Guard Dogs & “Beauty Queens” Come Together For One Exciting Event!

May 12, 2009 - PRLog -- On June 13th & 14th, some very different groups of dogs will come on the field to strut their stuff.  Conformation dogs will compete for their 'beauty' titles.  Personal Protection dogs will prove their ability to protect their owners.  And many dogs - purebred and 'mutts' will have a chance to test their instincts at the ATTS (American Temperament Test Society).

Where would all these dogs come together?  

Only at the NW Working Dogs Expo.

This is the 3rd annual event for NW Working Dogs and it's shaping up to be a great one.  Dogs from all over the Pacific NW will be coming to compete.  

The Expo offers an IABCA Conformation show, including several specialties to showcase the ‘guardian’ dogs.

“We have three conformation specialties this year.  The Cane Corso Specialty represents the SACCI (Society in America for Cane Corso Italiano) NW Regionals.  The FBA (Fila Brasileiro Association) is sponsoring the Fila Specialty.  And Coldwell Kennels is hosting the South African Boerboel Specialty.  It’s a great line-up!” says Virginia Dunn of NW Working Dogs.  

The Protection Dogs International (PDI) NW Regional Trials will be held on Saturday, June 13th.  Officiated by Mr. Kenneth Humphrey, this competition will be one of the highlights of the season for protection dog competitors in the Pacific NW.  Dog / handler teams will be working for a leg toward their PPD  or TOP Dog titles,  Novice handlers will test their dog’s obedience and protection skills as they work toward their Handler Protection Dog title.  

The weekend also includes the ATTS, an instinct test that measures the soundness of a dog in a variety of situations, from gun shots, umbrellas and strange footing, to handling a threatening stranger.  Canine Good Citizen testing will be available throughout the event.

Says Ms. Dunn, "Our ultimate goal is to get people out to train their dogs, build a strong bond with their dog and, of course, have a great time!  We want to break down some old myths and let people know that Personal Protection and Conformation are NOT exclusive of each other."

Other activities include the annual Raffle 4 Rescue.  Donations are being actively sought to benefit dogs in need, with 100% of the proceeds going to local rescue groups.  Visit the website for more information at: [color=blue]http://www.nwworkingdogs.com/2009sponsors.htm[/color]

Vendors and sponsors are invited to participate, particularly those promoting healthy products such as raw dog foods, holistic pet care, etc.

Pre-registration is highly recommended.  This is one unique event that should not be missed.  According to Dunn, there is nothing else like it on the West Coast.

For more information, to sign up online, or to find out about vendor, donor or sponsorship opportunities, visit:  [color=blue]http://www.nwworkingdogs.com[/color]

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The NW Working Dogs Expo is being held on June 13th & 14th at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in St. Helens, OR. It is open to the public as well as all breeds. Activities include the Protection Dogs International (PDI) NW Regional Trials, IABCA Conformation Show, ATTS Temperament Testing, Canine Good Citizen Testing, Bitework & Decoy Clinics, and a Raffle For Rescue. The complete list of activities can be found at http://www.nwworkingdogs.com