May the course be with you
Local canine jedis compete for agility greatness
Hannah McKenzie practices for the upcoming dog agility show with her dog, Seal. Photos by JOYCE SANICKY
MEDINA – The dog agility show returns to the fair Thursday, Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. in the show arena. Handlers from the Medina County 4-H program will compete to see who has the most dexterous dog through a variety of exercises.
Event organizer Donna Canfield said agility is a sport akin to an obstacle course. The dog and handler navigate their way through tunnels and over jumps and contact obstacles that showcase climbing and balance. In order for the dog to be safe on and around the equipment, agility contestants must master basic obedience skills.
“The fair show is fun, fast-paced and somewhat unpredictable, which is why I think it’s been popular for people to come and watch,” Canfield said.
At the beginning of the year, the dogs are measured and jump heights that are tailored to accommodate their size and skill level.
Canfield said the Medina County show follows state fair and American Kennel Club guidelines and consists of two different levels of competition. New dogs and handlers perform on a leash for Level 1, which features a course with 10-12 obstacles, including jumps, tunnels and the A-frame.
For the more seasoned contestants, Level 2 provides a course with all aspects of Level 1 and the addition of the dog walk, weave poles and teeter-totter, which are all done off-leash. Level 2 also incorporates an apparatus which requires the dogs to crawl through it and smaller dogs dash under it.
Award ribbons are determined by how each team performs during the course of two timed runs and whether or not a fault occurs. An example of a fault is taking down a jump or an incorrect performance on the obstacle.
Canfield said the teams strive to beat previous years’ times and run scores.
“I enjoy watching the kids and dogs progress each year and have fun at our fair show,” Canfield said.
All handlers must be a 4-H member and enrolled in the dog project program through the Medina County Ohio State University Extension program. Once a member reaches their second year of dog agility training in showmanship and obedience, they are permitted to sign up for the county fair event. Dogs are allowed to be all shapes and sizes with handlers aged nine to 18.
Canfield said the Bil-Jac company donates food and treats for the teams and the Medina Kennel Club donates toys for them.
The 4-H dog agility committee consists of Canfield, Joyce Sanicky, Stephanie Sanicky, Laura and Bert Baker, Cindy Weigel and Marty Weigel.
Event organizer Donna Canfield said agility is a sport akin to an obstacle course. The dog and handler navigate their way through tunnels and over jumps and contact obstacles that showcase climbing and balance. In order for the dog to be safe on and around the equipment, agility contestants must master basic obedience skills.
“The fair show is fun, fast-paced and somewhat unpredictable, which is why I think it’s been popular for people to come and watch,” Canfield said.
At the beginning of the year, the dogs are measured and jump heights that are tailored to accommodate their size and skill level.
Canfield said the Medina County show follows state fair and American Kennel Club guidelines and consists of two different levels of competition. New dogs and handlers perform on a leash for Level 1, which features a course with 10-12 obstacles, including jumps, tunnels and the A-frame.
For the more seasoned contestants, Level 2 provides a course with all aspects of Level 1 and the addition of the dog walk, weave poles and teeter-totter, which are all done off-leash. Level 2 also incorporates an apparatus which requires the dogs to crawl through it and smaller dogs dash under it.
Award ribbons are determined by how each team performs during the course of two timed runs and whether or not a fault occurs. An example of a fault is taking down a jump or an incorrect performance on the obstacle.
Canfield said the teams strive to beat previous years’ times and run scores.
“I enjoy watching the kids and dogs progress each year and have fun at our fair show,” Canfield said.
All handlers must be a 4-H member and enrolled in the dog project program through the Medina County Ohio State University Extension program. Once a member reaches their second year of dog agility training in showmanship and obedience, they are permitted to sign up for the county fair event. Dogs are allowed to be all shapes and sizes with handlers aged nine to 18.
Canfield said the Bil-Jac company donates food and treats for the teams and the Medina Kennel Club donates toys for them.
The 4-H dog agility committee consists of Canfield, Joyce Sanicky, Stephanie Sanicky, Laura and Bert Baker, Cindy Weigel and Marty Weigel.