SPRING TRIAL 2009

The annual spring trial was a huge success. The weather was fantastic and the dogs were in top form. Despite having over 300 runs each day, we managed to finish well before dark, thanks to some great organization and a lot of hard work by our club members.

And the "Flashing Canines" can all be very proud of their accomplishments. Every team did something they could celebrate - whether it was a qualifying run, a troublesome obstacle conquered, a personal best - there were so many positives. It is a credit to our instructors that our members did so well at the trial.

Everyone had a great time, the out-of-town competitors had so many good things to say and the spectators enjoyed the show. We can hardly wait until September to do it all over again!

ALBERTA/NORTHWEST TERRITORIES REGIONAL COMPETITION

The Flashing Canines have teamed up with GoDogGo from Lethbridge to co-host the 2009 AB/NWT Regionals. The competition takes place in Lethbridge from June 12 - 14 at the Lethbridge Soccer Association fields. Judging will be in the capable hands of Kim Collins, Case Laan and Gerry Sloan. As well, Rob Struthers will be judging the Steeplechase.

The Regional competition is the qualifier for the AAC Nationals to be held in Ottawa, Ontario July 30 – August 2, 2009. Dogs must compete in 6 events and earn 350 points in the Regional events to qualify for the Nationals.

For more information, check out the web site at www.tricaliber.org/regionals.html

UPCOMING DEMONSTRATIONS

We will again be part of the annual Redcliff Days celebration on June 20, 2009 at Memorial Park. Tentative showtimes are 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm. Dogs being what they are, there is always plenty of action... and some unexpected comedy.

One of our favourites is the "Horse and Hound" competition, which takes place the week before the Medicine Hat Stampede as part of the All Breed Horse Show (July 17 & 18). It's a team event – the team consisting of a horse and rider paired with an agility team (a dog and handler). They each run a prescribed course and combine their times. The winner is the "team" with the lowest combined time. It's great fun and very entertaining. Check out the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede All Breed Horse Show for class descriptions.

The Flashing Canines will be at the Fall Trade Show, November 6, 7 & 8, 2009. Look for our booth and catch some of our demonstrations. We'll show you what agility is all about; give you some tips on training your dog - as well as a few surprises!! Hope to see you there.