It doesn’t matter to the dogs strutting their stuff on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield that Thursday is Thanksgiving. And, it doesn’t seem to matter much either to their handlers, who are hoping to walk away winners from the five-dayThanksgiving Cluster Dog Shows. More than 10,000 canines, representing the more than 170 recognized breeds...
From Thursday through Monday, dogs rule at the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. It doesn’t matter to the dogs strutting their stuff on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield that Thursday is Thanksgiving.
And, it doesn’t seem to matter much either to their handlers, who are hoping to walk away winners from the five-dayThanksgiving Cluster Dog Shows.
More than 10,000 canines, representing the more than 170 recognized breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC), will compete in all-breed, obedience, rally and agility dog shows.
The shows begin today with the Holyoke Kennel Club, continue Friday with Windham County Kennel Club, South Windsor Kennel Club on Saturday, followed by the Springfield Kennel Club on Sunday. The LEAP Agility Club of Central Mass. will also hold LEAP agility trials on Friday and Saturday, followed by Talcott Mountain Agility Show on Sunday and Monday.
During the all-breed competitions, also known as confirmation, canines will be judged against various standards that have been set for their breed such as weight, bite, size, tail and coat, among other characteristics. In the obedience trials, dogs will be judged by how well they listen to commands to sit, heel, walk and jump, and also in scent discrimination. In agility, handlers run with their dogs across a course as they perform around obstacles such as crossing over a seesaw or going through a tunnel. And in rally, dogs and handlers negotiate a course of skills according to sequentially numbered signs.
Debbie Loomis, trial secretary for the LEAP Agility Club of Central MA, noted in agility that dog owners “really enjoy their relationship and teamwork with their dogs while in the ring.”
“And I think the public watching can feel the fun that is happening in the ring,” she said.<
While for years visitors turning out to watch the various competitions were not allowed to bring their dogs along, that changed last year when for the first time the show featured the AKC’s “My Dog Can Do That!” which returns this year from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
“We had over 200 people come and run their pets through our mini-agility course. They lined up all day long to participate. It was a really fun thing for people to do along with their dogs and they seemed to have a blast doing it,” said Davies.
As part of the special program, professional trainers will show visitors participating in the event how to get their dogs started in agility and help them try a few agility obstacles, as well as offering some helpful obedience tips. Information will also be provided on where to find professional dog training classes in various communities.
Also, on Saturday and Sunday, dog owners can stop in with their pets to register them and have a microchip implanted under their skin to help in their recovery if they become lost or stolen.
“”This can cost anywhere from $30 to $50, but we’re offering the service for only $25,” said Davies.
And, for those who like to buy Christmas presents for their friendly pooches, vendors at the show will be selling doggie toys, leashes, collars, grooming supplies, dog food, and more. There will also be jewelry and clothing bearing the likeness of dogs for those who want to treat themselves.
“We get a lot of calls from people wanting to know specifically what times certain breeds will be showing,” said Davies.
Those looking for the answer can find the show schedules at www.springfieldkennelclub.org