Pet Dogs :FOR THE FIRST TIME, RELIANT PARK WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS ALLOWS NONREGISTERED DOGS TO ENTER TWO EVENTS — Any Dog Can Now Experience Agility and Rally!

The 34th Annual Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows, held July 20 to 24 in Houston’s Reliant Center, this year encourages all dog lovers to participate with their dogs in two specific Show events, even though their dogs may…

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The 34th Annual Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows, held July 20 to 24 in Houston’s Reliant Center, this year encourages all dog lovers to participate with their dogs in two specific Show events, even though their dogs may not be registered by the AKC or Canine Partners Program. On Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, Agility and Rally trials will be open to the general public and their dogs on the north side of Hall B. The public is also reminded to attend the Working Dog and Houston All-Terrier Show on Wednesday, July 20. Visitors attending on this day from 3 to 5:30 p.m. can take advantage of free admission and parking to enjoy the Show or shop at the McScotty Market at no charge.

Both the Agility and Rally events will allow the dog and his owner to work with an experienced trainer in a demonstration environment. The Agility course resembles an obstacle course in which dogs must leap over, run through and dodge around barriers.


Rally requires owner and dog to navigate a course by following arrows to specified points. Offered on Saturday and Sunday only, Rally runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and Agility from 10 to 12 a.m. Participants can sign up at the ring, and there is no charge for the event. The AKC will also be on-site to register dogs into its Canine Partners program. Registering your dog allows it to compete in future AKC Rally or Agility trials.

Tom Pincus, chair of the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows, explains that it is important for nonregistered dogs to have an opportunity to compete in Agility and Rally events.

“Most people watch dogs running an agility course or participating in obedience and think, ‘Wow, my dog could never do that,’” he says, “but the truth is — they can. It just takes time, training and a desire to build a strong bond with your pet.”

In addition, the Shows offer the popular McScotty Market where people can shop for anything from the latest doggy fashions to specialty dog food. Hundreds of booths also offer dog-related gifts and equipment, grooming supplies and plenty of bling for dogs and owners alike. Wednesday offers free admission and parking from 3 to 5:30 p.m. so visitors can preview the Market and use the savings to make a purchase.

“During the five days, a total of eight shows actually go on,” Pincus continues, “This gives dogs more than one chance to compete and earn points. As the fourth-largest cluster show in the country, the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows provides a wealth of opportunities for competitors and visitors alike to enjoy their favorite events more than once.”

Another popular exhibition at the Shows occurs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. It’s Meet the Breed in which experts present more than 100 different breeds of dogs so potential owners can learn what to expect from each one. This event supports the Shows’ overall mission of promoting responsible dog ownership by helping keep dogs that turn out to be more than their owners can handle out of shelters or rescue organizations.

Barbara Winslow, director of The Mari Jon Filla Student Art Exhibit, says this event is a dog show favorite. It features more than 600 pieces of art created by Houston area school children, but every creation has one thing in common — the pure, unadulterated love of dogs.

“The Art Exhibition,” she says, “is always something to be excited about because the work is fresh and different every year. Completely unpredictable and totally enjoyable.”

Pincus says the Performance Events and Exhibitions are always crowd pleasers and most exciting for families with children.

“If you’re looking for real entertainment, follow the cheers and shouts,” he says, “and you’ll find dogs running and jumping in the agility courses, leaping over hurdles in flyball, mastering obedience commands, catching FrisbeesSM like canine acrobats or dancing in the musical freestyle.”

The Shows will also feature a few Hollywood celebrities this year and opportunities for children to audition for speaking roles in a series of animated films. Celebrities scheduled to appear include John de Lancie (Q from “Star Trek”), Jon Provost (Timmy from the “Lassie” series), Jon Walmsly (Jason from “The Waltons”) and gospel-recording artist Donna Beauvais, who will all be promoting the line of children’s animated films from Buzzoose Productions. The films include “Elf Sparkle Meets Christmas the Horse,” “Elf Sparkle and the Red Dress,” and “Jimmy Paul the Pug Tooth Fairy.” Specific actors and schedules are highly subject to change, so visit www.reliantdogshows.com for updates.

The Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows will take place July 20 to 24, 2011. Purina PRO Plan is the official sponsor. Adult admission is per day at the door or via Ticketmaster. Tickets for senior citizens are , and admission for children 12 and younger is with adult. Visit www.reliantdogshows.com for times and schedules, or follow us on Twitter (@Reliantdogshows) for the latest information.

 

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