If you are one of the many dog owners who has never been to a large dog show, an opportunity for a great experience is right around the corner!
I went to my first dog show in third grade – my parents took me as a surprise. I even wore a special shirt… it said “I <3 Dogs” on the front with a bunch of cartoon dogs, and showed all the dogs’ wagging tails on the back (cut me a break… it was 1994!). I didn’t go back to a dog show until I started working here at Wag ‘N’ Tails. I returned to the Detroit Kennel Club show at Cobo Hall, and it was bigger and better than ever! Since attending that show in 2009, I’ve also visited shows with colleagues, friends, and family in all different areas of Michigan.
Just last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to the AKC Mid Winter Classic in Novi, Michigan, and take one of our very own to her first dog show! Debbie, our Assistant Director of Training and Instructor, came with me to experience this for the first time.
During the show we watching many different breeds compete for conformation titles. We also watched three border collies herd ducks through a course, Alaskan Malamutes compete in weight pulling, and more. Debbie loved going to her first show. She felt like a kid in a candy store. She told me, “It was all dogs and dogs stuff – what’s not to love?!” She also can’t wait to go to the DKC show.
Dog shows are so much more than just good looking dogs competing! Shows offer all different events, such as (but not limited to) police K9 demonstrations, herding, agility, rally obedience, standard obedience, scent work, and assistance work. Benched shows are set up for even better public viewing of all dogs that have entered in competition and are a great way to get to know breeds. Exhibitors at this show really cover the spectrum – vets, rescues, therapy organization will be present, along with retail: grooming supplies, toys, treats, bedding… everything you can think of!
So… if you’re looking for a fun opportunity to shop, learn, and more, check out your local AKC or UKC shows. Hope to see you at the Detroit Kennel Club show at Cobo on March 5th and 6th!
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://wagntails.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/author-image.png[/author_image] [author_info]About the Author Christine Fox, APDT, CTDI and a Pet Sitters International member, is the founder of Wag ‘N’ Tails Dog Activity Center with two locations in Michigan. She has been involved with many pet dog trainer certification initiatives, all based on learning techniques that involve humane practices and the latest in scientific research. Christine also raised a service dog for Paws With a Cause and plans to train her newest pup in therapy work. Through her work with dogs and their parents, Christine has developed many happy and healthy relationships with both humans and dogs in the community.[/author_info] [/author]
