Connor the Great Dane may look intimidating, but not too long ago the 65-kilogram dog was scared of all sorts of things.
Obedience competition was the cure.
“Every show, he’s that much better. He’s that much more accepting of what’s going on around him. It’s one of the best ways to get your dog used to just everything,” said Connor’s owner Dale Beaven, of Medicine Hat.
The pair were at Red Deer and District Kennel Club’s Fall Dog Show on Sunday where three-year-old Connor, competed in regular and modified obedience.
Beaven said Connor is a much happier dog and obedience training and shows have also taught him manners. He doesn’t jump on other dogs and people anymore.
“It has made all the difference in the world. I highly recommend it for anyone who has a problematic dog.”
It’s also a fun activity for people and their dogs and Connor really likes the obedience rally, a modified obedience competition that allows more interaction with their owner, she said.
Shirley Marshall, of Stettler, has been competing at dog shows for years and also enjoys the obedience rally, introduced in recent years.
“It’s just a fun thing. You can talk to your dog. Clap your hands. Pat your leg. You just can’t touch them,” said Marshall who brought Reba, her three-year-old samoyed. “It’s not as rigid as obedience. Obedience kind of got really military.”
Samoyeds are a working breed and the rally gives them a workout, she said.
“She had a good time. It gives them something to do. They can’t be just couch potatoes. They have to get the old noodle thinking,” she said rubbing Reba’s head.
Marshall also likes to attend the shows to see what’s happening with other breeds.
Samoyeds aren’t overly popular, said Marshall with a laugh as she pulled a clump of fur off 22-kilogram Reba.
Cassie Sproul, of Calgary, who was preparing Riki the Pomeranian for his turn in the conformation ring, said for people who live in cities and don’t have much time to exercise a dog, small breeds work.
Every breed has specific health problems. Small dogs have knee and teeth issues, and big dogs have hip troubles, said Sproul as she fluffed up Riki’s fur with a brush.
Beaven said Great Danes have a lot of special needs and some stomach problems so people need to do research, but the dogs don’t need that much exercise.
“They make very nice pets because they’re big couch potatoes. Once they’re passed their puppy year, they love to sleep.”
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com