60 dogs have their day

Kelly Walker, of Timaru, and Border collie Gael compete in the Taieri Canine Training Club Rally-O Championship Trial at Forrester Park, in Dunedin, yesterday.

About 60 dogs took part in the event which included a range of obedience activities, including walking at heel, standing on command and completing jumps, across three levels.

Gael competed in all three levels but had been a "bit too excited", Ms Walker said.

Event co-ordinator Lyn Clearwater said it was a sport for any breed.

Pugs, miniature schnauzers, Border collies, golden retrievers, and poodles had all turned up to have a go.

The dog and handler moved from station to station completing each exercise in the sequence, while being marked by a judge.

Rally-O was a way to introduce dogs to the sport of obedience, or as a sport on its own.