Border collies, German spitz, bull terriers and cocker spaniels were among more than 150 dogs vying to see which of man’s best friends was the fastest at the weekend.
The Otago Canine Training Club held its jumpers and agility championships at Forrester Park on Saturday and yesterday.
Canines of all shapes and sizes competed in the high impact sport, which consisted of a time trial and obstacle course.
Organiser Adele Smith said while the dogs were the stars of the show, the trainers needed to be just as fit and mobile to keep up with their canine companions.
"There’s lots of running for the human as much as the dog," she said.
"The mistakes that happen are usually the human’s fault."
Ms Smith said most dogs had about 20 commands specifically for agility.
She said trainers verbally and physically directed their dogs with a mix of commands and body language.
All the dogs needed to do was to respond to the different commands and jump, turn and sprint along the obstacles effectively.
Among the obstacles were a dog-walk, hoops, an A-frame, weave poles, tunnels, long jump and high jump.
The dogs were awarded faults for exceeding the time limit or missing obstacles, those with the fewest errors having the fastest time.
Ms Smith said competitors from Christchurch to Invercargill had come along in the hopes of winning prizes and ribbons.
But the most rewarding part of the sport was the chance to spend quality time with furry friends.
"It’s a bonus if things go well, but it is about being out and having fun with your dog."
— Tim Scott, PIJF cadet reporter
