DOGGED DOG ENDEAVOUR ‘BIT OF AN ADDICTION’
Source: Otago Daily Times (Extract)
Posted: September 14, 2020
Reece Smith is starting to wonder if he has a problem.
He has six dogs – five border collies and an Australian kelpie – all of whom he trains, and has spent just about every weekend taking to dog agility competitions around New Zealand.
“I might have a little bit of an addiction. But I can stop at any time I want. Sure. Maybe not.
“I do have a seventh dog on the way and I can’t wait to start training it too.”
Mr Smith said the dogs had not yet crossed the line where they had become family members, but admitted they were pretty spoilt.
“I have them inside, but they’re outside during the day and they sleep outside.
“They’ve certainly taken over my life – that’s for sure.
“Buying vehicles and dog trailers and houses that suit dogs – yeah, everything is about the dogs.”
Mr Smith was one of about 75 dog owners at the Otago Canine Training Club event at Forrester Park at the weekend.
Show manager Donna Burns said there were fewer competitors at the show this year compared with previous years.
“Just because of Covid-19, people haven’t travelled and we have to keep our numbers down. We’re probably down about 30-40 competitors.
“We normally have three shows and a couple of ribbon trials, but due to Covid, a lot of them have been cancelled.
“So this one has been popular because this is the only one that has been held in Dunedin this year.”
Competitors had come from as far afield as Masterton.
“It’s really good because we haven’t been together much this year. It’s a little bit more exciting than usual.”
