Fun At City Heights, Rally Times & Pup Apparel!

Bonaparte and I had the honor of visiting City Heights Elementary School during Drug Free week.  Bonaparte loves visiting kids, and kids love his squishy teddy bear appearance.  I'm pretty sure he was a hit!  Lots of people, when contemplating things they can do with their dogs, think immediately of therapy-type work.  It's a wonderful and fulfilling way to spend time with your dog, as well as bring knowledge and joy to others.  

 Some dogs, and some owners for that matter, aren't interested in therapy work.  That doesn't mean you're out of luck for fun things to do with your dog!  Rally Obedience, or Rally-O, is a new AKC sport that focuses on the relationship between dog and owner.  It tests their ability to communicate with one another, as well as the dog's understanding of basic commands.  Only purebred, registered dogs are eligible to compete in AKC sponsored rally events, but the Association of Pet Dog Trainers offers rally competitions that are available to ALL dogs, including beloved mixed-breeds.  Bonaparte and I decided to see what the rally craze is all about, and I'm proud to say that he did WONDERFUL!  We went to Tulsa for our first match and, though my nearly debilitating nerves, managed to bring home 3rd place with 97 points out of 100.  

We will soon be offering rally-specific classes for those interested.  And even if you don't have aspirations of competing one day, it's a great way to polish up your obedience commands!