Dog show provides lessons for both dogs and youth

Dog and handler prepare for beginners showmanship portion of 4-H and Open Dog Show

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Nicholas Hund, 11, Hays, said training his dog Checkers would be a lot easier he he could train him to do one thing: “If only dogs could talk, that would be really helpful,” he said as he prepared to participate in the 4-H and Open Dog Show on Sunday afternoon at the Ellis County Fairgrounds.

Still, even without the ability to talk, Hund said Checkers — a Shetland sheepdog participating in his second dog show — does a “pretty good job.”

Cadence Dickey, 10, Munjor, was there to compete for the fifth time with her cocker spaniel Sadie. She said obedience training is “sometimes hard and sometimes easy.”

“It is fun to have your dog learn this stuff and compete in the events and see everyone else compete,” Dickey said.

Organizers of the dog show said is not only about teaching the dogs lessons, but but teaching the youth participants valuable lessons.

Trevor Mai, Hays, gives encouragement to his Golden Retriever Cash before competition begins — Trevor Mai, Hays, gives encouragement to his golden retriever Cash before competition begins

Ellis County 4-H agent Susan Schlichting said 4-H kids have been working since January, attending classes twice a month to work on basic obedience skills with their dogs such as leading the dog in a circle, teaching the dogs to sit on command and the “lay and sit” command where the dog must sit on the ground for three minutes while the handler moves away.

“(The dog training) teaches the kids tons,” Schlichting said, “They have to be responsible for an animal … that’s a huge thing. They are teaching the dog discipline, but they are also teaching themselves discipline in how to approach life.”

Dog show judge Danny McReynolds, Condordia, has been involved in dog shows and judging for more than 30 years and said the dog shows teaches youth another important lesson, as well.

“I think (training the dogs) is excellent in teaching self-confidence in each of the kids,” he said. “It helps teach (youth participants) how to care for animals and be able to work with other animals and dogs.”

The 4-H Horse Show begins Monday evening at 8 p.m. For a complete list of events visit www.elliscountyfair.org.

Judge Danny McReynolds gives pointers to the beginners

DOG SHOW RESULTS:
Junior Showmanship:
Grand Champion – Callie Lang
Reserve- Cadence Dickey
Purple ribbon – Colton Lane
Blue ribbon – Emily Quinn

Senior Showmanship:
Grand Champion – Elizabeth Smith Moore

Obedience:
Grand Champion – Callie Lang
White ribbon – Cadence Dickey
White ribbon – Colton Lane
White ribbon – Elizabeth Smith Moore
White ribbon – Trevor Mai
White ribbon – Emily Quinn