Dog agility trials being held in Rigby

The dogs were let out this weekend. The Upper Snake River Valley Dog Training Club is holding its Fall Agility Trial. Trainers and breeders came together to participate in a competition that many of them say they can’t get enough of.

“We’re kind of addicted to agility. It’s a fun sport for both the dog and the human. It’s challenging for both — it’s usually the human’s fault if something goes wrong. And it’s a great crowd. You’re not competing against the other dogs, you’re just competing against the course. So everybody cheers for everybody — it’s just a fun sport,” said Randy Gaines, a Bernese Mountain dog breeder.

“It’s a very active sport. It’s really great for the people, because it really gets them actively running around. And it’s fun for the camaraderie because agility people are great people and I love the relationship you build with your new dog,” said Mary Hunter, a Belgian Sheepdog trainer.

The events are being held at Wind River Arena and Stables in Rigby. Dogs with all levels of agility ran about 300 runs per day. The dogs zigged-zagged through poles, ran through tunnels and jumped over obstacles. Dogs of all sizes and breeds were welcome to participate in this year’s Fall Agility Trial.

“I love the relationship in which you get out of training your dog — no matter what sport it is. But agility is really active, and that’s good for people,” said Hunter.

“I’m very lucky to have the fifth and sixth ranked dogs in the nation — Bernese Mountain dogs — for agility. I’ve been very, very lucky. Sweet Pea, one of those dogs, gets to go to the AKC Invitational in Orlando in December,” said Gaines.

The Dog Agility Trials continue Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. To join the Upper Snake River Valley Dog Training Club, visit http://usrvdtc.Org/index.Html