Dogs on display: 4-H'ers showcase canine handling skills

Some dogs obeyed, others wandered off and a couple of pooches declined to perform at all, bringing one young contestant to tears at the 4-H/Open Dog Show on Friday.

The canine competition at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Trade Center was one of several Northwest Montana Fair events held before the fair officially kicks off Wednesday.  

For the most part the show was a low-key gathering of faithful dogs and smiling contestants of all ages, each providing encouragement to the next person to step into the ring.

Fifteen contestants came out to display the results of obedience training in two events. Dog owners were divided into two classes: those 18 and under and 19 and older. An audience of about 20 came to cheer on their children or friends.

First was the rally event, where owners took their dogs through a 13-obstacle gauntlet, walking from one command station to another. Commands such as stop, turn left or 360-degree turns were closely watched for any disobedience that would deduct points from their initial 40-point score.

Nicolas Ream, of Columbia Falls, took home a red ribbon for his rally performance with his 8-year-old English Setter, Maggie. They’ve been working together since she was only a few months old, and Maggie is laid back and relaxed in the dog-show setting.

“We hang out and go hunting together,” he said. “A few years ago she won grand champion and best dog.”

The next event was the obedience display. Owners were required to show how their dogs react to commands while walking in an open space.

“Normal. Fast. Normal. Turn,” called Dog Show Superintendent Annie Sutkus from inside the ring. Dog owners aren’t allowed to give vocal commands to their pooches, which would cost them points off their score.

Owners instead move with the dog, using body language to lead the way.

Makenna Hartle is in her first year of dog showing after training Chloe, her bouncy, energetic Yorkie-Papillon mix, for two years.

“She’s better at the rally,” Hartle, a 12-year-old from Kila, said. “Now she can sit and stay.”

“She likes the agility,” added her mother, Karen. “She’s a little high-strung.”

Makenna has spent months training Chloe at Sutkus’ obedience school a couple of times a week. She also shows rabbits and chickens for 4-H, and takes part in sewing and cooking events.

“It’s a pretty fun time,” Makenna said. She earned a red ribbon with Chloe in the rally event.

Kaj Haagerup’s Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix, Maggie, helped him earn ribbons in the obedience and rally events. “She’s pretty obedient already, but I do work with her for a couple weeks every year before the show,” Haagerup said.

He also shows horse, miniature horse and rabbits in 4-H events. This year was his third showing Maggie in the show.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.