While fish will be the focus for a lot of people at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship later this week, dogs will be in the spotlight briefly tomorrow when the Four Paws Pet Supply retriever contest gets underway.
“It’s a great thing to come out and watch, and cheer on your favourite puppy dog,” said organizer Dawnn Taylor. “It’s always a good time.”
She’s expecting about 10 dogs to participate, but that could change by the time the event takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina boat launch.
Those interested in entering their dog either can register ahead of time at Four Paws Pet Supply (274-2008) or just before the event tomorrow. The entry fee is $5, and prizes will be awarded.
Taylor said there will be three categories in the competition: beginner (under a year old); intermediate (one year and over); and advanced (this is up to the owner to decide if their dog is skilled enough).
The contest works like this: A dummy will be thrown either on land or in the water, and the dog must retrieve it.
Dogs will be scored on how much control they show and whether they listen to their master’s commands; how straight the line is they make going to and coming from the target; their desire to get the dummy; how steadily they hold the dummy in their mouths on the way back; whether they give it back to their masters without a fuss; and then how they quickly they can get ready for the next time.
There will be prizes for the first-, second-, and third-place dogs in each skill category and for either land or water retrieval (dogs can compete in either or both).
The dog that scores the most points overall will get a trophy.
Taylor noted both dog owners and the general public are welcome to come out and watch the retriever contest.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
