The ‘waggiest’ show in town
Dogs and people from all sides of the canine community will be barking up the same tree on Sunday. Photo / Dan Hutchinson
Taupō’s dog community is quivering with excitement ahead of the first Dog Day Out on Sunday.
By Dan Hutchinson
The day is a show of solidarity between two of the district’s dog clubs – Taupō Kennel Association and the Taupō Dog Training Club.
That makes it a show for all dogs – with prizes for the cutest puppy, the dog with the “waggiest” tail, the Hairy McLarey-ist dog, owner look-alike and child handler.
That child handler must be able to control the animal, Taupō Dog Training Club secretary Elizabeth Parnell is quick to point out.
The TDTC is all about helping people to train their dogs so they can take them places, as opposed to dog breed conformation, which is the purview of the Taupō Kennel Association TKA.
The TKA will have a Registered Pedigree Competition and a Pedigree Ribbon Parade and the TDTC will have demonstrations and contests involving obedience and agility.
There will be a bit of fundraising on the side to help put a storage facility on the TDTC’s grounds. Which is also where the Dog Day Out is being held – 89 Centennial Dr, just before Owen Delaney Park.
“As far we are aware it's the first time that the two clubs have collaborated to do anything like this … in I would say 25 years,” says Taupō Kennel Association secretary and treasurer Jasmine Chaytor.
“It’s the two clubs working together and moving forwards positively.”
Hopefully the dogs will share that motto on the day, but people are asked to use their common sense and make sure their dogs are always on a lead.
It is an event for the whole community and the aim is to make the community aware of different dog related clubs and activities in the area and promote responsible dog ownership, Jasmine says.
Elizabeth is keen to see people take more interest in their dogs and understand their characteristics.
For example, canines have 35 times more sensory receptors in their nasal cavities than humans.
“So, if you can encourage them to use their nose to find something, then you're playing with the dog's mental powers. And actually, 20 minutes of mental stimulation is far more exhausting for a dog than taking it out for a half an hour run at full speed.”
Jasmine says there is a bit more to judging pedigree than just having a “pretty” dog.
“Because like every dog, terriers were bred to chase rats and what have you. And gundogs, labradors, to go after ducks and bring them back and what have you. So, it's not just seeing ‘do they look pretty’, but are they actually fit for purpose as well.”
The Dog Day Out will be fit for purpose, with activities for the kids, like face painting, coffee for the adults, food stalls and some interesting dog-related products on show too.
The event runs from 10am-2pm on Sunday, 89 Centennial Drive.