Southeast Missouri dog show starts early with test of good behavior

About 700 of man's best friends will gather in Cape Girardeau this weekend for the Southeast Missouri Kennel Club Dog Shows, but a few amateurs and professionals are getting started early.

The annual dog shows officially begin Saturday morning, but the Southeast Missouri Kennel Club Inc. is kicking things off today at the Arena Building with the Canine Good Citizen Test. The test, which evaluates how well dogs behave under a variety of circumstances and social situations, is open to all dogs regardless of age or breed. Mixed breeds and dogs that will not be competing in the shows Saturday or Sunday also are allowed to enter.

There is no preregistration, but the club will accept entries from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Arena Building, with judging set to begin at about 7:15 p.m. today. Only the first 20 dogs to arrive can participate.

The Canine Good Citizen Test has 10 categories that range from simple commands to reaction to a stranger.

"I think this Canine Good Citizen Test is important because it shows that dogs are good members of the community and their owners take good care of them," organizer and judge Janice Miller said. "There have been incidents in town where people have complained about some dogs' behavior, and this shows that some people are good dog owners and their dogs are a good part of the community."

If a dog passes all 10 categories, the owner will receive a certificate and an American Kennel Club patch. If they choose, owners can ask the Southeast Missouri Kennel Club to send in paperwork for an official American Kennel Club certificate or buy collar tags for an additional charge. Dogs that do not pass all 10 tests can enter again next year in Southeast Missouri or at any other testing event held across the country throughout the year.

Participants do not have to be registered with the American Kennel Club to take the Canine Good Citizen Test, but all dogs must be old enough to have rabies shots and other vaccinations. Owners must show proof of all vaccinations at the door and pay a $10 registration fee.

More competitors this year

The annual Southeast Missouri Kennel Club Dog Shows will take place starting at 8 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday at the Arena Building.

Cecile Busch, secretary of Southeast Missouri Kennel Club, said about 700 dogs will compete in the shows, up from about 500 last year. Busch attributed the increase to the club's decision to have the show in July, when fewer dog events are held. In the past, the club had its annual show in June, which may have been a conflict for some.

Busch said having the event indoors also attracts more competitors.

"I think we're at a real advantage because there are very few air-conditioned venues for dog shows in the summer, so it's a real bonus for us," she said.

Admission to the show is free. Judging takes place in five rings, and contestants are narrowed down until a best in show winner is announced both days.

wmcferron@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127

Learning new tricks

Dogs must past these 10 tests to receive the Canine Good Citizen Award

1. Accept a friendly stranger

2. Sit politely for petting

3. Meet appearance and grooming standards

4. Walk on a loose lead

5. Walk through a crowd

6. Sit down on command and stay in place

7. Come when called

8. Reaction to another dog

9. Reaction to distraction

10. Supervised separation, tested by the handler going out of sight for three minutes while the dog is held by an evaluator.

The owner should bring the dog's brush or comb to the test.