A day for every dog
It was called the Bay of Islands Canine Association fun day, and the 30-odd dogs and owners that converged on the Kerikeri Domain on Sunday certainly enjoyed themselves.
There was a competitive element, but every opportunity for dogs of every shape, size and background to excel in categories including fancy dress, best black, white, red and multi-coloured dog, an egg and spoon race, the dog with the shortest legs, longest legs and waggiest tail, an agility demonstration, best trick and dog/owner lookalike.
BOI Canine Association secretary Colleen Gifford said the programme also included a demonstration of the Canine Good Citizen programme that the association was hoping to introduce to the public as a positive dog activity, and Rally-O, billed as a sport that can be enjoyed by dogs (and people) of any age and ability.
The dog and handler are required to perform a variety of exercises, include combinations of turns, presents, finishes, changes of position, heeling around cones, halts, stays and jumps.
Rally-O has evolved from competitive obedience, but does not require the same level of precision, the main goal being to score at least 90 per cent to earn a qualifying certificate, and ultimately a New Zealand Kennel Club Rally-O title.
There are several levels of title to work towards, each more challenging than the one before, with longer courses, more difficult exercises and stricter criteria for success.
■ Anyone who might be interested in joining the Bay of Islands Canine Association, or taking part in its events, is welcome to contact Colleen Gifford on (09) 401-0090.