKC Canine Partners. The listing service grants privileges including the opportunity for the above described dogs to compete in AKC Companion events such as Rally, Obedience and Agility.
    This Fun Match can be a wonderful place for the first-time dog enthusiast to participate in, or just come to watch and get a firsthand look at what rally, obedience and the breed competitions consist of.
    In the Breed competition the handler exhibits their dog and the judge examines each dog and then gives awards according to how closely each dog compares to the judge’s mental image of the perfect dog as described in the breed’s official standard.
    Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the rally judge. The course consists of 10 to 20 (depending on the level) designated stations. Each of these stations has a sign with instructions in which the dog and handler have to perform. The handler and the dog walk, with dog on leash on left side of handler and signs on right, at a brisk but normal pace. The instructions on the signs to be performed can be asking your dog to sit or more difficult tasks such as a spiral. There should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler during the task at each station and between stations. A perfect “heel position” is not required. Rally promotes fun and enjoyment for dogs at all levels of competition.
    For more information on Rally, Obedience and Breed events and tips on how to get started, visit www.AKC.org and follow the links.
    If you would like more information on the Fun Match, visit www.theCAKC.com or e-mail tydavent@yahoo.com.