Prince George’s fastest dogs take flight

“This is a CKC sprinters trial and the first one we’ve done in Prince George ever,” said Prince George Kennel Club secretary and event organizer Selene Maxwell.

The idea was brought forward by a club member earlier this year, and organizers quickly began working to make the event a reality. A suitable venue was one of the biggest hurdles, but the Ice Oval proved to be the perfect fit for the straight-line sprint course.

The sport challenges dogs to chase a lure over a 100-metre course while owners cheer from the sidelines. Each run is timed, and in CKC competition those times are combined with a dog’s height to determine how many points they earn toward title designations.

While the competitive aspect attracts dedicated dog enthusiasts, organizers say the appeal of the sport is much broader.

“Sprinters is an amazing sport in the sense that it, builds muscle for the dog. It exercises them and it taps into their hunting instinct. So any dog that will forage or hunt, can do this sport and they love it,” said Maxwell.

The enthusiasm was easy to spot throughout the day, with barking dogs eagerly waiting their turn at the starting line before exploding down the course as soon as the lure began moving.

Unlike many dog sports, sprinters require little preparation from owners. Dogs simply arrive, see the lure and give chase.

“It’s easy. There’s no barrier and any dog can do it,” Maxwell said. “The dog comes and they follow the lure. If they don’t follow the lure, they can just run to mom and, they after the first run, if they’re not too sure on the first run, they get it.”

Among the competitors was Erin Baerwald and her Borzoi, Magnus. For Baerwald, watching her dog race is one of the highlights of participating in the sport.

“It’s so thrilling to watch them race, doing what they really love to do. It’s all instinct. My thoughts are just so I don’t get pulled over and that he doesn’t get hurt. So those are my really like. Come on, buddy. Go go go. But please be safe,” she said.

Baerwald competes for titles and points, but says the event offers something valuable for every participant, regardless of experience.

“I think it’s really unique experience for for both of us because it’s a relatively safe way for the dog to do what they love to do. It’s an in control setting where at the overall fully fenced straight line, so there’s less risk of hurting themselves,” she said.

The event’s afternoon fun runs have also helped attract pet owners who may never have considered entering a dog competition before. Dogs are timed as they race the lure, with prizes ranging from fastest finisher to more light-hearted awards celebrating less-than-perfect performances.

For Maxwell, that inclusive atmosphere is one of the most rewarding parts of the weekend.

“We want to be inclusive, right? We want to include all dogs, not just the serious AKC competitors,” she said. “It’s just a way to, put on an event for people to come and enjoy their dogs and meet other dog people.”

The CKC Sprinters Trial and Fun Runs continue through Sunday, with organizers hoping the success of this inaugural event will make it a regular stop on Prince George’s canine calendar.

by Nick Dube

Prince George’s fastest dogs take flight

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