WLAOTC - WLAOTC Match

WLAOTC's Annual Match
by Pat

Our Annual Practice Match is held both as a fundraising event for WLAOTC and as a service to those involved in dog sports who need a venue in which to test and/or correct their dogs in preparation for real competition. The match provides an opportunity for beginners to learn how they will be judged in the ring - either obedience or agility.

Obedience exhibitors can compete or "trophy" for placement in their class or for "specials", i.e., highest score for their breed or other categories. Or exhibitors can enter as "non-trophy" which allows them to use training aids in the ring to better train and/or motivate their dogs. Training aids can be food, toys, pinch collars, etc. -any training aid is allowed except electronic collars. Training is allowed in the rings for non-trophy entries; however, abusive training is not permitted anywhere on the match grounds.

Agility exhibitors compete in our standard competition ring where we have a judge on the third run; scores and prizes are awarded on that run. We also offer a "practice" ring for beginners who wish to train on leash-or for newcomers who would like to put their dogs on some agility equipment to see what it's all about.

Canine Good Citizen Test: Almost anyone who has worked with their dog in basic obedience can earn a Canine Good Citizen ("CGC") title. This can be recorded in the AKC Canine Good Citizen Archives. WLAOTC members whose dogs earn this title may be eligible for recognition at our Annual Awards Dinner in December!

Of course, all of this takes some work and many of our members volunteer their talents to help with Hospitality, Raffle, Obedience Stewarding, Agility Stewarding, Entry Table, Canine Good Citizen Testing, Trophies and Grounds Set Up and Tear Down. But, it's not all work and competition. Doughnuts and coffee are available to workers in the morning. And a Hot Dog lunch is served to everyone working midday. Our Hospitality volunteers also feed exhibitors who bring their lunch money.

Everyone loves a big raffle and the WLAOTC raffle has a little bit of everything - things for the dogs, things for the people and sometimes things for cats and other pets. Everyone anxiously awaits the mid-afternoon raffle drawing and many walk away with armfuls of prizes.

The day ends with the obedience awards presentation for "high scoring" dogs, high scoring WLAOTC member and High In Match trophies.

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Last Updated 10/30/00