June 15, 2005

Kids teach dogs trick or two

GT Kennel Club's Junior Kids prepare for local dog show

By
Herald staff writer

      Dog may be man's best friend - but kids know how to handle the lovable beasts.
      At least the members of the Grand Traverse Kennel Club's Junior Kids program can put their dogs through their paces.
      The program, open to kids from eight to 18, with purebred or mixed breed dogs, focuses on teaching kids to handle their pets in a responsible way.
      "There are just not a lot of dog and kid programs in the area. We wanted to start something fun and educational that kids could do with their dogs," said Mary Bellenger who leads the program.
      "It's about learning to respect their dogs and themselves," Bellenger said.
      Along with learning basic pet care, the kids are given instruction in basic dog showing techniques as well as agility course handling.
      "It's a lot of fun," said 12-year-old Ann Sterrett who has been attending the weekly sessions held at the Boys and Girls Club, along with Patty her poodle.
      "Patty is getting a lot of exercise, too," Sterrett said.
      Bridgett Thompson, who brings her yorkie/Chihuahua mix Charlie to class each week, has noticed a change in her pet.
      "Charlie has learned a lot, he knows that if he does what he is told he will get a treat," Thompson said.
      Austin and Kaitlyn Horn think their Boston terrier, Kahn, is benefiting from their work with him.
      "He wasn't as well behaved before. I like it because he learns tricks," said 10-year-old Austin.
      Kaitlyn took a more practical take on the matter, "He doesn't bite my sister as much," said the eight-year-old.
      Eight-year-old Mazen Walters is looking forward to showing just what his shepherd mix, Tiffany, can do when he and the other members of the Junior Kids program show their stuff at the Grand Traverse Kennel Club's All Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trial to be held this weekend at the Grand Traverse Civic Center.
      The Grand Traverse Kennel Club's All Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trial begins with judging at 8 a.m. Saturday followed by group judging at 1:45 p.m. at the Howe Arena in the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. The show continues Sunday with judging beginning at 8 a.m. followed by group judging at 2 p.m. For more information, call 267-9516. For more information on the Junior Kids program, call Mary Bellenger at 946-3646.