Verona High School Going to the Dogs

The annual dog obedience trial of the K-9 Obedience Training Club of Essex County will be held at Verona High School, 151 Fairview Ave., on Sunday, Jan. 15.

The trial attracts approximately 250 dogs and their owners from the region to compete in various events under the sanction of the American Kennel Club (AKC). Dogs and dog owners are at many different levels of experience, from beginner to highly skilled. There will also be a Rally Trail, which is an entry-level competition that is attracting more enthusiasts to the field of dog obedience.

Entry fee is $33 for the first entry of each dog and $25 for each additional entry of the same dog.  Mixed breed dogs that are registered with the AKC's Canine Partners Program can be entered in this Trial.  

Admission fee for non-entrants is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and children under 12, and free for children under four.  All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Dogs who are not entered are not allowed on the grounds.  Breakfast and lunch items will be available for purchase in the cafeteria. An on-site Canine Boutique will have dog-related items available for sale.  The show hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the bulk of the action occurs between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Special Attraction Come see Petra Ford work with her Labrador Retriever, “Tyler”, two-time AKC National Obedience Invitational Champion. Petra and Tyler will demonstrate the exercises required for the World Cup Obedience Competition to be held in March 2012 at Crufts in England.