By NICOLE VALICEK
WELL-TRAINED canines of all shapes and sizes are getting ready to compete in the Altona Civic Obedience Dog Club’s first club competition of the year.
Club president Bill Gilmour said the four-legged competitors will vie for a title in a range of obedience trials and agility competitions.
“Its obedience, it’s not a (typical) dog show,” he said.
Four events will cater for all skill levels including beginners’ right up to obedience trialling standards with more than 60 dogs expected to compete.
“We get every kind of breed you can imagine. From the smallest to the biggest we get them all,” Mr Gilmour said.
On the day beginner dogs and handlers will perform various predefined obedience exercises, like heeling, sit, sit-stay and recall.
Another class will participate in an activity Flyball that requires a four-dog team to go through obstacles to retrieve a tennis ball that is shot from a ball machine.
“It’s the fastest sport you’ve ever seen,” Mr Gilmour said.
Members have the opportunity to win trophies, medallions, sashes and ribbons with the winners of each class receiving a framed photo at the end of the year.
“We try to encourage people to compete just for fun, to be a part of club, mix with other members and see how trainers are going.”
“We try to make it fun.”
The free event is judged by the club’s senior instructors, including Mr Gilmour who was an Australian national licensed obedience judge for 15 years.
“We would love spectators to come down on the day to watch.”
The club was established on JK Grant Reserve in 1968 and is aided by Mr Gilmour’s wife Allisa who is the secretary and treasurer.
The club competition will take place at the JK Grant Reserve on Sunday 30 June at 10am. For more information please contact 0424 799 327.
