MINOT — Proud dog trainers from every corner of the state tested their pet's abilities and speed in the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch's horse barn Friday through Sunday.
Agility Action in Minot, affiliated with the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC), put on the trial for dogs of all stages of experience.
Theresa Flagstad, co-founder of Agility Action, said the event tests several areas of a dog's agility, by making them run through several timed obstacle courses such as running up ramps, jumping over sticks, going through sticks and tunnels, and running past lines.
People from Minot, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Fargo areas entered their dogs in the contest, some having taken classes from Agility Action.
The dogs are divided into four groups, depending on their experience levels: Intro, Novice, Open, and Elite.
"The Elite level is going to have less time," Flagstad explained. "As they go down, they'll have more time. Intro is just for baby dogs who are just learning, so they'll take this [course] down and set it up differently then."
Flagstad said Action Agility started in 1999, and is run completely by volunteers, offering classes throughout the year.
The judge for this weekend's contest, Carol Scranton, Montana, said she has been in the dog training business for over 20 years, and judging for 3 years.
Wendi Holz, Mandan, entered her Bichon Frise named Odin, who has been training for over 8 years since he was a puppy.
"He won a NATCH 5 and V-NATCH 5," said Holz. "He's pretty tired and worn out."
Holz said she trains her dog around 5-7 minutes a day.
More information on Action Agility, and how to take a class, can be found on its website here: Classes - ActionAgility, or on its Facebook page here: Action Agility Minot | Facebook.
