Dogs on trial

CLOVIS — A vast array of talented canines placed their skills on display during Saturday's American Kennel Club agility competition, as hundreds of dogs are being put through the paces before judges throughout the weekend at the Curry County Events Center.

AKC officials said the event, which is hosted by the Clovis-Portales Kennel Club, draws competitors ranging from novice to national title contenders, is designed to demonstrate a dog's willingness to work with his handler in a variety of situations, with agility being an athletic event that requires conditioning, concentration, training and teamwork. Dogs and handlers must negotiate an obstacle course while racing against the clock.

Contestants navigate two courses — the standard course, which contains the A-frame and other varied obstacles, in addition to the jumpers and weaves layout. Officials said dogs must meet the qualifications for each course, run through three times and get a title. After they get a title, there are four levels — novice, standard, excellent and masters. Once the competitors attain the masters level, they begin working on their championship.

"A lot of the dogs here are going to head to the AKC National Agility Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, at the end of this month," said La Cruces resident Hokie Wiley, who said she owns the fastest Boxer in the nation, as well as the fastest 16-inch jumping Boston Terrier in the country. "We're getting some AKC practice in here before heading to nationals. Some of the fastest dogs in the United States are here this weekend and it's always a great event."

Wiley said she garnered interest in the sport a few years ago on a lark.

"I was meeting a friend at the park and they were practicing for a dog trial," she said. "And while they were taking a break I got out there and put one of my other boxers through the course — and he was a natural. They referred me to a trainer and I have been involved ever since. It's great to be out there with your best friend. If you love your dog and want to have fun, this is the place to be."

Steve Yost of Albuquerque has been at the event all seven years its been in Clovis.

"The facility is one of the best in the state," said Yost, who brought four dogs - with one retired from events and present solely as a spectator.

Denver resident Steve Rios was at the inaugural Clovis offering, but hadn't come back since this year. He brought Quinta, a 2-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Rios said it's the only five-word breed that falls within AKC guidelines, so it's very easy to find Quinta on a run sheet.