60 dogs have their day

Kelly Walker, of Timaru, and Border collie Gael compete in the Taieri Canine Training Club RallyO Championship Trial at Forrester Park, in Dunedin, yesterday.

About 60 dogs took part in the event which included a range of obedience activities, including walking at heel, standing on command and completing jumps, across three levels.

Gael competed in all three levels but had been a ‘‘bit too excited’’, Ms Walker said.

Event coordinator Lyn Clearwater said it was a sport for any breed. Pugs, miniature schnauzers, Border collies, golden retrievers, and poodles had all turned up to have a go.

The dog and handler moved from station to station completing each exercise in the sequence, while being marked by a judge.

RallyO was a way to introduce dogs to the sport of obedience, or as a sport on its own.