Agility Contest More Than Canine ‘Tricks’

Some dogs have been ticked off by David Letterman and his “Late Show.”

The talk-show host’s “Stupid Pet Tricks” segment usually depicts dogs performing such ludicrous stunts as climbing ladders with open cans of soda in their mouth, shooting baskets with their snouts or barreling down slides with monkeys (literally) on their backs.

The canines competing at the Pedigree Grand Prix of Dog Agility regional championships Saturday and Sunday at the Spokane Sport Horse Farm, 10710 S. Sherman, don’t want to be associated with “Stupid Pet Tricks.”

Make no bones about it, these dogs actually exhibit talent as well as grace and agility.

Dog agility competitions are somewhat akin to equestrian competitions. Dogs of all breeds and classes (from starters to masters) soar over hurdles, plunge through tunnels, leap off ramps and weave through a tight line of poles, and they’ll do all that against the clock. The catty canines are then judged based on their faults and time.

The Pedigree Grand Prix of Dog Agility is an official United States Dog Agility Association sanctioned event. In recent years, as the sport has boomed, the USDAA has grown to 70 affiliate clubs across the country.

The event is free and open to the public. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Staff illustration by Molly Quinn