One of the most unique exhibits at the Detroit Kennel Club show was Pattie Raymond’s Duck Herding Border Collies. People packed the stands to watch these skilled dogs gently herd ducks up a slide, into a pool and into a covered wagon. According to Ms. Raymond, the dogs “hypnotize the ducks” with their eyes. Which really looks like the “oh no you don’t” look mother’s give their children. The dogs were patient and vigilent and never barked or nipped at their feathered children. It was interesting to learn that this breed of dog needs to work and likes to herd, so very young children may not work well for this type of dog, no matter how adorable they look. Before buying a dog try to talk with a few different breeders to see how their breed would work with your family before making that big decision. If you are interested in Border Collies please see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bordercollie.html or you can look into many Border Collie rescue groups at http://www.gis.net/~shepdog/Other_BCR_Web_Sites.html

While visiting the Detroit Kennel Club Dog show one of my favorite events was the dog agility trials. I have never seen such a sport live. First there were the trainers walking the course pointing and talking to themselves in a sort of bizarre pantomime. I later learned they were walking the course because all courses are different. The dogs can’t just memorize a course like bored horses on a tourist trail ride, they have to “listen” to their trainers and obey instant commands, which made me realize that if I were to run my children through this course, we would be instantly DQ’d! The dogs were run in size categories from the very largest hounds running to tiny yorkies. I especially liked watching the dogs run through the weaving poles, each had their own unique style. To learn more about agility training please visit, www.sportsmens.net or check out this cool blog, http://www.johannthedog.com/My_Blog.html and http://www.squidoo.com/agilityfordogs If you have a cool agility video to share, let me know maybe we could link! check out Johannthedog’s
agility run, http://snurl.com/d2yu7 thank you for sharing Johannthedog

Uno with M.D. handler & Erika aka cleanybeany

Had a fabulous time with my sister at the 102nd and 103rd Detroit Kennel Club show. Amazed at the number of show rings with such gorgeous animals. It was an absolute treat to be able to touch the dogs and talk to many of the owners and handlers. The Detroit Kennel Club is only one of six clubs that have these benched shows. Benched shows are when dogs are available and out on a “bench” before, during and after their time in the ring. Now, Uno, the Best in Show winner at Westminster, wasn’t “showing” but was on display and for a small donation to the Therapy Program for the Children’s Hospital, you were allowed to get a picture with him. Well how could I resist…I mean the first beagle to win “Best” I even got an “autographed” paw print picture. So many interesting aspects to the show, like the agility, confirmation, terrier racing , duck herding I am going to have to break it up into different posts. Stay tuned for more information about this wonderful dog show.