The K-9 Obedience Training Club of Essex County (K-9 OTC) will hold its annual dog obedience trial at Verona High School on Sunday, January 15. The event attracts approximately 250 dogs and their owners from the region to compete in various events under the sanction of the American Kennel Club. Dogs and dog owners are at many different levels of experience, from beginner to highly skilled. One event that will be included is “Rally,” an entry-level competition that is attracting more enthusiasts to the field of dog obedience.
A special attraction this year will be a demonstration by Petra Ford and her Labrador Retriever, Tyler. Petra and Tyler will display the exercises that they will perform in the World Cup competition at the Crufts Dog Show in England this coming March. Tyler has the special distinction of having been crowned the AKC National Obedience Invitational Champion in 2008 and 2009, and the runner-up in 2010.
Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults; $2 for seniors 62 and over; $2 for children under 12 (children under 4 are admitted free). You can enter any time during the day and stay as long as you like. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Only dogs who are registered to compete may attend the event, so please leave your pet home.
The K-9 Obedience Training Club of Essex County, NJ, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that has operated continuously in Essex County since 1944. Among its many activities, K-9 OTC offers reasonably priced group obedience classes for all breeds and ages of dogs. Teachers of these classes are experienced dog handlers who are devoted to K-9 OTC’s motto that “a trained dog makes a better companion.” Classes are held at the Montclair Cooperative School at Chestnut and Forest Streets in Montclair.
