Hello Boys and Girls,

This is the final report on what I did and saw at the Alaska State Fair. These are my very favorite demonstrations. They are all about dogs and I know you love that subject too which is why I have saved it for last. I can put a lot of pictures on this one. The website version will be adding pictures for the next few days because of the time it takes to load them and the schedule I have for computer use. Lois has to get her work done too so we share the computer.

There were all kinds of K-9 demonstrations and of course, they were very interesting to see. The first exhibition that we watched was “agility,” which is an advanced training sort of like High School. The dogs in this event jump hurdles, run through tunnels, weave in and out of upright stakes placed closely together and finish the event with a run through a collapsed tunnel where they can only see a step in front of them. I was very impressed with this demonstration.

They had relay races pitting the larger dogs against the small dogs. Wow, can those little dogs run fast on their short legs!

We also saw the general obedience demonstration which is sort of like Elementary School. Mostly though, we watched the advanced education events for the dogs. Very interesting! There were herding dog, weight pulling and Schutzhund events which are all post graduate training for dogs. Herding dogs must have their Masters Degree and Schutzhunden must have their doctorate in K-9 training.

Click on the images for a larger picture:

 

I am looking around to see what I can tell you about next. I just started my post-graduate classes so I might find interesting things to tell you about the history of dogs. Don’t forget to do your homework and listen to your teacher and, for goodness sakes give your pet a tummy rub and a treat. He or she deserves for the love he or she showers on you.

Lots of Tail Wags,

Zuma