February 26, 2002
By: Aimee Huskey 
Ami Neiberger (352)846-0996

TAMPA--Border collies, chihuahuas, golden retrievers and just plain mutts were crawling through tunnels and leaping hurdles while their owners waited to see if hours of preparation would pay off.

Amanda Gray, 18, St. Johns County, and her border collie, Hercules, traveled three hours to participate in the 4-H/Youth Dog Show at the Florida State Fair. “This is a good experience for us,” Gray said. “He gets socialization with other dogs and I get to learn about showing from other people.”

This is Gray’s second year showing Hercules in 4-H dog shows, last year she won the Champion Youth Dog Exhibitor award and a $1,000 savings bond. “Basically we just do 4-H shows since anyone can compete,” Gray said. “A lot of kids get their dogs from the Humane Society.” The 4-H/Youth Dog Show is not restricted to purebred dogs like many shows so any youth who has a dog can participate in the event.

Getting the dogs ready for an event can be a little time consuming but really just boils down to a little bit of work each day, Gray said. She trains Hercules for obedience and showmanship at home for about 15 minutes each a day. They work an agility course twice a week to help Hercules get extra energy out of his system, she said.

“I don’t want him to get bored, that’s why we only work for 15 to 30 minutes each day,” Gray said. “Working the agility course provides an outlet for his energy and it makes him think.”

Kristin Brown of Polk County, shows her Golden Retriever, Comet, at American Kennel Club shows along with 4-H shows. Comet has a few AKC champion titles under his belt and Brown said she works with him for about one hour a day. Brown, who has showed dogs for three years, said, “We plan to do well in the agility course.” Besides agility there are showmanship and obedience classes for dogs and owners to compete in.

Gray helped a first time participant from her county with basic obedience and showmanship skills before the show and her help paid off for Chloe Bowman in the Jr. Showmanship class, Gray said. “Chloe won second place in her obedience and showmanship class.  I’m really proud of her,” Gray said. Bowman and her miniature schnauzer, Blackie, just recently started showing and Gray helped them out with their first show. “Teaching about showing gives me more experience so I can help teach others,” Gray said.

--30--