Exclusive Dog Show Videos - Never before seen footage!

If you read the previous post, you know that we've spent a lot of time with dogs in the last few weeks. Here is some more detailed information about the two exciting dog shows that we just participated in.

Washington State Fair Dog Show (Puyallup, 2008)
Mikayla and Josie won the Reserve Junior Champion award to qualify for the Championship. The secret to success in this event is all about how you handle your dog. It's also important to refrain from laughing at other dogs.
Note the care that is exercised when handling the canine.


The above video is a clip of Mikayla and Josie entering the Showmanship ring and getting 'stacked'. I'm not kidding - that's a real dog show term. Near as I can tell, "Stacking your dog" involves carefully positioning the paws into some sort of alignment followed by distracting the dog with treats while the handler lifts the dogs tail and prays that the dog doesn't notice. When the dog does happen to notice, then you get to start all over.

You may be disheartened to know that I had difficulties in getting video for the "three minute stay" portion of the Dog Obedience show. Maybe next year.


Mount Vernon Invitational Dog Show (September 2008)
The Rolfs family hosted the first annual Invitational Dog Show for selected citizens considered to be both good natured and animal loving. Participants also had to meet other stingent eligibility requirements:

• Younger than 12 years old
• Able to handle leashed stuffed animals without fear
• Slightly germ-o-phobic
• Partially OCD about something or another

This show involved an agility course which required the dog (and sometimes the handler as well) to proceed through a tunnel, weave through a number of poles, jump over a raised bar and then sit in a 3 foot square area.

Here is some footage that was confiscated from a paparazzi who managed to bypass security to get this video just as the show was concluding. Be sure to note the degree of care that is being exercised while handling these canines. Clearly this agility course is only for hearty breeds and agile handlers.