Canine capers captivate crowd

Kaipara Dog Training Club’s display was once again a feature at this year’s Mangawhai Domain Summer Gala on January 2. Two shows entertained the crowd with club members showing off their canine’s agility, obedience and freestyle skills. The crowds enjoyed the entertainment, particularly when the dogs went ‘off script’.

The club, which is based at Mangawhai Domain, is looking forward to starting a new term on Wednesday February 3 and will be hosting a ‘muster’ meeting at 5pm where people can come along to try out some activities and sign up for term one courses.

Canine Good Citizens Basics classes (also often referred to as ‘puppy classes’) will recommence on Wednesday February 10 at 6pm and will continue for a further seven weeks, costing $100 for eight sessions. Your puppy should have completed its first set of vaccinations and be registered with your local council before starting the course which includes basic commands like sit, down and walking to heel, as well as subjects such as husbandry, legal obligations and dog etiquette when out and about. The course is completed with a simple assessment of the content that has been covered.

The club will also be running a ‘taster’ course where owners and their dogs can try a variety of dog sport activities that both dogs and their handlers will enjoy and will help to strengthen their partnership. The course will include introductions to agility, obedience and Rally-O, and also be held on Wednesdays at 6pm from February 10. Club members also meet from 4pm on to work on building their own skills and would welcome new members to come along and join them.

n The club will be holding its annual ribbon/agility show February 20-21. Head to the Domain to see the dogs in action and support your local dog club.

Excited Kaipara Dog Training Club members, both two and four-legged, enjoyed a big audience as they impressed with their agility skills and happy hijinks. PHOTO/SUPPLIED