Tulsa Dog Training Club Holds Agility Trials

Chris Howell, NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- Dozens of very active dogs spent the weekend in Tulsa, because dog trainers from the Tulsa Dog Training Club held their agility trials at the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

"We have two a year, May and June," said club President Dovie Ryan.  "Right now we have 281 dogs entered and about 1800 runs in three days."

And while the club will train the owners, it's up to the owners to train the dogs.

"That is our secret, you do train the person to train the dog," Ryan said.   "I can train a dog for you, I can't guarantee that dog will work for you."

"I've been running agility about seven or eight years," said Larry Landsteiner who was working with his dog Winston, "we needed to give him a chore to do so we started obedience and we saw agility once and I said man, I've got to do that.  It's great, you feel like you have a great communication with your dog, you're telling your dog work out away from you and he's doing it, it's a great feeling."

And the dogs also love the competition, some bark as the excitement is almost too much for them.

Others prepare with a soothing massage or even acupuncture. And although Border Collies are a favorite breed in agility, there are all kinds in this discipline.

"Any kind of dog can be an agility dog.  Some just run a little faster than others," said Ryan.

"Technically she's an American Staffordshire Terrier, a kissing cousin to the Pit Bull," said Janine Winings of her dog Marlow.   "This is our first agility trial, I wanted a dog that would do that kind of work.  I specifically went and looked for that type of breeder to get a dog that would do well in it and she has."

 It's a sport that helps humans and canines learn to work together and stay fit and active.

Larry's dog Winston even took a blue ribbon during the three-day event. 

"He's actually nine and a half years old.  Still doing agility, taking first place every now and again, just having a great time," Larry said.