The occasional bark split the air from the fields behind Skyview Middle School on Saturday, but for the most part, the crowds of dogs and owners were focused on the competition at hand.
The Kenai Kennel Club hosted its annual dog show and obedience and agility competition at the middle school in Soldotna from Friday through Sunday. The parking lot temporarily became outdoor kennels attached to RVs; rolling carts became grooming stations; the soccer fields became a stage for high-stepping canines and their owners.
However, it wasn’t all work and no play. Between competitions, toys abounded to keep the canines entertained, and treats packed many of the owners’ pockets. Down on the lower field, owners guided their dogs through the agility course and the cones for the obedience trial.
Dog owners came from all over the state to participate. There are only six dog shows in Alaska each year, so many of them take advantage of the local shows when they can.
Reach Elizabeth Earl at eearl@peninsulaclarion.com.
A dog dashes along a ramp during an agility test at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A dog dashes along a ramp during an agility test at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A dog hops over an obstacle during an agility test at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A dog climbs to the top of a ramp during an agility test at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A dog takes a glance around while being groomed at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A dog takes a glance around while being groomed at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A trainer walks his Dalmation along the edge of the field at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
Ziggy, a standard poodle owned by Jackie Weaver, displays his groom job at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show and obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A sheltie hangs out with trainers before competing in the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
Dogs wait with their trainers before competing in the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A trainer directs her dog through the agility course at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A Staffordshire bull terrier takes the opportunity to give its trainer a kiss before competing in the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A dog jumps through a hoop during an agility trial at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A Staffordshire bull terrier waits patiently for a treat while competing at the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
Dogs run with their trainers while competing in the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
A trainer holds her Great Dane for a picture competing in the Kenai Kennel Club’s annual dog show, obedience and agility trials on Saturday, July 14, 2018 in Soldotna, Alaska. Dog owners come from all over the state to take part in the events each year. (Photo by Elizabeth Earl/Peninsula Clarion)
