Dogs on best behaviour

Keryn Fiske with her two dogs Olli (left) and Tempo. Photo / Ben Fraser

Lake Rerewhakaaitu will be swarming with more than 300 dogs and their trainers this weekend for the Rotorua Dog Obedience Club's annual national championship obedience competition.

Jeanette Peacock, club member and one of the organisers of the event, said people and their dogs were coming from as far north as Whangarei and as far south as Christchurch.

The event will take place over three days at Lake Rerewhakaaitu Domain.

Mrs Peacock said spectators were welcome but if they were going to bring their dogs they needed to be on a leash.

Keryn Fiske, 27, has been part of the club for the past five years, on the committee for four years and the club president for the past three.

She has two dogs, a 5-year-old smooth fox terrier named Olli, and 10-month-old golden retriever/collie cross Tempo.

"I wanted to do competitions with my dogs before I even had Olli, I used to compete horses so dogs are kind of my replacement. I had called the club before I even had Olli asking about the classes and how I could be a part of the club.

"I started off with the puppy classes and then I went straight into the competition classes out of that."

She said this weekend's annual show had become a big event over the years, especially around the North Island, because it was always held on a long weekend.

"Lake Rerewhakaaitu is the best spot because the lake is right behind the rings so we can go and compete and then we can give the dogs a swim, we all camp for the three days."

Mrs Fiske said many competitors entered more than one dog so there would be more than 300 dogs.

She said the important thing about the show this year was that it was the second time they were bringing in leading judge Nicky Hale from the UK, who would also hold seminars.

Details:

* What: The Rotorua Dog Obedience Club national championship

* Where: Lake Rerewhakaaitu

* When: Tomorrow to Monday